Last reviewed: July 2026 • 8 minute read • Written by the Covered2Go Travel Team
In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to do before you travel, from checking your passport and packing your suitcase to arranging travel insurance and completing those final checks before you leave home.
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Planning a holiday should be exciting, but with so much to organise before you travel, it’s easy to overlook something important. From checking your passport and travel documents to packing your suitcase and arranging travel insurance, a little preparation can make all the difference.
Whether you’re jetting off on a family holiday, a romantic getaway, a city break or the adventure of a lifetime, our free holiday checklist will help you get organised before you leave home. Follow our step-by-step guide to make sure you’ve packed the essentials, completed those important last-minute checks and are ready to travel with confidence.
The good news? Most holiday mishaps can be avoided with a little planning. Use the checklist below to make sure everything is covered before you head to the airport. We’ve broken our holiday checklist into simple sections, making it easy to tick everything off before you travel.
Before You Start Packing
The first step in completing your holiday checklist is making sure you’ve taken care of the essentials before you start packing.
Before you even think about what’s going in your suitcase, there are a few important tasks worth ticking off first. Getting these sorted early can help avoid unnecessary stress and give you peace of mind before your trip.
Before you start packing, make sure you have:
- Arranged your travel insurance
- Checked your passport is valid for your destination.
- Confirmed whether you need a visa.
- Applied for or packed your GHIC or EHIC
- Checked whether you need any vaccinations or travel health advice.
- Reviewed your airline’s baggage allowance.
- Downloaded your airline’s app for check-in, boarding passes and flight updates.
- Saved digital copies of your important travel documents.
- Checked your accommodation and transfer details.
- Let your bank know if you’re travelling abroad (where required).
💡 Top Tip
Buy your travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your holiday.
Many people wait until just before they travel, but purchasing your policy early means you’ll usually benefit from cancellation cover from the start of your policy, subject to your policy terms and conditions. If something unexpected happens before you depart, you’ll already have protection in place.
Travel Documents
Your holiday checklist isn’t complete until you’ve checked all of your important travel documents.
Before you leave home, double-check that you have all of your essential travel documents ready. Having everything organised before you set off can help you avoid unnecessary stress at the airport and reduce the risk of delays.
Depending on your destination, you may need some or all of the following:
- Passport
- Boarding passes (printed or digital)
- Travel insurance documents
- Hotel or accommodation confirmation
- Flight confirmation
- Visa or entry permit (if required)
- GHIC or EHIC card
- Driving licence (if hiring a car)
- Car hire confirmation
- Excursion or attraction bookings
- Emergency contact details
It’s also worth saving digital copies of your important documents to your phone or secure cloud storage. If the originals are lost or stolen while you’re away, having copies can make it much easier to replace them or provide proof of your bookings.
🛂 Travel Documents Tip
Check your passport well before you travel. Many countries require at least six months’ validity from the date of entry, and some also require a certain number of blank pages. Always check the latest entry requirements for your destination before you fly.
Hand Luggage Essentials
Your hand luggage should contain everything you’ll need during your journey, along with any essential items you couldn’t easily replace if your checked baggage was delayed or lost. Packing these items separately gives you extra peace of mind while travelling.
Remember to check your airline’s cabin baggage size and weight restrictions before you travel, as these can vary between airlines.
We recommend packing:
- Passport and travel documents
- Wallet, cash and bank cards
- Mobile phone and charger
- Boarding pass
- Prescription medication and a copy of your prescription (if required)
- Glasses or contact lenses
- Headphones
- Travel pillow and eye mask
- Book, Kindle or entertainment for the journey
- Reusable water bottle (fill it after security)
- Snacks for the journey
- A lightweight jumper or hoodie
- Any valuables, including jewellery, laptops, tablets and cameras
Remember that liquids carried in your hand luggage are subject to airport security rules. Unless your departure airport has introduced new screening technology, liquids should generally be carried in containers of no more than 100ml and placed inside a clear, resealable plastic bag. Always check the latest guidance from your departure airport before you travel.
✈️ Hand Luggage Tip
Always keep valuables, essential medication, travel documents and electronic devices in your hand luggage. If your checked suitcase is delayed, you’ll still have access to the items you need most.
While keeping valuables in your hand luggage helps reduce the risk of loss, having the right travel insurance can provide valuable protection if your belongings are lost, stolen or damaged during your trip.
Checked Luggage Essentials
Packing your checked luggage doesn’t have to be stressful. A simple checklist can help ensure you have everything you need without overpacking.
What you pack will depend on your destination, the weather and the type of holiday you’re taking, but the list below covers the essentials for most trips.
