Packing list holidays | Family Friendly Checklists

Help, I'm going! And suddenly there is this old-fashioned stress before the holiday: What has to do with it all? Where is the passport? Do we have enough snacks to drive? And why did the baby hide the pacifier in the dog basket again?! 😅

So that you do not completely lose your mind when packing (or standing on holiday without underwear), here is your Packing list for the holiday - lovingly put together for everyone who travels with baby, child and Kegel or just a lot of anticipation. Whether holiday apartment, motorhome or ski holiday – we thought of everything. You just have to tick off, pack and look forward to the best time of the year.

Packing list for the holiday: download PDF now

Before we delve into the details, you can directly find our complete Packing list for the holiday Download as a clear PDF. This download checklist is perfect to print and tick off point by point.

Here is the convenient packing list for the holiday

• Wallet with enough cash (best in small bills)
• EC card and credit card (check beforehand if they work in the holiday country)
• Emergency reserve money (keep in a separate location)
• Information on where to withdraw money for free in the holiday country
• Possibly international driving license if you want to rent a car at the holiday destination

Also, remember to inform yourself in good time about entry requirements and currency conditions. This way you avoid unpleasant surprises and can focus fully on your vacation without having to worry about your finances.

Hygiene

• Toothbrush and toothpaste
• Shampoo and conditioner (best in travel size)
• Shower gels or soaps
• Shavers and shaving foam
• Deodorant and perfume
• Skin care products and sun protection
• Towels and washcloths (depending on accommodation)
• Mosquito protection and after-sun lotion

Clothing

• Underwear and socks (1 set per day plus 1-2 spare parts)
• T-shirts, tops and tops (about 5-6 pieces for a week)
• 2-3 Pants or skirts
• 1 jacket or sweater for cooler evenings
• Pajamas and nightwear
• Swimsuit/swimwear if swimming is planned
• Rain protection in unsafe weather
• A fancier outfit for special occasions

Try to choose clothes that you can combine well to create different outfits. This way you can save space and still be prepared for all activities – whether inside or outside. A top tip: roll your clothes instead of folding them, this saves space and avoids folding!

Medications / Pharmacy

A small travel pharmacy definitely belongs to the Packing list for the holiday. So you are prepared for small aches and emergencies.

• Plasters and dressings
• Pain and fever medicines
• Anti-diarrhea and nausea agents
• Anti-sunburn and insect bites
• Anti-bubble stick for long hikes
• Disinfectants and hand disinfectants
• Personal medications you take regularly
• Possibly motion sickness medicines or allergy medicines

Documents and documents

Your documents and documents are essential for a smooth journey. Make sure they are safely stowed and easily accessible.

• Identity card or passport
• Flight or train tickets
• Hotel bookings or accommodation documents
• Driving licence and vehicle documents (for car travel)
• Proof of insurance (travel health insurance, etc.)
• Copies of important documents (also digital on the smartphone)
• Address lists and contact details for emergencies
• Directions to the holiday location or accommodation

As a tip: Print out the most important travel document in advance and keep it in a folder. For example, tickets for city tours can often be booked in advance so that you do not have to wait in line on site. Also popular are bookings for a sunset cruise or other activities through platforms like Get Your Guide.

Backpacks and bags

Choosing the right luggage is crucial for a comfortable holiday. Here are some options and tips:

• Rolling suitcases for easy transport on flat surfaces
• Backpack for active holidays or uneven terrain
• Smaller bag or backpack for day trips
• Beach bags for beach visits
• Belt bag or breast bag for important documents and money
• Laundry bags for dirty clothes
• Packing bags for better organization in suitcases

Of course, you should adjust the right bag to your travel style: For air travel, a suitcase with the maximum hand luggage dimensions might be ideal, while for a motorhome vacation, a waterproof backpack is probably the better choice.

Footwear

Having the right shoes with you can make the difference between a pleasant and a painful holiday. Here’s what you should pack:

• Comfortable everyday shoes for sightseeing and light activities
• Sports shoes if you want to jog or play sports
• Hiking shoes when you plan to go hiking
• Flip flops for beach, pool or communal showers
• A pair of chic shoes for restaurant or evening visits

Keep in mind that shoes can take up a lot of space in the suitcase. Therefore, wear the heaviest or bulkiest shoes during the trip and pack only the most necessary. Flip flops, by the way, are a real multi-talent on holiday – they take up hardly any space and are very practical both on the beach and in community showers.

