Packing list for the perfect summer holidays

Your summer holiday is just round the corner – how exciting! Whether you’re escaping to white sandy beaches, exploring bustling cities or getting lost in nature, a well-thought-out packing list is the key to a worry-free adventure. Your destination, how long you’ll be staying and what you’ve got planned all play a big part in your planning. But don’t worry, we’ve put together a versatile basic list to give you the perfect head start. Pack your bags – adventure awaits!

The ultimate summer holiday packing list for a stress-free holiday

Pack smart and travel light – with this comprehensive packing list, you’ll be perfectly prepared to enjoy every moment of your summer holiday to the full:

Important documents for your summer holiday packing list

Passport/ID card

Visa (if required)

Flight/train tickets

Accommodation bookings

Travel insurance documents

Driving licence (if you plan to hire a car)

Copies of important documents

Foreign currency

Swiss Bankers Travel credit card – for secure and convenient payments worldwide

 

Clothing packing list for summer holidays

T-shirts and tops

Shorts and/or skirts

Long trousers/jeans

Dresses – light and airy, ideal for warm days or elegant dinners

 Light evening wear (if you fancy going out)

Underwear and socks

Swimwear

Bath shoes

Comfortable shoes (for walks or sightseeing)

A light jacket or jumper for cool evenings

Sandals or flip-flops

Rain jacket or waterproof poncho

Sun hat or cap

Sunglasses

Pyjamas

 

Toiletries

Sun cream

After-sun lotion or aloe vera

Insect repellent

Shampoo and conditioner

Shower gel

Toothbrush and toothpaste

Deodorant

Hairbrush or comb

 Nail care set

 Tweezers

 Cotton buds

Razor and shaving foam 

 Make-up and make-up remover

 Tampons / feminine hygiene products

 Hand sanitiser

 

Health and safety

Personal medication

First-aid kit

Blister plasters 

Diarrhoea tablets

Fever tablets

Travel health insurance card

Contact lenses and solution (if applicable)

 

Discover our detailed packing list for your first-aid kit.

 

 

Electronics

Mobile phone and charger

Camera and charger

Travel adaptor and converter

Headphones or earplugs

Power bank

 

Miscellaneous

Travel guides and maps

Book or e-reader

Diary or notebook and pen

Beach towel

Games for indoors and outdoors

Water bottle

Waterproof mobile phone case

Diving goggles/snorkel

Face mask

Fins

Small rucksack or beach bag

Your house keys – keep them to hand for when you get back!

Don’t forget to check the weather forecast for your destination to make sure you’re kitted out for all conditions, and adjust your summer holiday packing list accordingly.

Another tip for those looking to perfect their packing skills: whilst on holiday, keep an eye out for things you miss or wish you’d brought with you. Make a note of these in a list that you keep updating in the Notes app on your smartphone. This way, you’ll gather valuable insights for future trips. Next time, you’ll be perfectly equipped and ready for any situation.

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Summer, sun, beach holidays

The summer holidays are just round the corner, and the anticipation of a relaxing beach holiday is building. A well-thought-out summer holiday packing list is essential to ensure you have everything you need and can enjoy your holiday to the full. As well as the obvious items that no holiday packing list should be without, there are a few additional considerations that can make your trip even more enjoyable. Careful planning and organisation are key. Summer is the perfect time for open-air events – see also our open-air packing list.

 
Your destination
Are you travelling to a tropical paradise with high temperatures and plenty of sunshine, or are you planning a trip to a region with changeable weather? You should adapt your summer holiday packing list depending on your destination and planned activities. For a beach holiday, for example, light, breathable clothing and plenty of sun protection are essential. Don’t forget the small but important items such as chargers for your electronic devices, adaptors for sockets abroad and a small first-aid kit containing essential medicines and first-aid supplies. These items don’t take up much space but can be extremely useful in an emergency.

 
Organising your luggage
Another important aspect is organising your luggage. Use packing cubes or bags to sort your clothes and accessories. If you’re planning not just to relax on the beach but also to go on excursions into the countryside, you can use a hiking packing list as a guide to pack your rucksack, shoes and outdoor clothing efficiently. This not only helps to save space in your suitcase but also makes it easier to find items whilst you’re travelling. A well-organised bag can make the difference between a stress-free and a chaotic holiday. In addition, you should always carry a small bag or rucksack for day trips. This can be useful for carrying water bottles, snacks, sun cream and other essentials whilst you’re out and about. A foldable rucksack that takes up little space in your suitcase can be a practical solution here.

 
The security of your luggage
Last but not least, you should also think about your own safety. Always keep important documents such as your passport, flight tickets and hotel bookings in a safe place. A copy of these documents can also be helpful in case the originals are lost. A money belt or a secure pouch for your valuables can also help prevent theft. Remember to tailor your summer holiday packing list to your individual needs and your destination. Good preparation ensures that you can enjoy your holiday to the full without having to worry about forgetting anything important.