The anticipation of your vacation is growing. But what should you pack and what else should you think about? Whether it's a beach vacation, city break or hiking adventure: a well-thought-out packing list will help you start the best weeks of the year in a relaxed manner. Instead of frantically packing your suitcase at the last minute, we'll show you how to prepare cleverly for your vacation and not forget anything important.
From the basic equipment in your suitcase to special equipment for particular types of vacation and practical tips for traveling with children or dogs: this guide will help you to pack in a relaxed manner and start your vacation well prepared. So you have everything you need at your vacation destination.
Packing made easy: how to prepare yourself
Quickly pack your suitcase and off you go on vacation. Only to realize at your destination that the most important things are missing? Better not! Good preparation also means thinking about the right travel insurance. Because with the right cover, you not only avoid stress when packing, but also worries on the road.
Clarify travel conditions
Before you create a packing list for your vacation, you should clarify the general conditions of your trip:
- What is the weather like at your vacation destination?
- What are the airline's luggage weight restrictions?
- Are there any special regulations when entering the country, for example for medication?
- What activities are you planning locally?
- Which means of transportation will you use at your vacation destination?
Check important documents in advance
Create a checklist for your travel documents a few weeks before you travel. Remember the following important points:
- Check the validity of your passport or ID card
- Apply for a visa (if necessary)
- Check your vaccination record and make up for any missing vaccinations. If you are unsure, we recommend seeking medical advice.
- Take out or adjust travel insurance
- Apply for an international driving license (if necessary)
Efficient packing: 4 practical tips
Pack your suitcase easily and efficiently with these 4 simple tips:
- Don't pack on the last day before departure. Start packing at least 3 days in advance.
- Packing bags or packing cubes help you to pack your suitcase clearly.
- Create a digital packing list that you can adapt after each trip.
- Find out what shopping facilities are available at your destination. You don't have to take everything with you from home.
Preparing for a family vacation
If you are traveling with children, find out in good time about the facilities in your accommodation at your vacation destination:
- Does your hotel offer a laundry service? Is there a washing machine in your vacation apartment?
- Is there a crib or crib bumper, high chair and baby monitor available?
- Are there toys or a playground on site?
Can you borrow additional baby or children's equipment from the accommodation?
In the following sections you will find packing lists for every type of vacation: summer vacation, winter vacation, city trip, hiking vacation, vacation with children and vacation with a dog. These packing lists will give you a good orientation.
Basic packing list: Basic equipment for every suitcase
A well-thought-out packing list starts with the basic suitcase equipment you need for every trip. It forms the basis of your luggage and can be adapted depending on the season and vacation destination.
Clothing
- Comfortable, combinable clothing (e.g. jeans, pullovers, T-shirts)
- Underwear
- Socks
- Comfortable shoes
- Pyjamas
- Weatherproof clothing (e.g. rain jacket, waterproof shoes)
Documents & Finances
- Passport, identity card
- Visa
- Travel authorization (if only one parent is travelling with the child)
- e-Card
- Vaccination card
- Credit card, cash
- (International) driver's license
- Flight tickets, train tickets
- Booking confirmation
- Insurance documents (travel insurance, car)
Unser Tipp: Der Reisepass oder Personalausweis sollten bei der Einreise in der Regel noch mindestens 6 Monate gültig sein. Informationen über die genauen Einreisebestimmungen des jeweiligen Landes erhalten Sie beim Bundesministerium für europäische und internationale Angelegenheiten.
Our tip: Your passport or identity card should generally be valid for at least 6 months when you enter the country. Information on the exact entry requirements of the respective country can be obtained from the Federal Ministry for European and International Affairs.
Hygiene & Cosmetics
- Toothbrush, toothpaste, dental floss
- Shower gel
- Shampoo
- Body lotion
- Cosmetics (e.g. make-up, mascara)
- Feminine hygiene products
- Shaving utensils
- Handkerchiefs
First-aid kit
- Disinfectant
- Ointment for wounds
- Plaster
- First aid kit
- Painkillers
- Cold remedy
- Personal medication
- Contraceptives
- Insect repellent (mosquito and tick repellent)
Technology
- Cell phone
- E-reader, tablet, laptop
- Camera with memory cards
- Headphones
- Charging cable
- Powerbank
- Adapter
Other accessories
- Translation app or dictionary
- Travel guide
- Magazines, books
- Pen, notebook
- Snacks and drinks for on the go
With this basic packing list, you'll always have everything you need for your vacation. Below we will show you how to supplement this basic equipment to suit your type of vacation.
