Holiday packing list: here’s what you need to take with you

Some documents are essential for travel:

• Passport or other ID document (depending on destination). Check in good time whether you can travel on an ID card, or whether you need your passport. Important: some countries require your passport to be valid for 6 months after the end of your trip. In addition, your passport must still have enough free pages for any necessary stamps. 

• Health insurance card

• Driving licence, or international driving licence in some countries

• Booking confirmations

• Address book including emergency contacts and emergency numbers. It’s always best to take a hard copy with you (i.e. not only saved in your phone). This way you have the numbers to hand even if you lose your mobile.

Depending on your destination and the type of trip, you will need:

• A visa and confirmation of valid health insurance. You will receive this confirmation from your health insurance provider.

• Letter of protection from your car insurer and travel insurer

• Vaccination record

• Transport tickets

• Vignette or toll card 

• Other documents e.g. tickets and discount cards

Find out about the entry conditions for your destination in good time. It’s best to make copies of your important documents. Keep the original documents in your hotel safe.

• Debit card and credit card. Always pay in the local currency of the country you’re visiting. Find out about any possible surcharges before you leave. Important: prepaid credit cards are not accepted everywhere.

• Cash. Depending on the country you’re visiting, it might be best to exchange money in Switzerland. Find out about exchange rates in good time.

• Access details for your online banking.

• Emergency phone number of your bank. Write this information down in two different places. This means that in the event of theft, you can still block your cards.

For your trip, you should put together a travel pharmacy. This includes, for example:

• First aid kit

• Personal medication

• Painkillers

• Remedies for diarrhoea and nausea

• Remedies for constipation

• Thermometer

• Cold remedies and nasal spray

• Remedies for ear ache

• Allergy medication

• Remedies for Insect bites

• Tick control products, depending on the destination and season. To remove ticks, you need tweezers or a tick card.

• Remedies for sunburn (such as after-sun)

• Blister plasters

Which medication you bring with you on holiday always depends on your personal needs and the destination. For example, if you are prone to allergies, it’s worth taking some anti-histamines with you.

Bring clothing suitable for your destination. Find out about the country’s culture before you depart. In some countries, for example, short or tight outfits might be met with disapproval.

In general, you will need:

• Underwear and socks

• Pyjamas

• T-shirts and tops

• Blouses or shirts

• Trousers: depending on the destination, you may need just long trousers or both long trousers as well as shorts

• Skirts and dresses

• Tights (if necessary)

• Jumpers: a mix of warm and light jumpers is best. This means you’re equipped for any weather

• Rain jacket

Take a warmer jumper with you, even in warm destinations. For countries with high UV exposure, you should pack long-sleeved clothing. This means you are protected from strong sunlight. Long sleeves are also handy when travelling in countries with many insects.

Also think about what footwear you should bring. Take a second pair with you in case the first one gets damaged or wet.

You can bring whatever toiletries you think you’ll need. The basics consist of:

• Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss

• Mouthwash (if necessary)

• Shower gel, shampoo and conditioner

• Deodorant

• Body lotion, hand cream and lip balm

• Hairbrush and hair dryer

• Nail scissors and tweezers

• Contact lens fluid (if necessary)

• Tissues

• Razors

• Menstrual items

• Contraceptives

• Sunscreen

Some hotels provide, for example, a hairdryer and shower gel. Find out more before packing. This will save you bringing unnecessary luggage.

Which technology you bring with you depends on your needs. However, you should definitely pack these things:

• Chargers for all electronic items

• Headphones

• Universal travel adapter. This is also important when travelling to other European countries.

Check your mobile phone subscription to see if you have data allowance abroad. Otherwise, a local SIM card is usually cheaper.

• Beach towel or bath towel. Micro-fibre towels are particularly handy. They are small, light and dry quickly.

• Swimwear e.g. a bikini or swim shorts

• Sandals or flip-flops. Bathing shoes are a good idea for stony beaches. They also protect you from sea urchins.

• Sandals

• Beach toys/games

• Sun hat

Beach towels and bath towels are provided by some hotels. Find out more about your accommodation before packing.

• Ski pants and a ski jacket, a ski suit for children

• Hat and gloves

• A neck warmer

• Long underwear

• Ski socks

• Winter shoes

When going on holiday with children, you should take the following with you, depending the age of your kids:

• Copy of the birth certificate if the parent accompanying the child has a different last name to the child. Additional documents are needed for children travelling alone. Find out more from the airline.

• Nasal aspirator and suppositories,in addition to your standard first aid kit

• Cuddly toys

• Entertainment for your child: art supplies, toys, books or a tablet

• Audio stories or children’s music. Depending on the type of trip, CDs or an MP3 player are ideal. Use child-friendly headphones.

• Bottles and cleaning agents

• Water bottle

• Special food or utensilse.g. milk powder or cups

• Snacks

• If necessary,sick bags and chewing gum for travel sickness

• Cuddle cloth and bibs

• Dummies and holders

• Changing bag with nappies, wipes and changing mat. Depending on the age of the child, a potty.

• A change of sheets

• Baby grows

• Washcloth

• Baby sleeping bag

• Contact lens fluid (if necessary)

• Music box and night light

• Baby monitor

• Sun protection and car seat if you’ll be travelling by car

• Baby carrier

• Pram or buggy

• Contact lens fluid (if necessary)

Family-friendly hotels typically provide baby cots and high chairs. Check the facilities of the hotel before your trip. You might be able to save on luggage.

If you stay in a holiday house or apartment, you must bring your own food. Depending on the equipment provided, you may also need other household items:

• Washing up liquid

• Dishwasher tabs (if applicable)

• Kitchen paper and toilet paper

• Sponges or cloths for washing up

• Tea towels

• Aluminium foil and cling film

• Baking paper

• Herbs and spices

• Vinegar and oil

• Other food items. You can also take open jars of jam with you, for example. This saves you money. It also means you won’t have several open jars at home.

• Coffee filter or coffee capsules, depending on the coffee machine available

• Can opener, corkscrew and bottle opener

• Bedding and towels

• Soap

The equipment provided at holiday apartments varies. When booking, inquire about the equipment provided.

Health insurance abroad

In EU countries, you are insured by your mandatory basic insurance in the event of an emergency. You are entitled to the same medical benefits as locals.

Outside the EU, your health insurance will only cover up to twice the amount that the same treatment would cost in your canton of residence. Medical treatments can be more expensive than in Switzerland, especially in the USA and Japan. Check whether you need supplemental insurance.

travel insurer

Check whether travel insurance is worthwhile for you. It helps, for example, in cases where you’re unable to travel or have to leave your trip early.