Whether you plan to ski, hike or lie by the pool, check out our travel packing list so you don’t forget anything. Plus, we’ve got some insider packing tips to maximise your space and make your trip as smooth as possible.

From experience, we can confidently say the key to successful packing is striking a balance between essentials and personal comforts. There are items you simply can’t travel without, such as your passport and enough money for your trip. You’ve got items that you’d like to pack, like books and hair straighteners. And there are things you can happily leave behind if you don’t have space for them.

Here, we’ve got a breakdown of must-have items for both carry-on and hold luggage, along with insider tips and expert packing hacks. We'll also explore specific packing considerations for various holiday types, from ski trips to outdoor adventures.

It’s super important to have everything you need for your trip. Here, we share a holiday packing checklist that covers essential and optional items you should pack in your carry-on bag and hold luggage. You’ll know the things to carry when travelling and what is safe to go in the hold.

Carry-on luggage items

Hold luggage items

In our experience, staying warm and comfortable is crucial for a successful ski trip. Although many of the items you need for a holiday on the slopes are the same as other trips, layers must be carefully considered. Remember the clothes and accessories you need for a ski holiday are typically bulky, so choose your luggage allowance carefully when booking your flight to avoid excess luggage charges.

Our packing recommendations for a week-long skiing holiday include:

- Three thermal tops

- Three pairs of thermal leggings

- Two fleeces or jackets

To layer up further, pack a waterproof jacket and waterproof trousers or salopettes. Warm, comfy clothes for when you’re not on the slopes (apres-ski, anyone?) are vital, as are underwear and four pairs of ski socks.

You may also need swimwear if you’re staying somewhere with a pool, sauna, or hot tub.

When it comes to accessories, pack:

- Suitable shoes

- Ski gloves

- A neck warmer

- Ski goggles

- Sunglasses with UV lenses

- A hat

Check to see if you need a helmet or if you can hire one. Sun cream and SPF lip balm are another must, as is a small backpack for when you’re on the slopes.

Venturing into the great outdoors on an active adventure holiday requires careful preparation and the right gear. Planning where you’re going to visit and the activities you’re going to try is exciting, but packing the right items is essential to make sure you have a trip that’s memorable for all the right reasons. Pack lightweight layers that you can easily put on and remove, take minimal toiletries so your bag is a manageable weight, and consider any items you may need if you’ll be sleeping outside, like a tent, sleeping mat, pillow, and sleeping bag.

For a one-week adventure in the great outdoors, we suggest packing:

- A waterproof jacket

- Seven short-sleeve, mid-length, and long-sleeve lightweight tops

- Two pairs of walking trousers

- A pair of waterproof trousers

- A fleece

- Hiking socks

- Underwear

The right footwear is vital when preparing for an outdoor adventure, as hiking with blisters or wet feet isn’t the holiday anyone’s been dreaming of. Wear in a sturdy pair of walking boots before you pack them and take water shoes if you’ll be kayaking or canoeing.

Smaller essentials to pack include:

- A dry bag

- Waterproof rucksack cover

- Torch

- Portable charger

- Insect repellent

- Water bottle

- Medical kit

With a more active holiday you may want to increase your supplies. For extreme hikes, make sure you’ve got altitude sickness tablets to hand and do your research before setting off.

There are many packing tips and hacks to help make the most of your luggage allowance and ensure you’ve got everything you need for your trip. Over time, you’ll start to understand what you really need to pack, what you can leave behind, and how to fit those essentials (and a few non-essentials) into your bags.

In our experience, packing cubes and vacuum bags offer the perfect solution for fitting as much clothing into your permitted luggage as possible. These items compress clothing while keeping it organised and crease-free, providing numerous benefits for such an affordable packing hack. Vacuum bags are especially useful when packing bulky clothes, making them ideal for the chunky layers needed for a ski holiday. Wear your heaviest items on the plane to avoid unexpected heavy luggage fees.

We rarely travel with full-sized toiletries, especially when heading off on short breaks and weekend trips. Not only do travel-sized toiletries take away the stress of the 100ml liquid rule at airport security, but they also weigh a lot less which makes carrying a bag far more comfortable. Decant your favourite products into smaller bottles so they can travel with you.

Now you know how to pack like a pro and the essentials that you need to take on every trip, you can start planning your holiday with confidence. Plan your packing in advance and use Skyscanner’s checklist for a stress-free trip.