Holiday packing list: complete checklist + 8 handy holiday tips

I'm going on vacation and I'm taking with me… But what should you actually take on vacation? Whether you choose a sun holiday, city break, flying holiday, or holiday in your own country, a good vacation packing list prevents stress and ensures you don't forget anything important.

To help you, we have compiled a complete holiday checklist (scroll down). In addition, we share 8 handy holiday tips to ensure you are well prepared for your trip.

Why a vacation packing list is useful

The anticipation of a holiday often begins with packing the suitcase. But no matter how well you prepare, it is often the little things that get forgotten. A charger, sunscreen, or even your passport can cause a lot of stress if you only realize upon arrival that they are still at home. With a holiday checklist, you maintain an overview while packing and can be sure that you don't forget anything important. Use the tips and packing list below as a guide for your next holiday.

8 handy vacation tips for a carefree trip

1. Start packing a week before departure

Packing your suitcase might seem like a chore for the evening before departure, but that often only causes extra stress. Open your suitcase about a week before departure, so you can start gathering items you definitely want to take with you during the week. This immediately gives you insight into which clothes still need to be washed.

Extra tip: Create complete outfits for each day of your vacation. This way, you take less clothing with you and can mix and match more easily.

Holiday packing list: packing a suitcase

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Holiday packing list: check off packing list

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Vacation packing list: creating clothing combinations

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2. Roll up your clothes

The best way to save space in your suitcase? Roll up your clothes instead of folding them. This leaves you with more space and prevents clothes from wrinkling easily. The benefits of rolling up clothes:

Fewer wrinkles in your clothes
More space in your suitcase
Better overview during your vacation
Easier to combine outfits

Choose clothing items that you can easily mix and match. This way, you won't need to pack as much, while still having plenty of options during your vacation.

Additionally, always keep important documents in a separate bag that you can access quickly.

3. Download flight and travel apps in advance

Are you flying? Then download your airline's app in advance. That way, you always have your digital boarding pass at hand and receive immediate notifications about any changes.

Useful to follow:

Your digital boarding pass
Current flight information
Gate changes
Delays
Boarding times

Are you flying via Schiphol? Then the Schiphol app can also be a handy addition.

4. Plan your trip to the airport well

The holiday doesn't truly begin until you've checked in. That's why it's wise to check how to get to the airport in advance. Check for roadworks on your route, check for any delays with public transport, and book a taxi well in advance if you plan to use one.

In addition, always ensure you have an alternative plan. Should something go wrong, you know exactly what your next step is.

5. Download series, movies, and music before you leave

Whether you have a long flight ahead of you or are spending hours in the car on your way to your holiday destination, entertainment makes the journey much more pleasant.

Download a few episodes of your favorite series, a fun podcast, or a playlist for the road in advance. That way, you won't be dependent on Wi-Fi or mobile data and can enjoy yourself undisturbed while traveling.

Plan your trip to the airport

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6. Don't forget sunscreen

A good sunscreen absolutely belongs on every holiday packing list. Use a day cream with SPF and reapply regularly throughout the day. And yes, even with sunscreen, you can still get a lovely tan.

Above all, do not forget these products:

Day cream with SPF
Sunscreen with factor 30 or 50
Lip balm with SPF
Aftersun

Do you use SPF 30 or 50? Then it is recommended to reapply approximately every two hours, especially after swimming or exercising. If you use SPF 15 or lower, the advice is to reapply sooner.

7. You can find the best vacation spots online

The anticipation isn't just about packing your suitcase, but also about discovering everything there is to do at your holiday destination. Dive into Google Maps, Instagram, or TikTok and look for:

Hidden beaches
Cozy restaurants
Local hotspots
Beautiful walking routes
Special sights

Come across something nice? Save it immediately. That way, you'll always have a handy list of favorite places at hand during your vacation. Check right away if you need to book tickets in advance so you don't miss out at your destination.