Packing List for Vacation Including Downloadable Checklist

Finally, the time has come: vacation is just around the corner. The days are numbered, the countdown is on full blast. If only the tedious task of packing didn't exist. Every time, there's this feeling of forgetting something important.

To ease your worries, we have listed the most important things you should definitely remember before your vacation. Additionally, you can check off what you have already packed using our handy printable packing list. So let your worries be worries and look forward to a relaxing vacation!

Entry requirements: Check all current information on the Foreign Office website

Need to apply for a visa?

Passport validity: Check the requirements for passport validity and apply for new documents if necessary. Tip: Bring your student ID (possible discounts and reductions).

Driver's license: Check the requirements for car rental booking and apply for an international driver's license if necessary.

Check vaccination status

Get an overview of necessary travel vaccinations and visit your family doctor if needed.

Insurance status: Note entry requirements and consider taking out travel insurance. Tip: Get travel insurance - it also works for flights, vacation homes, etc.

Cash/EC and credit cards: Withdraw cash, exchange currency at home or prefer to pay everything with a credit card in vacation? Remember to take TAN lists for online banking.

Parking: Check parking possibilities at and around the airport and compare prices. Consider reserving a parking space at the airport.

Car (self-drive): Check tire pressure and oil level. If traveling with a child: Check regulations for car seats in your vacation destination.

Invoices: Make important transfers and settle open bills.

✓ Turn off water and heating: Prevent damage & save heating costs

✓ Save electricity: Turn off fuses, unplug devices & switch off lights

✓ Empty refrigerator & trash: Give leftovers to neighbors and family to avoid unpleasant odors & mold

✓ Close windows: Prevent break-ins & damage

✓ Mailbox and plants: Ask neighbors, family or friends to collect the mail and possibly accept packages (important: write a power of attorney) and water the plants

✓ Organize spare key: Hand a copy of the key to a neighbor - just in case

✓ Passport (important for toddlers)

✓ ID card

✓ (International) driver's license

✓ Vaccination card

✓ EU pet passport

✓ Visa

✓ Health insurance card

✓ International health insurance

✓ Copy/photo of ID documents

✓ Credit/ debit card

✓ Cash

✓ Tickets for the train, flight, etc.

✓ Vignette/toll card (self-drive)

✓ Other travel documents, such as admission tickets, city pass tickets, guide books, etc.

✓ Documents and travel papers (see above)

✓ Books or e-reader

✓ Tablet or laptop - Tip: Download a movie or series and watch offline

✓ Headphones

✓ (Inflatable) travel neck pillow

✓ Earplugs (also for pressure equalization during flights)

✓ Sleep mask

✓ (Sunglasses) and optionally contact lenses

✓ Chewing gum (also for pressure equalization during flights)

✓ Nasal spray (also for pressure equalization during flights)

✓ Mini cosmetic bag (for long flights) including toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, wet wipes, etc.

✓ Mini travel pharmacy including prescriptions and mandatory medications

✓ Change of clothing (socks, underwear, and t-shirt) in case the suitcase gets lost

✓ Possibly compression or thrombosis stockings

✓ Personal and valuable items: Jewelry, watches, etc. should safely be in carry-on baggage

✓ (USB) charger and power bank

✓ Camera equipment - Observe airline guidelines - especially for (drone) batteries

✓ Underwear & bras

✓ Pajamas

✓ Tops/T-shirts

✓ Blouses/Shirts

✓ Shorts

✓ Long pants

✓ Dresses/skirts

✓ Shoes

✓ Socks and possibly tights

✓ Sportswear

✓ Sweaters/cardigans

✓ (Rain) jackets

✓ ☀️ Summer vacation packing list

✓ ❄️ Winter vacation packing list

✓ Swimsuit/bikini

✓ (Lage) multifunctional and thermal underwear

✓ Beach towel

✓ Waterproof clothing

✓ Beach bag

✓ Hiking shoes

✓ Sun hat

✓ Hat, scarf, headband, gloves

✓ Flip-flops or beach sandals

✓ Ski equipment, such as ski suit

✓ Neoprene shoes

✓ Other ski gear: Skis/snowboards, helmet, ski goggles, ski poles, ski wax

✓ Other beach and swimming accessories: Bath mat, air mattress, (inflatable) beach ball, diving goggles, snorkel, fins, beach games

✓ Toothbrush/toothpaste

✓ Sunscreen & after-sun lotion

✓ Body lotion

✓ Deodorant

✓ Soap, shower gel & shampoo

✓ Hair gel & hairspray

✓ Face cream & lip care

✓ Contact lens solution

✓ Makeup & remover

✓ Nail polish/nail polish remover

✓ Nail set & tweezers

✓ Perfume

✓ Comb and brush

✓ Tissues & cotton swabs

✓ For you and him

✓ For the child

✓ Tampons, pads, etc.

✓ Diapers

✓ Shaving cream/gel

✓ Wet wipes

✓ Contraceptives

✓ Skin oil or wound cream

✓ Baby powder

✓ Extra high sun protection or cold protection: Equally important in summer vacation with children as in ski vacation with your kids

✓ (Blister) plaster

✓ Anti-baby pill

✓ Disinfectant spray

✓ Allergy medications

✓ Cold medications

✓ Pain medications

✓ Stomach and intestinal medications

✓ Motion sickness medications

✓ Ointment for bites

✓ Personal medications

You rented a vacation apartment? Then you should expand your packing list by a few items:

✓ Bed linen, bed sheets

✓ Hand and bath towels

✓ Dishwasher tablets

✓ Dish soap, dish brush & sponge

✓ Dish towels

✓ Toilet paper

✓ Laundry line and clothespins

✓ Laundry detergent and fabric softener

✓ Kitchen paper

✓ Trash bags

✓ Oil

✓ Spices, salt, and sugar

✓ Coffee and coffee filters

✓ Candles

✓ Lighter

✓ Sun protection for the car

✓ Navigation device

A family vacation requires good planning and preparation. So that you don't forget anything at home and spend your valuable vacation time searching for baby and children's items, we have summarized the essentials for you:

✓ Children's passport

✓ Diaper bag

✓ Stroller or buggy

✓ Child seat

✓ Baby carrier

✓ Medications (see above)

✓ Clothing (see above)

✓ Swim floaties or swim diapers

✓ Bottles or drinking cups

✓ Baby food

✓ Nursing pads

✓ Children's dishes/cutlery

✓ Pacifiers

✓ Toys

✓ Bibs

✓ Head coverings (sun hats, beanies, etc.)

✓ Baby monitor

✓ (Action) camera, drone, tripod, etc.

✓ Headphones

✓ Charging cables

✓ USB/USB-C stick

✓ Laptop

✓ Power bank, battery, batteries

✓ Memory cards, card reader

✓ Plug adapter or Euro plug

✓ Hairdryer

✓ Flat iron

✓ Curling iron

✓ Shaver

✓ Flashlight

✓ Disinfectant

✓ Umbrella

✓ Travel guide

✓ Dictionary

✓ Hair ties

✓ Sewing kit

✓ Bags for dirty laundry

✓ Pens and notebook

✓ Entertainment - board games, playing cards, etc.

We have one last tip for you: If you are already looking for your next trip, we recommend you take a look at our offers. Whether you are interested in a spontaneous last-minute vacation, booking a single trip, or planning your next trip well in advance - you will definitely find something with us.

Everything organized, suitcase packed, checked off everything at home? Then it's time for your next vacation. It's best to print our handy packing list for vacation so you won't forget anything while packing. We wish you a good trip!