Holiday Packing Checklist: The Printable List for Trips from the UK

Checked on 18 October 2026. Entry rules, security limits and airline rules change. The rules below come from GOV.UK, the NHS and the Civil Aviation Authority; check them again before you travel.

How to use this checklist

Tick items off as you pack. Your ticks are saved in this browser, so you can close the page and come back. Use "print or save as pdf" for a paper copy, or choose "Save as PDF" in the print window to keep a file on your phone. Skip any section that does not fit your trip, such as the ski extras on a beach holiday.

For the order to pack things in, and how to fit it all in one case, see our guide on how to pack a suitcase efficiently.

The five items that cause the most trouble

Your passport

For the EU and Schengen area, your passport must have been issued less than 10 years before the day you arrive. It must also be valid for at least 3 months after the day you plan to leave, according to GOV.UK. Other countries set their own rules; check the FCDO travel advice for your destination. Renewals can take weeks, so check now rather than the night before.

Medicines

Keep medicines in your hand luggage in their original packaging, with a copy of your prescription. Liquid medicines needed for your trip are allowed through UK security in containers of up to 2 litres, according to GOV.UK's hand luggage rules.

Liquids

At most UK airports, liquids in hand luggage must still be in containers of 100ml or less, and some airports ask for them in one clear bag of about 20cm by 20cm. A few airports allow up to 2 litres, so check every airport you fly from, including on the way home.

Power banks and spare batteries

The Civil Aviation Authority's Pack Right guidance says power banks, spare batteries and vapes must go in your hand luggage. Never put them in a checked bag. The limit is two power banks per person.

Your GHIC and travel insurance

The free UK Global Health Insurance Card covers medically necessary state healthcare in the EU and some other countries, but the NHS says it is not a replacement for travel insurance. Our British guide to travel insurance explains what to look for, including cover for medical conditions.

Going for a weekend?

For two or three nights, you can usually fit everything in a cabin bag. Cut the clothes section to two tops, one or two bottoms, underwear for each night and one pair of shoes besides the pair you wear. Check your airline's cabin bag size first; our guide to Ryanair and easyJet cabin bags gives the exact allowances.

Going skiing?

Most standard travel insurance policies exclude risky activities unless you add cover, and GOV.UK's travel insurance guidance advises checking exclusions carefully. Make sure your policy covers winter sports, including any off-piste skiing you plan to do, before you go.

Plug adaptors

UK plugs do not fit sockets in most other countries. Much of continental Europe uses two-pin sockets, while the USA uses a different flat-pin type. Check the socket type at your destination before you buy an adaptor, or take a universal one.