Clothing
- T-shirts, tops and shirts
- Trousers, shorts or skirts
- Dresses (if required)
- Underwear and socks
- Sleepwear
- Jumpers or lightweight layers
- Jacket or waterproof coat
- Comfortable shoes
- Sandals or flip-flops
- Smart outfit (if needed)
- Swimwear and a beach cover-up
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner
- Shower gel or soap
- Deodorant
- Moisturiser
- Hairbrush or comb
- Razor and shaving products
- Makeup and skincare products
- Sun cream and aftersun
- Lip balm with SPF
Electronics
- Phone charger
- Camera and charger
- Power bank
- Plug adaptor suitable for your destination
- Smartwatch charger (if needed)
Holiday Extras
- Sunglasses
- Hat or cap
- Reusable water bottle
- Beach towel (if not provided)
- Laundry bag for dirty clothes
- Small backpack or day bag
- Travel guide or phrasebook
Remember to check your airline’s checked baggage allowance before travelling, as weight and size limits vary between airlines. Packing within the allowance can help you avoid unexpected charges at the airport.
🧳 Packing Tip
Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and help reduce creases. Packing cubes are another great way to keep your suitcase organised, making it easier to find what you need during your holiday without unpacking everything.
Health & Medication
Looking after your health while you’re away starts before you leave home. Taking a few minutes to prepare can help you avoid unnecessary stress if you become unwell during your trip.
If you take prescription medication, make sure you have enough to last your entire holiday, plus a little extra in case of delays. It’s also worth carrying medication in its original packaging and bringing a copy of your prescription, particularly if you’re travelling with controlled drugs or injectable medication.
If you’re travelling within Europe, remember to take your GHIC or EHIC card with you. While these cards may give you access to state healthcare in participating countries, they don’t replace travel insurance and won’t cover things like cancellation, repatriation or lost luggage.
For most holidays, it’s also a good idea to pack a small travel health kit containing:
- Prescription medication
- A copy of your prescription (if required)
- Pain relief, such as paracetamol or ibuprofen
- Antihistamines
- Plasters and blister plasters
- Antiseptic wipes or cream
- Insect repellent
- Sunscreen and aftersun
- Hand sanitiser
- Travel sickness tablets (if needed)
- Diarrhoea relief medication
- Rehydration sachets
If you’re travelling to a new destination, check whether any vaccinations or specific health precautions are recommended before you travel. It’s also worth checking that your destination has any documentation you may need for bringing medication into the country.
Remember, if you have a pre-existing medical condition, it’s important to declare it when arranging your travel insurance to ensure you have the appropriate cover in place.
💊 Health Tip
Keep essential medication, prescriptions and any medical devices in your hand luggage rather than your checked suitcase. If your baggage is delayed or misplaced, you’ll still have access to the items you need most during your journey.
Before You Leave Home
With your bags packed and your travel documents ready, there are just a few final checks to make before you head to the airport. Spending a few extra minutes preparing your home and confirming your travel plans can help you enjoy a more relaxed start to your holiday.
Before you leave, remember to:
- Check in for your flight (if available).
- Download or print your boarding passes.
- Double-check your passport and travel documents are packed.
- Make sure your mobile phone, power bank and other devices are fully charged.
- Check your flight status before leaving for the airport.
- Confirm your airport parking, transfers or taxi booking.
- Empty household bins and take out the rubbish.
- Lock all doors and windows securely.
- Turn off non-essential electrical appliances.
- Set your heating or air conditioning appropriately.
- Ask a trusted neighbour, friend or family member to keep an eye on your property if you’re away for an extended period.
- Make sure you’ve packed your travel insurance documents and know how to access emergency assistance if you need it.
Taking five minutes to complete these final checks can help you start your holiday feeling organised, relaxed and ready to enjoy your trip from the moment you leave home.
🏡 Before You Go Tip
Before leaving home, take a quick photo of your passport, travel insurance documents, luggage and any valuable items you’re taking with you. Saving these securely on your phone or in cloud storage can make things much easier if you need to replace documents or make an insurance claim while you’re away.
Why Travel Insurance Matters
Packing your suitcase is only part of preparing for a holiday. One of the most important things you can do before you travel is arrange the right travel insurance.
While no one expects things to go wrong, unexpected events can happen before or during your trip. Depending on your policy, travel insurance can help protect you financially if you need to cancel your holiday, require emergency medical treatment abroad, lose your luggage or experience travel disruption.
When choosing a travel insurance policy, it’s worth checking that it includes the level of cover that’s right for your trip. You should also make sure you declare any pre-existing medical conditions when arranging your policy, so you have the appropriate cover in place.
