PalmaCoco Travel

What to Pack, What Not to Pack, and How to Keep Airport Security Happy

So, you’ve booked your dream holiday, and now comes the slightly less glamorous part – packing. Whether you’re a meticulous list-maker or a last-minute suitcase crammer, this guide will help you pack smart, avoid airport disasters, and ensure your holiday starts stress-free.

The must-pack essentials

Let’s start with the basics. These are the things you absolutely must pack to avoid a holiday meltdown:

• Passport & travel documents – Because no matter how much you pack, you’re not getting far without these!
• Money, cards & travel insurance documents – A beach holiday is lovely, but spending it trying to cancel a lost card, not so much. We can’t stress how important travel insurance is but it’s important to know that not all policies are made equal. Invest quality time to check what’s covered and what’s not and choose the policy that’s right for you.
• Medications – If you take prescribed medication, pack enough for the trip (and extras, just in case). Keep your prescription documentation with your medication, in case you’re asked to disclose this at customs.
• Adapters & chargers – Your phone battery doesn’t care that you’re on holiday; it will die at the most inconvenient moment. Fully charge batteries before you leave for the airport, but if needed, lots of airports have charging points available.
• Clothes for all occasions – Don’t just throw in bikinis and shorts, think layers, comfy shoes, and at least one dressy outfit. Some hotels request that you dress for dinner and won’t allow shorts and flip flops in the restaurant.
• Toiletries (mini-sized!) – If you’re travelling with just a carry-on, remember the 100ml liquid limit. Don’t put your large bottle of expensive perfume in your hand luggage – if it’s over 100ml, airport security will take it off you!
• Sunglasses & suncream – Because squinting at beautiful views is never a good look and whilst there’s likely to be plenty of suncream available to buy in resort, it’s likely to be a lot more expensive than at home.
• A good book or playlist – Essential for long flights or lazy afternoons by the pool.
• When passing through baggage checks, you’ll need to take out of your bag; any liquids, electronics, medication etc and place in clear plastic bags (there’s plenty of these available when you get there, and lots of instructional signage)

What NOT to pack in your hold luggage

Nothing ruins the start of a trip like arriving at your destination only to realise your suitcase didn’t. To avoid holiday heartbreak, never pack the following in your checked baggage:

• Valuables – Cameras, laptops, jewellery – if it would break your heart to lose it, keep it with you.
• Essential medications – Lost luggage means lost meds. Always keep these in your hand luggage.
• Important travel documents – Your passport should never see the inside of a checked bag!
• Electronics with lithium batteries – Airlines have strict rules on these, so keep them with you in your hand luggage.

Hand luggage must-haves

Your carry-on is more than just a mini suitcase, it’s your in-flight survival kit. Pack these essentials for a smooth journey:

• Travel documents & passport – Keep these in an easily accessible but secure spot; zipped in an inside pocket is perfect.
• Wallet, phone & chargers – The holy trinity of travel must-haves.
• Headphones & entertainment – Avoid being stuck next to a snorer without something to drown them out.
• Neck pillow, eye mask and light cardigan – Long haul flights can be exhausting, grabbing a mid-flight snooze means you can arrive feeling refreshed. A light cardigan is handy as the air-conditioning in the plane can mean it’s a bit chilly up there.
• Spare outfit and underwear – In case of spills or lost luggage mishaps.
• Toothbrush & face wipes – Freshen up mid-flight and arrive feeling (somewhat) human.
• Antibacterial hand wipes – Keep those pesky bugs at bay.

Pro Packing Tips

• Roll your clothes – Save space and prevents wrinkles! Taking the time to pack thoughtfully means that you can spend more time relaxing in resort and less time ironing in your room.
• Use packing cubes – Keep everything organized and easy to find.
• Zip lock bags – are perfect for storing liquids and cosmetics in hold luggage. Bottles can leak due to the pressure within the plane, place bottles in sealed zip lock bags to avoid having to rinse shampoo out of your undies, or worst still, your favourite silk blouse!
• Check airline rules – Every airline has different baggage policies, so don’t get caught out with extra fees. Check luggage weight limits and always double check with the individual airline if you have a particular item that you’re unsure should go in hand or hold luggage.
• Leave a little room – For souvenirs, of course!

Packing might not be the most exciting part of your trip, but get it right, and you’ll thank yourself later. Now, zip up that suitcase and get ready for adventure – your holiday awaits!