Suitcase Essentials: Packing for Your Next Getaway

If you have a break planned, chances are, you can’t wait to get away. The pandemic threw a spanner in the majority of people’s travel plans, with people being encouraged to stay within their own homes and avoid any contact with others.

International travel was nigh on impossible, with countless numbers of us having to cancel trips or airlines and holiday providers going bankrupt, taking the decision out of our hands.

However, as vaccines are being rolled out around the world and the virus is posing less of a threat, travel is becoming a realistic option and many of us are deciding where to head to first to satiate our wanderlust. Of course, the type of trip you are planning will largely determine what you will want to pack!

But here are a few suggestions that can help you while Packing for your next getaway.

This post may contain affiliate links which means we receive a small commission at no cost to you when you make a purchase. As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases. Please see my disclosure and privacy policy for more information.

Suitcase Essentials: Packing for Your Next Getaway

Absolute Essentials

There are certain things that you absolutely need before you head away. Make sure to prioritize them and ensure that you have them on you, or you have all of your documentation printed out and easily accessible.

Passport - you need to make sure that you have your passport if you’re going to be leaving your home country.

Without a passport, you won’t be able to leave your home country or enter the borders of the country you’re visiting. Make sure that your passport is in date and check rules created by the country you’re visiting.

Some require your passport to have a certain number of months left on it to allow you in, which may mean renewing early.

Related Travel Guides

Looking for other travel tips like this? Try these:

Visas - many countries require you to apply for a visa before they will allow you to enter. Make sure to look into your chosen country’s specific requirements and ensure you apply in good time to have your visa granted.

Travel insurance - no matter where you’re traveling, you need to make sure that you have travel insurance. This will ensure that should the worst happen while you’re away, you’re at least financially covered.

Good travel insurance will cover medical care, as well as personal belongings.

Clothing

You’re going to need to pack clothes that are appropriate for your trip. Only you know where you’re heading and your itinerary and plans, so only you will know what needs to be packed.

If you’re heading to a hot destination or beach holiday, you may need swimwear, beach towels, sunhats, sunglasses and more. If you’re heading to a city break, comfortable clothing with sensible shoes for walking will prove more appropriate.

For ski breaks, you will need skiwear. Then you will need all of your basics, such as pants, bras, underwear, socks, pajamas and more.

Sunscreen

If you’re heading to a hot location or a location where you’re going to be spending a lot of time outdoors and in the sun, you need to make sure that you pack plenty of sunscreen. There are countless brands out there for you to choose from.

There are also plenty of SPFs. Make sure to choose an SPF which will successfully protect you from the sun’s rays.

If you’re going to be spending time in water, you should also make sure to invest in waterproof sunscreens. Remember you can get lip balm sunscreens too.

Insect Repellant

If you’re planning on visiting a location with mosquitos and other insects, you should also invest in insect repellant. This will reduce the number of bites that you experience, preventing discomfort and itchiness.

Maps

We all rely on maps a lot to get from A to B. Whether that’s finding our way to the beach, a key tourist attraction, a public transport stop, a store, a pick up location or anything else, you are likely to use a map.

Nowadays, the majority of us use maps apps on our phone. But it’s important that you pack a physical map with you too. It’s advised to take this around with you in your bag during days out.

You can’t always count on your phone signal to work, so having a physical map easily accessible can really help you to find your way around if your phone dies or your signal fails you.

Hopefully, some of these suggestions will come in useful. Each can really help you during your trip and will maximize your enjoyment, comfort and safety while you’re away. Make sure to pack them, as well as anything else that might spring to mind while packing your case.

Just make sure to double check your baggage allowance and keep your suitcase weight below this!