Prepare for your vacation with a packing list
You're looking forward to your next vacation, but what should you pack? Whether you're planning a trip to the city, a beach vacation or a hiking adventure, being well-prepared with a list of things to take with you means you can leave with peace of mind. Instead of rushing to pack your suitcase at the last minute, we'll show you how to prepare for your vacation so you don't forget anything important!
From the essentials in your suitcase to specific equipment for different types of vacation, not forgetting practical tips for traveling with children: this article will help you pack with peace of mind and go on vacation well prepared. So you'll have everything you need at your vacation destination.
Packing made easy: what you need to think about before you travel
Pack quickly and set off on vacation...only to find that the most important things are missing when you arrive at your destination? Better avoid it! To avoid the stress of packing, follow our advice.
Trip planning is essential
Before drawing up your packing list, take a closer look at your trip:
- What will the weather be like at your vacation destination?
- What are the baggage weight limits imposed by the airline?
- Are there any special restrictions or constraints on entry, for example for medication?
- What activities do you plan to do on site?
- What means of transport will you use on your vacation destination?
Check important documents in advance
A few weeks before the start of your trip, draw up a checklist for your travel documents. Consider the following points:
- Check the validity of your passport or identity card
- Check your vaccination record and catch up on any missing vaccinations (if you're not sure, ask a doctor for advice)
- Take out travel insurance or adapt existing travel insurance if necessary
- Apply for an international driver's license and visa if necessary
4 practical tips for efficient packing
These 4 simple tips will make packing a breeze:
- Don't pack the day before you leave, but start at least 3 days before.
- Use packing bags or cubes to keep an overview of your suitcase.
- Create a digital packing list that you can adapt after each trip.
- Save it as a note on your cell phone or as a file on your computer.
Find out beforehand what you can buy at your destination. After all, you don't have to take everything home with you.
Prepare your family vacation
If you're traveling with children, find out in advance about your accommodation's facilities:
- Does your hotel offer a laundry service?
- Does your vacation home have a washing machine?
- Is there a cot or fall protection, high chair and baby monitor?
- Is there a playground or toys on site?
- Is it possible to rent other baby and children's equipment in the accommodation?
In the rest of this article, you'll find packing lists for each type of vacation: summer vacations, winter vacations, hiking vacations, city vacations, vacations with children and vacations with a dog. You can adapt all the lists to your individual needs. Our packing lists give you a good idea and can be completed by your personal experiences.
Basic luggage list: essentials
A good packing list starts with the basic equipment you need for every trip. It forms the basis of what you should always take with you, and can be adapted according to destination and season.
Clothing
- Comfortable clothing (e.g. jeans, sweaters, T-shirts)
- Underwear
- Socks
- Comfortable shoes
- Nightwear
- Weatherproof clothing (e.g. raincoat)
Documents & finances
- Passport, identity card
- Travel authorization (if only one parent is traveling with the child)
- Visa
- Driving license (international)
- Health insurance card
- Vaccination certificate
- Credit card, cash
- Airline tickets, train tickets
- Booking confirmation
- Insurance documents (travel insurance, car)
Our advice: as a general rule, your passport or identity card must still be valid for at least 6 months when you enter the country. The Swiss Federal Department of Foreign Affairs (FDFA) will inform you of the exact entry requirements for each country.
Hygiene and cosmetics
- Toothbrushes, toothpaste, dental floss
- Shower gel
- Shampoo
- Body lotion
- Tissues
- Cosmetics (e.g. make-up, mascara)
- Feminine hygiene items
- Shaving utensils
- Bags for dirty clothes and shoes
- Travel pharmacy
- Cold medicines
- Disinfectant
- Healing ointment
- Adhesive plasters
- First-aid kit
- Painkillers
- Insect repellent (mosquito and tick repellent)
- Personal medication
- Contraceptives
Staying connected
- Cell phone
- Tablet, laptop, e-reader
- Camera and memory cards
- Headphones
- Charging cable
- Power bank
- Adapter
Miscellaneous
- Travel guide
- Translation app, dictionary
- Magazines, books
- Pens and notebooks
- Beverages and snacks for the road
With this list, you'll always have everything you need on vacation. Below we show you how to complete this list of essentials according to the type of vacation.
Hand luggage checklist: what should be in the cabin?
