How many times have you packed for a holiday last minute and forgotten something? When you are juggling your busy daily life with school runs, work and social events, time just flies by and the next thing you know, you are going away and need to get organised! Here are some handy tips for packing at the last minute:

Holiday Packing Checklist

Passports:

If travelling abroad, check the expiry date on everyone’s passport and make sure they are valid for at least 6 months after your return date. If you need to renew passports, it usually takes about 3 weeks – but there are alternative services if you need them more quickly.

Make a list:

Taking the time to make a list might seem like an extra unnecessary step when you need to get packing, however, this will save you from last-minute panic. It will also help you avoid the restless sleep that comes when your mind continues working on the to do list at night!

Break down your packing list to the following categories: clothes, shoes, electronics (don’t forget chargers), medication, sun cream and essentials. Then, bullet point the items you need and then only when you put the item in your suitcase do you then tick the item on the list.

Clothes:

When it comes to your clothes and shoes, try to pick a colour scheme and stick to it. Bring pieces that are versatile for easy mixing and matching to create multiple outfits. Lay all the items on your bed, grouping them into categories.  If you roll your clothes instead of folding them, not only does it prevent creases it also optimises space in the suitcase.

 

Entertainment:

If you are travelling with children, remember to pack items in your hand luggage to keep them entertained on long a journey such as; colouring/sticker books, reading books and fully charged electronic equipment such as an iPad with downloaded movies and games! Remember to pack snacks, drinks, wetwipes and anti-bac hand gel in your hand luggage.

Medication:

Carry medication in your hand luggage to ensure it is not lost or stolen. Take a note from your doctor to verify your medication to avoid delay at customs control and try to keep them in their original boxes.

Suncream:

Do pack sunscreen as this can be very expensive overseas and may not be of the same quality. Children will need a higher factor rating which can also be harder to find abroad.

The oft-forgotten list:

No need to wrack your brains for those pesky easy-to-forget essentials with this list of common left-behinds:

  • Passports
  • Tickets
  • Airport lounge access passes
  • Sweets for the plane
  • Kids favourite toy/s
  • Chargers
  • Headphones
  • Earplugs, eyemask, neck cushion (for longer journeys)
  • Chap stick
  • Swim ear or similar (dries out ears after swimming, invaluable for kids on pool holidays or adults diving/snorkelling – ear infection’s on holiday are not fun!)
  • Sun cream, after sun, moisturiser
  • Hand sanitiser/wet wipes
  • A good book or kindle
  • Sun hat
  • Sunglasses, reading glasses
  • Camera, GoPro, memory cards
  • Flip flops
  • Sarongs
  • Swimmers
  • Travel Insurance – make sure you’ve got the details available and key contact numbers saved in your phone.

 

Most of all enjoy your holiday; this is your time to relax!

If you would like a hand organising any aspect of your trip, from fun activities to special meals out to car rental to insurance and more, or perhaps you’d like to know more about the area but don’t have time to research it, give us a call on 01306 740651 or 07747 444292 or email info@surreyhillsconcierge.co.uk as we’d be delighted to help.