Packing list for hand luggage: what to take on the plane
Pack not only valuables and important documents in your hand luggage, but also everything you want to have to hand during the flight. Observe the airlines' strict regulations: sharp objects are prohibited and liquids are only allowed in small quantities in your hand luggage - with the exception of baby food. Also check the dimensions and maximum weight allowed by the airline for your hand luggage.
- Important documents (e.g. passport, identity card, tickets)
- Cell phone
- Book, magazine, e-reader
- Headphones
- Charging cable, power bank
- Hygiene articles in permissible size
- Neck pillow, sleeping goggles, earplugs
- Small snacks
Our tip: If there is still room, pack a change of clothes in your hand luggage. This way, if your checked bag gets lost or arrives late, you will have a change of clothes to hand.
Packing list for your summer vacation: well-equipped for sun, beach and sea
Bright sunshine, crystal-clear water and relaxing days on the beach: for the ideal summer vacation, you will need some special items in your luggage in addition to the basic equipment:
- Light summer clothing (e.g. shorts, summer dresses, sandals, bathing shoes)
- Swimsuit, swimming trunks
- UV-protective clothing
- Bathrobe, bath towel
- Sunglasses, sun hat
- Sunscreen
- Lip balm with UV protection
- Beach bag
- Air mattress
- Swimming aids
- Snorkeling or diving equipment
- Swimming earplugs, nose clip
Winter vacation packing list: what to pack for cold adventures
Are you planning a skiing or winter vacation? A vacation like this places special demands on your equipment: on the one hand, you need to protect yourself from the cold, and on the other, you need special equipment for winter activities such as skiing or snowboarding. This winter packing list will help you think of everything you need:
- Winter clothing (e.g. thick sweater, lined pants)
- Ski jacket and ski pants
- Lined shoes or boots with a good tread
- Wool socks
- Thermal underwear
- Scarf, hat, gloves
- Ski goggles
- Helmet and protectors
- Ski or snowboard equipment (e.g. snowboard, skis, poles, boots)
- Sledges, ice skates
- Sunscreen (sun cream, lip balm with UV protection)
Packing list for a hiking vacation: optimally equipped for an outdoor adventure
Nature is calling! Answer the call and start your hiking vacation with the right equipment in your luggage. Pay particular attention to functional and safe equipment.
- Hiking shoes or boots with good grip
- Functional clothing (waterproof, breathable)
- Hiking poles
- Hiking rucksack
- Hiking maps
- Flashlight
- Binoculars
- Signal whistle and GPS device
- Blister plasters
- Cooking utensils for on the go
- Drinking bottle
Packing list for a city trip: Cleverly packed for urban tours
For city trips, your packing list should primarily include comfortable equipment. This way you can relax and enjoy the sights and culinary highlights of the city.
- Comfortable shoes for long walks
- Light, smart clothing for evening events
- Map app or city map
- Tickets for concerts and excursion destinations
- Backpack or shoulder bag for the day
Packing list for a vacation with baby and child: relaxed travel with the family
The vacation packing list for traveling with children depends largely on the age of your children: while babies mainly need hygiene items and care products, toys and entertainment are particularly important for older children.
- Baby carriage, buggy or baby carrier
- Baby seat or car seat
- Travel cot
- Sleeping bag
- Baby food
- Bottle, thermos bottle
- Bib
- Change of clothes
- Diapers and diaper bags
- Wet wipes
- Changing mat
- Care cream
- Nose drops
- Pacifier
- Toys, books
- Cuddly toy, blanket
Our tip: Are you flying with a baby or toddler? Think about what children's equipment can and should go in your hand luggage. Also find out from the airline whether you can check in a buggy or baby carriage as baggage free of charge.
Packing list for a vacation with your dog: what your four-legged companion needs
So that your faithful companion can enjoy the trip as much as you do, make sure you pack these things in your luggage for your vacation with your dog:
- Leash, collar, harness
- Muzzle
- Food and water for the journey
- Water bowl, food bowl
- Poop bag
- Dog brush
- Dog shampoo
- Dog blanket
- Dog toy
- Vaccination certificate and chip information
- GPS tracker, dog tag with contact information
- EU pet passport
Relax on vacation with the right travel insurance
Your suitcases are now well packed for your vacation and the anticipation is building. Now all you need is the right travel insurance. Because even with the best travel planning, something unforeseen can always happen. Protect yourself against unexpected costs due to illness, accident or trip interruption with comprehensive cover from Europäische Reiseversicherung. This gives you the best possible cover worldwide so you can relax and look forward to your vacation.