Choosing the right travel insurance isn’t just about ticking a box before you travel – it’s about giving yourself peace of mind should the unexpected happen.
At Covered2Go, our award-winning travel insurance offers a range of cover options to suit different travellers, whether you’re planning a weekend city break, a family holiday or a trip further afield.
Our policies include benefits such as:
- Up to £10 million emergency medical expenses
- Cancellation cover before you travel
- Cover for lost, stolen or damaged baggage
- Cover for over 105 sports and activities as standard
- Single Trip and Annual Multi-Trip policies
- Cover for many pre-existing medical conditions, subject to medical screening
🧡 Why choose Covered2Go?
We’re proud to offer award-winning travel insurance designed to give you confidence before and during your trip.
- 🏆 Which? Best Buy Travel Insurance 2026 (Silver, Gold & Platinum)
- ⭐ Excellent Trustpilot rating
- 💙 UK-based customer support
- 🌍 European and Worldwide cover available
- 🩺 Up to £10 million emergency medical expenses
Frequently Asked Questions
❓ Holiday Checklist FAQs
Still have a question? Here are the answers to some of the questions we’re asked most often about our holiday checklist and preparing for your next trip.
When should I buy travel insurance?
The best time to buy travel insurance is as soon as you’ve booked your holiday. This means you’ll usually be covered for cancellation from the start of your policy (subject to your policy terms and conditions), rather than waiting until just before you travel.
What should I pack in my hand luggage?
Your hand luggage should contain your passport, boarding pass, travel documents, medication, valuables, electronic devices and anything you’ll need during your journey. It’s also a good idea to pack a phone charger, snacks and a reusable water bottle.
Do I need a GHIC or EHIC card?
If you’re travelling to an eligible European country, a GHIC (Global Health Insurance Card) or EHIC (European Health Insurance Card) may entitle you to access state healthcare on the same basis as a local resident. However, neither card replaces travel insurance, as they don’t cover things like cancellation, lost luggage or repatriation.
Can I take prescription medication abroad?
Yes, but you should carry essential medication in your hand luggage and keep it in its original packaging where possible. Some countries have restrictions on certain medicines, so it’s always worth checking the entry requirements before you travel.
What if I have a pre-existing medical condition?
If you have a pre-existing medical condition, you should declare it when arranging your travel insurance. This helps ensure you have the appropriate cover in place before you travel.
What documents should I take on holiday?
Before you travel, make sure you have:
- Passport
- Boarding passes
- Travel insurance documents
- Accommodation confirmation
- Flight confirmation
- Visa (if required)
- GHIC or EHIC card (where applicable)
Saving digital copies of these documents can also be helpful in case they’re lost or stolen.
How can I avoid forgetting something when packing?
The easiest way is to start packing a few days before you travel and use a checklist like the one above. Tick items off as you pack them and do one final check before leaving home.
Does travel insurance cover lost luggage?
Many travel insurance policies include cover for luggage that’s lost, stolen or damaged during your trip, subject to your policy terms, conditions and limits. Always check your policy wording to understand exactly what’s covered.
Should I keep my passport in my hand luggage?
Yes. Your passport, travel insurance documents, medication, electronic devices and other valuables should always be carried in your hand luggage rather than your checked suitcase. This helps ensure you still have access to the essentials if your checked baggage is delayed or lost.
Can I buy travel insurance after booking my holiday?
Yes. In fact, it’s usually best to arrange travel insurance as soon as you’ve booked your holiday so you can benefit from cancellation cover before you travel (subject to your policy terms and conditions).
Ready for Your Next Adventure
You’ve planned your trip, packed your bags and ticked off the essentials on your holiday checklist. The only thing left is to make sure you’re protected before you travel.
Whether you’re heading off on a relaxing beach holiday, an action-packed adventure or a family getaway, the right travel insurance can give you confidence that you’re covered if the unexpected happens.
At Covered2Go, we’re proud to offer award-winning travel insurance that’s trusted by thousands of UK travellers.
Why choose Covered2Go?
- 🏆 Which? Best Buy Travel Insurance 2026 (Silver, Gold & Platinum)
- ⭐ Excellent rating on Trustpilot
- 🌍 European and Worldwide cover available
- 💙 Up to £10 million emergency medical expenses
- 👨⚕️ Cover for many pre-existing medical conditions, subject to medical screening
- ✈️ Single Trip and Annual Multi-Trip policies available
- 🎯 Cover for over 105 sports and activities as standard
Whether you’re travelling once this year or planning multiple trips, we’ve got a policy to suit your journey.
Get your quote today and travel with confidence.
Continue Planning Your Trip
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