Packing Lists by Trip Type: City Break, Beach, Safari and Long-Haul

Overpacking is rarely about clothes. It is usually about not knowing what the trip will actually ask of you — how much walking, what the evenings look like, whether laundry is available. Deciding that first makes the list shorter and the bag lighter.

Start with the baggage allowance on your specific fare, not the airline's general policy. Basic fares often exclude a checked bag entirely, and cabin size limits differ between the outbound and a connecting carrier.

Carry with you, always

These items should never go in the hold, regardless of the trip. If your checked bag is delayed, this is what lets the first 24 hours proceed normally.

• Passport, visa or authorisation confirmation, and a printed copy of your itinerary
• All medication in original packaging, with a prescription copy for anything unusual
• Payment cards from two different providers, plus a small amount of local currency
• Phone, charger, a power bank within airline limits and a universal adapter
• One change of clothes and basic toiletries within liquid limits
• Travel insurance details and an emergency contact written on paper

City break, three to five nights

City trips are walking trips. Footwear matters more than outfits, and the weather swing between day and evening is the thing people get wrong.

• Broken-in walking shoes, plus one smarter pair only if evenings require it
• Layers rather than one heavy coat: a light jacket, a mid layer and a compact waterproof
• One outfit that suits a restaurant with a dress code
• A day bag that closes securely and sits in front of you on transport
• Refillable water bottle, offline maps and downloaded tickets

Beach and island trips

Resort packing is usually too heavy on clothes and too light on sun protection and footwear for wet surfaces.

• High-factor sun cream, after-sun and a wide-brim hat — resort shop prices are steep
• Two swimsuits so one is always dry
• Water shoes or sandals with grip for boats, rocks and pool decks
• A light long-sleeve cover-up for the strongest hours and for local dress expectations
• Dry bag for boat trips, and insect repellent appropriate to the region

Safari and wildlife trips

Luggage limits on light aircraft are strict and often require soft bags. Confirm the limit before you pack, not at the airstrip.

• Neutral-coloured clothing in layers — mornings are cold and midday is hot
• A warm fleece and a windproof layer for open vehicles at dawn
• Closed shoes, a hat, sunglasses and high-factor sun cream
• Binoculars, spare camera batteries and dust protection for equipment
• Insect repellent and any anti-malarial medication advised by a medical professional

Long-haul flights

Comfort on a long flight is mostly preparation rather than cabin class. These few items make more difference than anything else in the bag.

• Refillable bottle filled after security, and a plan to drink more than feels necessary
• Compression socks on flights over roughly six hours
• Eye mask, earplugs or noise-cancelling headphones, and a neck support you have actually tested
• Layers: cabins run cold, arrival airports often do not
• Downloaded entertainment and a charged power bank, since seat power is not guaranteed

The last check before you close the bag

Weigh the bag at home, check the liquid rules for your departure and connecting airports, and photograph the packed contents. If a bag goes missing, that photograph makes the claim considerably easier.

Finally, confirm restricted items for your destination. Power banks, certain medications, drones and some food products are regulated differently country to country.