When it comes to travelling, whether you're away for 1 night for work or a staycation, or off for 10 days somewhere exotic, planning what to take in advance can help avoid stress the night before you travel!
Exactly what you need will very much depend on where you're heading, but we've put together a handy guide to help inspire you wherever you may be off to!
Travel Documents, Tickets and Money
Depending on where you are travelling to, you may need your passport, driving license, visas, or other documents. It's a good idea to check what you require if you're leaving the country, and also to check your documents are still valid! Make sure you know where these are, too, so you can grab and go. It's also a good idea to take out travel insurance - this can help keep you covered while you're away.
If you have tickets and booking confirmations, make sure you have these saved somewhere you can easily access on your phone, and, if possible, have a copy you can access without an internet connection - sometimes a paper copy can come in handy! It's also a good idea to have a paper copy of important numbers and emergency contacts in case of loss or theft.
If you're heading abroad, it's a good idea to check in advance the best way to spend money. Many debit cards can be used overseas, but there may be transaction fees associated. A good alternative is prepaid travel cards, where you load money that is not linked to a bank account. These are also great if you're travelling with family and want to give them some independent spending money. You can find out more about Prepaid Cards in our Knowledge Library, and compare deals on Prepaid Cards.
Clothing and Accessories
Clothes and shoes can take up the most room in a suitcase, so if you are someone who overpacks, planning outfits in advance can really help! Of course, exactly what you will need depends on where you are heading and what you have planned, but taking multi-use items can help free up space in your case.
Another helpful tool is using luggage organisers - these can keep your garments crease-free during transit, and make it easy to find what you need when you arrive, as well as speed up the unpacking process when you get home!
We love this 8-piece travel cube set* - made from durable nylon, these are lightweight yet tough, and have a mesh front so you can easily see what's inside, making them easier to unpack. These can also double up as home storage!
Toiletries and Health Essentials
If you have any medications you need to take, then make sure you have any repeat prescriptions planned out before you travel so you don't run out. If you're flying, it's also a good idea to keep these in your hand luggage in case your suitcase is delayed in getting to you (always check the airline rules on transporting medication in hand luggage). It's also handy to have a small first aid kit with you, just in case, including things like plasters and pain relief, and anything else you might need, like insect repellent and antihistamines. This mini 110-piece first-aid kit* contains all the basics you need to treat minor injuries, and as it all fits in a small pouch, it won't take up much room in your case!
Travel-sized toiletries are always fun, but if your favourite items don't have a mini version, then this Travel Bottle Set* might be a good move! The largest bottles in the set are 90mm, meaning they are compliant with most airline regulations (always check first!), and with 9 containers of various sizes, you can keep your self-care routine up while you're away! The smaller pots in the set are also great for keeping smaller items safe, like jewellery.
Electronics and Gadgets
Depending on what you like and why you are travelling, you might want to take laptops, headphones, hair styling equipment, eBooks, cameras or whatever you might need for your trip. Always make sure you check the regulations for taking electronics on flights, as these can vary. And of course, wherever you're heading, you'll need the relevant charging cables and plugs!
If you're listening to music on your flight, taking lots of photos, or using maps to navigate, having a portable power bank to recharge your phone can allow you to get more out of your trip and give you added peace of mind! We've picked out this power bank*, which has 4 built-in cables and 2 USB slots, meaning you can share it with your travel companion or charge multiple devices at the same time. It also has a handy LED screen so you know how much power is left!
If you're heading aboard, you'll also need to make sure you have the correct adaptor plug so you can use your gadgets while you're there. It's a good idea to keep a plug and a phone charger in your hand luggage too in case you become separated from your main suitcase. This UK to EU (Type E/F)* also has 3 USB and 1 USB charging ports, which can be handy in hotels with not many sockets.
Finally, if you are flying, you'll need to be mindful of your luggage allowance. This varies, as do the penalties for going over, so checking this yourself can save some hassle down the line! This is super easy to do with these Electronic Luggage Scales*, which can measure up to 50KG/110lbs. This is easy to read and use, and also has a built in temperature gauge!
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This blog is for general information only and is not advice or a recommendation. Please do your own research before making any decisions.
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