Don't just pack valuables and important documents in your hand luggage, but also anything you want to have to hand during your flight. Respect the strict airline regulations: sharp objects are forbidden, and liquids are only allowed in small quantities - with the exception of baby food. Also check the dimensions and maximum weight authorized by the airline for your hand luggage.
- Important documents (e.g. passport, ID card, tickets)
- Charging cable, external battery
- Earphones
- Book, magazine, e-reader
- toiletries of the size permitted in hand luggage
- Neck pillow, sleep mask, ear plugs
- Small snacks
Our tip: if you have enough room, pack a change of clothes in your hand luggage. This way, if your checked luggage gets lost or arrives late, you'll have clean clothes with you.
Summer vacation packing list: be perfectly equipped for the sun, beach and sea
Beautiful sunshine, crystal-clear water and relaxing days at the beach: for the perfect summer vacation, you'll need a few special items in addition to your basic luggage:
- Light summer clothing (e.g. shorts, summer dresses, sandals, flip-flops)
- Swimsuits
- UV protective clothing
- Towels
- Sunglasses, hat
- Sun protection products
- Lip care with UV protection
- Beach bag
- Inflatable mattress
- Snorkeling and diving equipment
- Swimming earplugs, nose plugs
Winter vacation packing list: what you need for your snowy adventures
Winter vacations inevitably call for special equipment: on the one hand, you need to protect yourself from the cold, and on the other, you need specific gear for sporting activities like skiing or snowboarding. This winter packing list will help you think of everything that's important:
- Winter clothing (e.g. lined pants, thick sweaters, tights)
- Ski jacket and trousers
- Lined shoes or boots with a good profile
- Thermal underwear
- Wool socks
- Hat, scarf, gloves
- Ski goggles
- Helmet and protective gear
- Ski or snowboard equipment (e.g. skis, poles, snowboard, boots)Sled, ice skates
- Sun protection product (sun cream, lip care with UV protection)
Luggage list for hiking vacations: optimum equipment for an outdoor adventure
Nature is calling! Answer the call and start your hiking vacation with the right equipment in your luggage. Pay particular attention to functional and safe equipment.
- Functional clothing (waterproof, breathable)
- Hiking shoes or boots
- Hiking poles
- Hiking backpack
- Hiking maps
- Binoculars
- Pocket torch
- Signal whistle and GPS device
- Blister dressings
- Water / food
Luggage list for a trip to the city: everything for your urban excursions
For a trip to the city, your luggage list should above all contain comfortable equipment. You'll be able to enjoy the city's sights and culinary specialties in complete relaxation.
- Comfortable shoes for exploring the city
- Light, stylish evening wear
- Google Maps or a paper map of the city
- Tickets for concerts and excursions (often need to be booked in advance)
- A backpack or shoulder bag for the day.
Luggage list for vacations with baby and toddler: family travel with peace of mind
The luggage list for a family vacation depends very much on the age of your children: while babies mainly need hygiene items and care products, older children mainly need toys and entertainment.
- Stroller or baby carrier
- Child car seat
- Child travel cot
- Sleeping bag
- Food for babies
- Bottle, thermos flask
- Bibbards
- Change of clothes
- Diapers and diaper bags
- Wet wipes
- Changing mattress
- Nursing cream
- Nose drops
- Bottle
- Pacifier
- Toys, books
- Teddy bear, soft blanket
Our tip: traveling with a baby or toddler? Think about what you can and should pack in your hand luggage. And check with the airline to find out if you can check a stroller or baby carriage as free baggage.
Dog vacation packing list: what your four-legged friend needs
So that your faithful companion can enjoy the trip as much as you do, be sure to pack the following items for your vacation with your dog:
- Leash, collar, harness
- Muzzle
- Food and water for the trip
- Food bowl, water bowl
- Poo bag
- Dog blanket
- Dog toys
- Dog brush
- Dog shampoo
- Vaccination booklet and microchip information
- GPS tracker, dog tag with contact information
- European pet passport
Go on vacation with peace of mind with the right travel insurance
Now that you're all packed and ready to go on vacation, all you have to do is look forward to it! All you need is the right travel insurance for your stay. Because even with the best preparation, unforeseen events can happen. Take out travel insurance from Europ Assistance Switzerland now. You'll be well covered for your trip and can enjoy your vacation with complete peace of mind.
