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Practical packing checklist

Are you heading off on holiday, a business trip or a weekend getaway? This clear packing checklist will help you check everything important before you leave – from documents and bookings to clothing and electronics, as well as hygiene items and a travel first-aid kit.

Practical shortened version

Only the things that are really worth remembering. Obvious items such as a comb, a watch or reading for the journey have been deliberately left out.
Items marked “depending on the trip” should only be taken if they match the destination or type of holiday.

Before you leave (documents, bookings and finances)

ID card or passport, and visas if applicable
Check the validity of your passport, driving licence and payment cards
Travel insurance documents
Flight tickets, train/bus tickets and booking confirmations
Addresses and contacts for accommodation or organisers
Payment card and a reasonable amount of cash
Copies of important documents stored separately from the originals
Important contacts and information for emergencies
Online check-in, if required

Sort out at home (what’s good to take care of before a longer trip)

Check limits and use of your payment card abroad
Arrange care for pets and plants
Excuse children from school in advance
Pause regular deliveries or subscriptions depending on the trip
Unplug unnecessary appliances
Store valuables in a safe place
Leave a key and your contact details with someone you trust depending on the trip

Luggage and organisation - basic kit

Main luggage suitable for the type of trip
Small rucksack or bag for day trips
Organiser for documents, money and cards
Covers or organisers for clothes and small items depending on the trip

Everyday essentials - (things that are often forgotten)

Phone and charger
Sunglasses and headwear
Light rain jacket or umbrella
Suitable, tried-and-tested footwear
Water bottle
Travel pillow, eye mask or earplugs depending on the trip
Camera, charger and memory card depending on the trip
Electrical adaptor or plug converter depending on the country
Light, easy-care clothing for the weather

Small extras - especially useful for active trips

Head torch or small torch depending on the trip
Spare batteries or memory card depending on the trip
Small sewing kit depending on the trip
Washing line or laundry kit depending on the trip
Fabric tape outdoor

Hygiene

Toothbrush, toothpaste and dental floss
Deodorant and soap
Skin cream, ideally with SPF
Shampoo and conditioner if needed
Shaving kit as needed
Glasses and a hard case
Contact lenses, solution and case as needed
Scissors, nail clippers or tweezers; in checked luggage
Quick-drying towel depending on the trip
Travel bottles for toiletries depending on the trip

First-aid kit and health protection - adapt to the destination and your health

Regular medication in sufficient quantity
Pain and fever relief
Anti-diarrhoea medicine and basic digestive remedies
Lozenges for a sore throat depending on the trip
Sunscreen and lip balm with SPF
After-sun or treatment for sunburnt skin depending on the trip
Insect repellent depending on the destination
Disinfectant and ointment for minor injuries
Small travel first-aid kit
Water purification product remote areas

Czech shortened adaptation of the original “Packing Checklist” by Eagle Creek (2019). The selection of items was adjusted so that it does not include unnecessary obvious items and outdated entries.