Login
Login

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

Your holiday is just around the corner. But this also increases stress levels: you don’t want to forget anything. The Comparis holiday checklist helps you make sure you’ve covered all the bases – no matter what type of trip you’re taking.

Magdalena Soll Foto
Magdalena Soll

16.01.2024

A woman checks her holiday packing list to see if she has packed everything important.

iStock/fotostorm

1.Packing list for every holiday
2.Summer holiday packing list
3.Ski holidays packing list
4.Packing list for holidays with children
5.Packing list for holiday homes and camping
6.Holiday checklist: what you need to know before departure
7.Hand luggage and checked luggage in the aircraft: what do I need to be aware of?
Elevenlabs AudioNative Player

1. Packing list for every holiday

No matter where you travel, there are things you shouldn’t forget. Download the holiday packing list as a PDF here.

Holiday packing list PDF

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.

Important: check which medicines you are allowed to bring into your destination before you travel. Some over-the-counter remedies available in Switzerland are prohibited in other countries.

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.

Comparis tip

Pack a stain pen. This will allow you to quickly remove smaller stains.

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.

Compare mobile phone plans now
  • Daypack

  • Entertainment e.g. books, games

  • Notebook and pens

  • Spare glasses or contact lenses, sunglasses

  • Small umbrella

  • Waist bag

  • Pocket knife and travel sewing kit

  • Travel guide and language guide

  • Bag for dirty laundry

2. Summer holiday packing list

The packing list for summer holidays includes beach equipment. You might also want to go hiking in summer.

  • 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.

  • Hiking boots and hiking socks. It’s best to try your shoes out before the holidays. This helps prevent blisters when on your trip.

  • Hiking trousers and a sports top

  • Backpack with waist belt and rain cover

  • Hiking map

  • Contact lens fluid (if necessary)

  • Cap or Sun hat

  • Water bottle and lunch box

  • Energy bars

  • Rubbish bags

  • Emergency blanket

For larger trips

  • Crampons and gaiters

  • Hat and gloves

  • Climbing harness, rope and accessories

  • Climbing helmet

  • Sleeping bag liner and hut shoes

  • Plastic bags that can be closed tightly. You can keep your used clothes and backpack inside these. This is to protect against bed bugs.

3. Ski holidays packing list

The right equipment is important for your ski holiday checklist.

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

  • Hat and gloves

  • A neck warmer

  • Long underwear

  • Ski socks

  • Winter shoes

  • Helmet and ski balaclava

  • Ski goggles

  • Skis or snowboard including shoes

  • Ski poles

  • Protective gear e.g. wrist guards, back guards

4. Packing list for holidays with children

Our family packing list for your holiday helps you keep track of what you need to bring with you. Depending on the type of holiday, you’ll also need one or more of the previous checklists. As a family, there are additional things for you to pack.

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.

  • Swimming nappies

  • Swimming aid, e.g. water wings

  • Bathing shoes

  • UV protective clothing. Children are particularly susceptible to UV radiation.

  • Beach toys

  • Head protection for the sun

5. Packing list for holiday homes and camping

Not staying in a hotel? Then you have to think of additional things:

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.

Comparis tip

There are many things you can buy at your destination. With herbs and spices, however, it’s usually not worthwhile. It’s therefore best to bring them with you from home. Alternatively, you can leave any herbs and spices you buy for the next tenant in the apartment.

Tent

  • Tent and a ground sheet

  • Tent pegs and a rubber mallet

  • Spare tent pegs and guy ropes

  • Tent peg puller

  • Waterproofing spray and self-adhesive repair patches

Camping furniture

  • Sleeping bag and air mattress

  • Air pump

  • Camping table and chairs

  • Camping lantern

  • Gas cooker or Camping grill

  • Gas cartridges

  • Gas lighter or fire lighter

  • Water canister

  • Camping toilet and toilet fluid. Most campsites have a toilet block. With a mobile toilet, however, you don’t have to walk long distances if you need to use the bathroom at night.

  • Cooler box

Cooking and eating

  • Plates and cutlery

  • Mugs and cups

  • Water bottle

  • Cutting board, bowl and sieve

  • Measuring cup

  • Pots and pans

  • Cooking utensils and pot holders

  • Washing up liquid and washing up bowl

  • Kitchen paper and toilet paper

  • Can opener, corkscrew and bottle opener

  • Herbs and spices

  • Other food items. Durable foods, such as rice and pasta, are best. When camping, you usually have little space for cooking. For this reason, bagged soups and canned food are worthwhile.

  • Sponges or cloths for washing up

  • Coffee maker or French press

  • Tea towels

  • Aluminium foil and cling film

Miscellaneous

  • Camping guide

  • Rubbish bags

  • Towels

  • Dustpan and brush

  • Clothes line and pegs

  • Torch or headlamp e.g. for nighttime trips to the toilet

  • Powerbank

  • Junction box and extension cable

6. Holiday checklist: what you need to know before departure

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.

Ask yourself the following questions before you depart:

  • Are all bills paid?

  • Will anyone empty your postbox for you? A full postbox can attract burglars.

  • Who will look after my plants and pets?

  • What do I do with leftover food? Empty your fridge before your trip. You can give perishable food to friends and acquaintances.

  • Have you turned the heating and lights off?

7. Hand luggage and checked luggage in the aircraft: what do I need to be aware of?

There are certain restrictions on hand luggage and checked luggage. These are security measures.

What’s not allowed in hand luggage?

If you fly to your holiday destination, you may not take certain items with you in your hand luggage. This includes, for example:

  • Weapons (including toy weapons)

  • Shock devices like Tasers

  • Pointed and sharp-edged objects. These include knives and scissors with a blade length of over 6 cm

  • Tools

  • Blunt weapons. These includes baseball bats or batons

You may take liquids with you up to a total volume of one litre. The individual bottles may not contain more than 100 millilitres.

Liquids must be in a clear plastic bag. Exceptions include personal medication and special foods.

Checked baggage restrictions

You must not carry batteries in your checked luggage. They can start fires. These include, for example, camera and laptop batteries. You should also carry your electric toothbrush and razor in your hand luggage.

This article was first published on 16.01.2024

This might also interest you

Find and book a hotel: which providers are there?

12.08.2024

Hotel stars: what do the different categories mean?

09.11.2023

Travel advice: how to travel safely

23.11.2023

Tips for renting a car abroad

26.07.2023