Summer holiday season is on the horizon and boy, are we ready to enjoy idyllic beaches, exciting sights and decent weather – but before any of that, we have to think about the worst part: packing. If you’re anything like me, packing is a dreaded task that is often put off until the last possible minute and then I end up forgetting half of what I meant to pack. The last thing you want to do on holiday is spend hundreds on something you already have when you arrive at your destination, but left at home. Trust me, I do it every year!

You deserve to go on a trip that’s hassle and stress-free, so make sure you don’t leave out important stuff. I’ve witnessed how much easier it is when you plan ahead after going on holiday with some of my super organised friends, and honestly, it’s inspiring. Saving up before you go means you don’t have to stress about overspending when you’re there, buying all the necessities beforehand saves time later, and washing everything before you go means less of a last minute panic. This might sound basic to you, but seeing these things first-hand changed my life!

To make sure you’re ready for any and every thing you need for your much-awaited holiday, I’ve written the ultimate holiday packing checklist you need. Bookmark this page for every trip and you’ll never be caught out. Need a cute beach bag to go with your outfits? Read our edit of the best basket bags for summer 2024 next.

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What is the 5-4-3-2-1 packing method?

The 5-4-3-2-1 packing method makes getting organised for your vacation way easier, and there are a few variations of the method but they’re pretty similar. In short, it involves packing 5 tops, 4 bottoms, 3 dresses (or pairs of shoes), two swimsuits/bikinis and two bags, one hat and one pair of sunglasses. This should in theory last you on holiday for up to three weeks. Yes, really!

The travel necessities

Before you plan all your chic outfits, it’s best to plan all your travel necessities for the trip. Here are the things to make sure you don’t forget when packing. They make your plane, train or car trips so much easier.

• Suitcase (we’ve found a selection that fit hand luggage requirements, here)
• Travel tote or handbag / carry-on bag
• Passport
• Phone
• Bank card and/or cash
• Lip balm
• Moisturiser
• One or more books (depending on how long your trip is and how quickly you read)
• Sunglasses for when you land (optional: sunglasses chain to make sure you don’t lose them)
• Phone charger
• Headphones
• Face masks if needed
• Hand sanitiser
• 1 x Loungewear set

Large The Tote Bag, £230, Marc Jacobs at Farfetch – buy now

Cat-eye Frame Sunglasses, £271, Gucci at Farfetch – buy now

Eight Hour Cream Lip Protectant Stick SPF15 3.7g, £20.54, Elizabeth Arden at Sephora – buy now

Palms Together Hand Cleansing Gel Coconut Scent with Hook 60ml, £4, Nails.INC at Sephora – buy now

Charlotte’s Magic Cream, £52, Charlotte Tilbury – buy now

For the beach or pool

Enjoy beach and boat trips by having these on hand.

• Another pair of sunglasses, to suit every outfit
• Beach towel
• Swimsuit x 2
• Bikini x 2
• Beach bag
• Sun hat
• SPF for your body
• SPF for your face
• Slides / sandals
• Beach skirt or sarong

Draped Swimsuit with Tulle, £35.99, Zara – buy now

Crochet Straw Hat, now £27, Arket – buy now

Justine Basket, £220, Sezane – buy now

Cherry bikini top, £22.99, Mango – buy now

Printed Brazilian bikini bottoms, £17.99, Mango – buy now

Anthelios UVMune 400 Invisible Fluid SPF50+ Sun Cream 50ml, £20, La Roche-Posay at Sephora – buy now

READ MORE: Best White T-Shirts For Women to Shop in 2024 UK – High Street Tees From £9.99

Outfit essentials

Make sure you have everything you need to look and feel your best on day trips with these stylish essentials.

• Pair of denim shorts
• Pair of bermuda shorts
• T-shirts x2
• 1 blouse
• 2 x skirts
• 3 x summer dresses
• Underwear (including nude and thongs)
• Comfy trainers
• Socks x 7 (or more depending on the length of your vacation)

5-Pocket Denim Shorts, £65, Other Stories – buy now

Clean Cut T-Shirt, £30, Cos – buy now

For The Moment Mini, £88, Free People – buy now

MEXICO 66 sneakers, £130, Onitsuka Tiger – buy now

Ellery Cotton Blouse, £145, Rixo – buy now

Evening outfits

Avoid the getting ready frenzy before an evening out with the help of these must-have items.

• Dressier sandals
• A light jacket or overshirt
• Evening dress
• Nice top x 2
• Jewellery

Alexa puffed-hem stretch-woven midi dress, £99, Amy Lynn at Selfridges – buy now

Lourdes Black Sandals, £275, Miista – buy now

Piper Black Tiled Floral Reversible Quilted Jacket, £195, KITRI – buy now

Sculptural Hoops, £178, Mejuri – buy now

Sculptural Corset Top, £125, Other Stories – buy now

Beauty must-haves toiletries

Don’t forget about the beauty department.

Get your skincare, make up, and personal care needs sorted with the help of these items.

• Make-up bag
• Face wash
• Face moisturiser
• Sunscreen
• Body moisturiser
• Make-up remover
• Cotton wool pads
• Hair brush
• Hair bands
• Nail varnish
• Nail varnish remover pads
• Hair straighteners
• Hair dryer
• Perfume
• Shower gel / body wash
• Shampoo
• Conditioner
• Aftersun
• Razors
• Tweezers
• Sanitary products
• Painkillers
• Diarrhoea tablets
• Plasters/ blister plasters
• Nail file
• Deodorant
• Insect repellent
• Glasses / contact lenses

Dry Touch Sun Care Cream for Face SPF30 50ml, £26, Clarins at Sephora – buy now

Miss Dior Eau de Parfum £68 for 30ml, Dior at John Lewis – buy now

After Sun Anti-Wrinkle Face Cream 50ml, £49, Institut Esthederm at Sephora – buy now

Baby Logo-print shell travel case, £29, Kylie by Kylie Jenner at Selfridges – buy now

The Plant Brush Deep Sea Blue, £17, Tangle Teezer at Boots – buy now

Other essentials

Don’t leave home without these.

• Travel adapter
• Speakers
• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Medication
• Electronics (eg. hair straighteners)
• Prescription medication
• Driver’s license
• First aid kit
• Camera
• Laundry bag
• Laundry tablets or liquid
• Visas
• Packing cubes (optional)