Summer Holiday Packing List
The complete packing checklist for beach and sightseeing trips in warm weather
Summer holidays mean sun, relaxation, and exploring new places. Whether you are heading to a Mediterranean beach, an adventurous road trip, or a cultural city break in warm weather, this guide ensures you pack everything needed while leaving space for souvenirs. We cover beach essentials, sightseeing necessities, evening outfits, and how to balance looking good with travelling light.
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Build My Packing ListPlanning Your Summer Holiday Packing
Summer holidays typically combine relaxation (beach, pool) with activity (sightseeing, excursions). Your packing needs to cover both without bringing your entire wardrobe. The goal is versatile pieces that work across different situations.
Tip
Check your destination forecast before packing. Mediterranean summers are reliably hot, but northern Europe or mountain areas can be surprisingly cool in evenings.
Travel Documents
- Passport (check validity - 6 months minimum for many countries)
- Visa or ETA if required
- Travel insurance documents
- Flight tickets and boarding passes
- Hotel or apartment confirmation
- Car hire confirmation and driving licence
- EHIC/GHIC card (for Europe)
- Copies of all documents (email to yourself)
- Emergency contact numbers
- Credit cards and currency
Choosing Your Luggage
- 7 nights or less: Cabin bag only is achievable
- 7-14 nights: Medium hold suitcase
- 14+ nights: Large suitcase or medium plus cabin
- Day bag: Essential for beach, sightseeing, or flights
- Beach bag: Tote that handles sand and wet swimwear
Clothing - The Basics
Summer holiday clothing should be light, breathable, and quick-drying. Stick to a colour palette so everything mixes and matches.
- T-shirts and vest tops (one per day plus 2 spares)
- Shorts (2-3 pairs)
- Light trousers or linen pants (1-2 pairs)
- Summer dresses or skirts (versatile day-to-evening pieces)
- Light long-sleeve shirt (sun protection and cooler evenings)
- Light cardigan or wrap (air conditioning and evening chill)
- Underwear (one per day plus spares)
- Socks (if bringing trainers)
- Pyjamas (light cotton)
Family Tip
Linen is your friend in hot weather - breathable, dries fast, and creases are part of the look. Cotton is second best. Avoid synthetic materials that trap heat.
Swimwear & Beach Gear
- Swimsuits or bikinis (2-3 - wet swimwear is miserable)
- Swim shorts (2 pairs minimum)
- Beach cover-up or kaftan
- Sarong (multi-purpose: cover-up, towel, blanket)
- Beach towel (or use hotel towels if provided)
- Flip-flops or sandals
- Beach bag (handles sand and wet items)
- Waterproof phone pouch
- Goggles
- Snorkel gear (or rent at destination)
Evening & Restaurant Wear
Summer evenings often mean eating out. Pack a few pieces that elevate your daywear.
- 1-2 nicer outfits (smart-casual for restaurants)
- Evening dress or jumpsuit
- Smart sandals or espadrilles
- Light blazer or nice cardigan
- Statement accessories (elevate basics)
- Skip the heels unless you love them - cobblestones hurt
Money-Saving Tip
A simple dress or linen shirt can go from beach bar lunch to restaurant dinner with a change of accessories. Pack versatile pieces, not separate outfits.
Footwear
Shoes take up space. Be strategic and limit yourself.
- Comfortable walking sandals (for sightseeing in heat)
- Flip-flops (beach and casual)
- Trainers (if planning walking or hiking)
- One pair smart sandals or evening shoes
- Water shoes (for rocky beaches or watersports)
Sun Protection - Do Not Skip This
Sunburn ruins holidays. Pack properly and use everything you bring.
- Sunscreen SPF 50 (at least 2 bottles for a week)
- Sunscreen for face (often lighter formula)
- After-sun lotion
- Lip balm with SPF
- Wide-brimmed sun hat
- Baseball cap or peaked cap
- Sunglasses (with UV protection)
- UV protection swimwear (especially for kids)
Warning
Apply sunscreen 20 minutes before sun exposure. Reapply every 2 hours and after swimming, even if it claims to be waterproof.
Toiletries
- Toothbrush and toothpaste
- Shampoo and conditioner (travel size or hotel supplies)
- Shower gel or soap
- Deodorant
- Moisturiser (skin dries in sun)
- Face wash
- Razor and shaving supplies
- Makeup (minimal - it melts in heat)
- Waterproof mascara
- Hair ties and clips
- Hairbrush
- Insect repellent
- After-bite cream
Health & First Aid
- Prescription medications (with prescription letter)
- Paracetamol and ibuprofen
- Antihistamines (for bites and allergies)
- Anti-diarrhoea tablets
- Rehydration sachets
- Plasters and antiseptic cream
- Motion sickness tablets (for boats and winding roads)
- Blister plasters
- Eye drops (dry eyes from air conditioning)
- Contact lenses and solution
Electronics
- Phone and charger
- Camera (or rely on phone)
- Power bank
- Travel adaptor (check destination plug type)
- E-reader
- Headphones
- Tablet for flights and entertainment
- Underwater camera or phone case (for snorkelling)
Summer Holiday with Kids
Children need more changes (spills, sand, wet swimwear) but do not need outfit variety. Pack practical.
- T-shirts and tops (1.5 per day - spills happen)
- Shorts (3-4 pairs)
- Swimwear (3 sets minimum)
- UV protection rash vest
- Sun hat with neck protection
- Sunglasses with strap
- Comfortable sandals with back strap
- Flip-flops
- One warm layer for evenings
- Light pyjamas
- Arm bands or float vest
- Beach toys (or buy cheap ones there)
- Snorkelling gear for older kids
Family Tip
UV protection swimwear (rash vests) dramatically reduces sunscreen battles with children. Long-sleeve and long-leg versions are available and worth it.
Kids Entertainment
- Tablet with downloaded films and games
- Headphones (child-safe volume)
- Colouring books and crayons
- Sticker books
- Card games
- Small toys
- Books
- Beach toys - bucket, spade, nets
- Ball or frisbee
Baby & Toddler Additions
- Nappies (enough for journey plus first day)
- Wipes (bring plenty)
- Nappy bags
- Formula and bottles if needed
- Snacks and familiar food
- Swim nappies
- Travel pushchair or carrier
- Pop-up sun tent
- Portable high chair or harness
- Favourite teddy or comforter
- Blackout blind for hotel room
What NOT to Pack
- Too many outfit options (you will wear the same favourites)
- Heavy jeans (one pair maximum)
- High heels (cobblestones and sand)
- Black clothing (absorbs heat)
- Expensive jewellery
- Full-size toiletries (decant or buy there)
- Thick jumpers (one light layer is enough)
- Multiple books (e-reader or one book only)
- Bulky towels (hotels provide them)
Money-Saving Tip
Leave space for souvenirs. If your suitcase is full leaving home, you will struggle to bring anything back.
Packing Tips for Summer
- Roll clothes to prevent creases
- Use packing cubes to organise categories
- Pack heaviest items at wheel end of suitcase
- Put liquids in clear bag for easy security access
- Wear bulkiest items on the plane
- Pack one full outfit in hand luggage (for delayed bags)
- Leave toiletry bag accessible for hotel check-in freshening up
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