Other

• Sunglasses and sun hat
• Reading material (books, magazines or e-readers)
• Army knives (not in hand luggage on air travel!)
• Travel alarm or smartphone as alarm
• Notebook and pen
• Guidebook or downloaded information on smartphone
• Table tennis rackets or other recreational games
• Scarves or scarves (multiple insertable)
• Ear plugs and sleep mask

Bathing / Beach

For the perfect beach holiday or bathing fun in the hotel, you should not forget these things:

• Swimsuit/Swimwear (best 2 to change)
• Beach towel or light travel towels
• Sunscreen with sufficient sun protection factor
• Sun hat or cap
• Water shoes for rocky beaches
• Swimming glasses and snorkelling equipment, if desired
• Inflatable articles (air mattress, water polo)
• Waterproof bag for valuables
• Beach games such as Beachball or Frisbee

Technical equipment

• Smartphone and charging cables
• Camera with memory card and charger
• Tablet, Laptop or Kindle (as needed)
• Headphones
• Powerbank on the go
• Travel adapters for international sockets
• Possibly small Bluetooth box for music
• USB sticks or external hard drive for photos

Don’t forget the right charging cables for all your devices! Nothing is more annoying than when the battery is empty and you have forgotten the charger at home.

Packing list for holidays with children

Traveling with children requires additional planning and an extended packing list. Here are the basics you need for a family vacation:

• Age-appropriate clothing and change clothes (more than for adults)
• Favorite toys and stuffed animals
• Child-specific hygiene products
• Snacks and drinks on the go
• Medicines specifically for children
• Sun protection with high sun protection factor
• Floating aids and waterproof toys
• Books, games or tablets for employment
• Cot or mattress (if not available in the accommodation)

When traveling with children, it is especially important to be well prepared to avoid stress. A detailed packing list for the family holiday can be found in our article Packing list for holidays with children + checklist for babieswho helps you to forget nothing important and to really enjoy the holiday with the little ones.

Packing list for the holiday with baby

Traveling with a baby requires especially good planning. Here is a basic checklist specifically for babies:

• Sufficient diapers and wet wipes for the whole trip
• Diaper bag for used diapers
• Winding base on the road
• Baby clothes (several changes per day)
• Pajamas and sleeping bags
• Baby food and snacks
• Drinking bottle or cup
• Spitting cloth
• Baby carrier cloth or carry-on
• Travel bed or travel bed
• Favorite stuffed animal or cuddle blanket
• Babyphone (if you use separate rooms)
• Sunscreen (hat, sunscreen for babies, umbrella)
• Important medications and fever thermometers

Packing list for the holiday in the holiday apartment

When holidaying in a holiday apartment, you often need things that are taken for granted in hotels. Our handy checklist will help you be well prepared:

• Bed linen and towels (if not presented)
• Dish towels and dishwashers
• Basic cleaning products
• Toilet paper and kitchen paper
• Coffee filters and staple foods
• Spices, oil and vinegar
• Cooling batteries for picnics or excursions
• Shopping bags for local markets
• Candles and matches for cozy evenings
• First aid kit and personal medication

Do you need a complete overview of what should not be missing in a holiday apartment? Then take a look at our article Packing List Apartment: Practical Checklist to PrintYour stay is guaranteed to be a success!

Motorhome Holiday: Packing List

• Travel documents (ID, driving licence, vehicle registration)
• Technology (charging cable, power bank, navigation)
• Kitchen (pots, dishes, cutlery, sponge, detergents)
• Food & drinks (basic stock, water canisters)
• Camping accessories (chairs, table, power cables, wedges)
• Clothing (comfortable & weatherproof)
• Bedding or sleeping bags
• Hygiene articles (towels, shower gel, toilet paper)
• First aid kit and travel pharmacy
• Leisure & entertainment (books, games, headphones)
• Mosquito protection and sunscreen

For everything you need to know for your perfect RV vacation, check out our detailed article Packing List Motorhome: This is what you have to pack for your road trip – there you will find all the information for a successful adventure!

Ski Holiday: Packing List

• Travel documents and ski passes
• Ski clothing (jacket, trousers, thermal underwear, ski socks)
• Ski or snowboard equipment (helmet, glasses, gloves)
• Winter shoes & warm casual clothing
• Sun protection (lip care with UV protection, sunscreen)
• Technology (charging cable, possibly actioncam)
• Snacks & drinks for the day on the slopes
• First aid kit and bladder patches
• Wellness equipment for après-ski (swimsuit, sauna towel)
• Travel pharmacy & possibly. High altitude medicines

For a detailed packing list for the ski holiday, check out this article: Packing list Ski holiday: Checklist for your winter holiday.

Frequently asked questions about the packing list for the holiday