Ok so the sun might not be shining right now, but thankfully aeroplanes exist and we can jet off to somewhere much warmer. So consider this your sign to book that girls' trip you've been plotting in the group chat. We can practically feel it already - in a towel on your balcony after a day of poolside chilling, eating Lays and having a big debrief with your friends before heading out for another delicious dinner (and endless margaritas).

When it comes to prepping for holidays, we’re all about sorting out the itinerary and searching TikTok for the best beach bar recommendations. But before we get to the piña colada sipping we need to sort out that dreaded task - packing. Why is packing for your very exciting holiday such a mind boggling task? How many pairs of pants do I actually need? (A LOT) And will I really wear this pair of sandals from five years ago? (Probably not).

The good news is we've got you covered with this very handy checklist for ticking off everything you need in your suitcase and hand luggage, so need to stress. Bon voyage!

Checklist before you go

  • Your passport is valid (it needs to have at least another six months on it before you depart)
  • You've had your necessary vaccinations, depending on where you're travelling
  • You've got travel insurance - do not get on a plane without it
  • You've arranged airport parking if needed
  • You're arranged car hire if needed
  • You've filled out any necessary visa applications

The essentials

1.Passport

2. Phone

3. Currency or credit card

4. Travel insurance info (just in case)

    For the journey

    5. Portable charger

    6. Lip balm

    7. Moisturiser (under 100ml)

    8. Comfy socks for the plane

    9. Book/Kindle (which you probably won't read all holiday)

    10. Playing cards

    11. Sunglasses for when you land at the other end

    12. Empty water bottle that can be filled up for free at most airports

    13. Hand sanitiser (under 100ml)

    14. Eye mask and ear plugs for long haul flights

    15. Face mask if required

    16. A pack of tissues (the film on the flight may get emotional ok)

    Tech and packing

    17. Travel adaptor

    18. Extension lead - to use with your adaptor so you can do your hair, charge your phone and have your speakers plugged in all at once

    19. Phone charger

    20. Camera and camera charger

    21. Portable speakers for tunes

    22. Headphones

    23. Kindle charger

    24. Packing cubes - these are a life saver

    25. A plastic bag for underwear or wet swimming costumes

    For the beach/pool

    26. One bikini/swimsuit for every three days of beach/pool time

    27. One cover-up for every three days of beach/pool time

    28. One pair of flip flops or pool slides for the day

    29. One beach bag (which can double up as your travel bag)

    30. One beach towel

    31. One fun inflatable

    32. Another pair of sunglasses

    33. Pass The Pigs (essential for playing by the pool)

    34. A hat for outfit vibes and sun protection

    For days out

    35. One crossbody bag for the day

    36. One pair of shorts

    37. A couple of T-shirts and tops

    38. Underwear - one pair of knickers for every evening and a few extra for days out

    39. Socks - one pair for everyday

    40. A comfortable dress that covers shoulders, chest and knees you can wear for sight seeing in religious places

    For the evenings

    41. One pair of dressy flats / trainers / sandals

    42. One pair of wedges / nice shoes

    43. One evening bag that goes with every outfit

    44. One outfit for every evening (bring versatile skirts you can mix up with different tops) and dresses that work from day to night

    45. One scarf/pashmina for cold nights

    46. Jewellery - leave anything sentimental or expensive at home, just in case you lose it

    47. Nightwear - something cool but comfy

    48. A jacket or layer you can wear out if it gets chilly

    Makeup and beauty bits

    49. Hair straighteners/curlers

    50. Hairdryer

    51. Hairbrush and comb

    52. Hair bands

    53. Kirby grips

    54. Your makeup

    55. Makeup remover

    56. Nail polish in the shade of your mani, in case they chip

    57. Nail polish remover - the pads are handy for travelling

    58. Perfume

    59. Claw clip

    For the bathroom cabinet

    60. Cleanser and moisturiser

    61. Shower gel, shampoo and conditioner

    62. Body lotion or after sun

    63. Suncream

    64. Diarrhoea tablets just in case you eat something dodge

    65. Insect bite cream/repellent

    66. Toothbrush and toothpaste

    67. Razor and shaving gel

    68. Tweezers and nail file

    69. Deodorant

    70. Pain killers - to help with the hangovers

    71. Sanitary products

    72. Contraception and other medication

    73. Plasters for any pesky blisters

    74. Contact lenses or glasses if needed

    75. Flannels or face cloths

    76. Hay fever tablets