Waiting for your holiday can turn days into weeks or months. But then, finally, you’ve made it; you’ve watched everyone else feck off for two weeks and now it’s finally your turn.
Of course though you haven’t packed, so you ended doing it frantically, hoping to God you’ve remembered everything from the essential passport to the-not-so-essential 4th bikini.
Getting to the airport or arriving at your destination and realising you’ve forgotten something is an absolute ‘mare, so check out our holiday checklist to make sure you have everything you need for a great holiday.
Passport
Probably the most important thing to remember. You don’t only need this for the airport, this will act as your i.d. when you’re in a foreign country.
Some countries require you to always have it on you when you travel but most of the time you can keep it safe in your accommodation. We’d recommend keeping it locked in a safe if your accommodation provides one or using travel underwear with pockets or a money belt.
Travel documentation
Without your boarding pass, you ain’t goin’ nowhere. Luckily, if you forget to print it off you can still use most airline apps to access your boarding pass on your phone.
Don’t forget proof of travel insurance as well if you have it.
Bank cards / Foreign currency
No money, no honey. Simple.
The last thing you need is to forget your wallet or purse. If you’re travelling outside of the EU, remember to get foreign currency. You can do this in post offices, banks, credit unions and at the airport but exchange rates apply.
You can also use your bank card to take out money when you’re there which would save you travelling around with heaps of money but again, bank charges may apply.
Suncream
We’re putting this high on the list on purpose. Don’t kid yourselves lads, we need suncream.
We may have a fairly relaxed attitude about getting burnt but the fact is skin cancer is the most common cancer in Ireland.
If that doesn’t sway you, suncream is much more expensive in touristy areas in Europe because they know so many people arrive without it.
Besides, the lobster look is never good. Embrace the pale.
Toiletries
This is a divisive one as some people think it’s easier and cheaper to buy things while on holidays and leave them behind.
We’re all for that if you can get small enough bottles that you will use before you leave so you can avoid waste.
Toothbrushes also take about 400 years to decompose so buying one just for your holiday wouldn’t be very environmentally friendly – try buy a toothbrush cover which means you can bring your toothbrush with you.
You can get little travel size shampoos, conditioners, suncreams and moisturisers. Or, you can get small empty bottles from Penneys that you can pour some of your shampoo or moisturiser into.
Other things that you may want to consider bringing along:
- Small roll-on deodorant
- Hairbrush/accessories
- Make-up if necessary
- Razor
- Diarrhoea treatment
- Paracetamol
- Antiseptic cream / bug repellent if necessary
- Plasters
- Any personal medication
Entertainment
There’s nothing worse than leaving your mobile, charger, or headphones behind before jetting off on hols. Helloooo boredom.
Other things that may come in handy include:
- Camera/charger
- Travel adaptor
- Sunglasses (how else are you gonna people watch?)
- Pen/paper
- Reading materials
Clothing
Everyone has their own way of packing but there are a couple of things that will help you get that last pair of shoes in.
- Always roll – you fit more in and it reduces wrinkling.
- Shove underwear in the gaps and put rolled up socks into shoes.
- Wear your heaviest clothing while travelling.
- Invest in a lightweight suitcase or bag, these can fit more in.
Disclaimer: You may be far more excited for your holiday after reading this list.
READ NEXT: Sustainable Travel – Your Guide To Exploring Ireland Without Wrecking It
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