Sun holiday checklist: organise everything before you go

A sun holiday is easier to enjoy when the practical details are settled before departure day. Start with your dates, destination and accommodation, then arrange transport, insurance, documents and activities. During the final week, check health advice, prepare cash and cards, pack beach gear and confirm your route and check-in details. This checklist also covers the jobs people often leave too late, including medicines, online check-in, luggage checks and arrangements for your home, plants and pets.

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The plan, step by step

Every task with its own sub-checklist, in the order you'll actually need them.

Preparations

Set the travel dates and destination
Book holiday accommodation
Book transport to the destination
Reserve parking transfer
Book excursions and activities
Check passports and ID cards
Arrange travel insurance
Check health advice
Gather dietary requirements
Record emergency contacts
Arrange debit cards and cash
Save route and check-in information
Make a packing list
Check luggage and locks
Pack clothes and shoes
2 people
Pack beach and swimming gear
2 people
Pack medications and travel first aid kit
Store travel documents safely
Charge phones and power banks
Arrange for the house, plants and pets
Check in online
Check refrigerator and waste

Event

Travel to the starting point
2 people
Check in luggage
2 people
Travel to the accommodation
2 people
Check accommodation and unpack
2 people
Put away groceries
2 people
Set out beach supplies
Run beach day
4 people
Restock drinks and snacks
Clean the kitchen and tableware
2 people
Carry out the booked excursion
4 people
Wash towels and swimwear
Restock daily food and drinks
2 people
Run final beach day
4 people
Repack luggage
2 people
Leave accommodation clean and empty
2 people
Check out and return keys
Travel to the starting point
2 people
Collect luggage and travel home
2 people

Aftercare

Unpack luggage
2 people
Sort and wash laundry
Return borrowed items
Archive travel documents
Clean and store luggage

What to bring

Grouped the way you'd shop for it, with quantities.

Travel supplies

Suitcasesqty 4
Daypacksqty 4
Packing cubesqty 8
Luggage tagsqty 4
Passport holdersqty 4
Document folder
Luggage locksqty 4
Travel pillowsqty 4

Equipment

Phone chargersqty 4
Travel plug adaptersqty 2
Power banksqty 2

Beach equipment

Beach towelsqty 4
Swimwearqty 8
Sun hatsqty 4
Sunglassesqty 4
Beach matsqty 4
Cooler bag
Reusable water bottlesqty 4
Snorkel setsqty 4

Clothing

Light clothingqty 12
Underwear setsqty 28
Pairs of socksqty 12
Sandalsqty 4
Walking shoesqty 4

Personal care

Toiletry bagsqty 4
Laundry bagsqty 2

Health

Travel first aid kit
Digital thermometer
Medicine box

Kitchen

Reusable shopping bagsqty 4

Groceries

Groceries

Tips

Check passports and ID cards at least 6 weeks before departure, and confirm that every traveller meets the destination’s entry requirements. Keep copies of the documents in a separate document folder and store the originals safely.
Book excursions, activities and any parking transfer before the final week if they are part of your plans. Save booking confirmations, route details and accommodation check-in information offline in case you lose mobile reception.
Pack beach and swimming gear separately from your main clothing so it is easy to reach on arrival. Include beach towels, swimwear, sun hats, sunglasses, beach mats, a cooler bag and reusable water bottles rather than assuming everything will be available at the accommodation.
Put medicines, a travel first aid kit and a digital thermometer in your hand luggage, not in a checked suitcase. Check prescriptions and travel health advice early; replacing medication abroad can take longer than expected.
Complete online check-in when it opens and check luggage, locks, chargers and power banks the day before leaving. Before you travel to the starting point, empty the refrigerator, take out waste and confirm who is caring for your home, plants and pets.

Frequently asked questions

How far in advance should I start planning a sun holiday?: Start at least 8 to 12 weeks before departure. Set the dates and destination first, then book accommodation, transport and activities before moving on to documents, health and packing.
When should I check my passport for a sun holiday?: Check every passport or ID card as soon as you choose the destination, ideally 6 to 8 weeks before travel. Entry rules vary, and some destinations require validity beyond your return date.
What should I pack for a week-long sun holiday?: Plan light clothing, underwear, socks, sandals and walking shoes for each traveller, then add swimwear, beach towels, sun hats and sunglasses. Keep medicines, chargers, travel documents and one change of clothes in hand luggage.
When should I pack for a sun holiday?: Make the packing list about 7 days before departure and finish packing 1 to 2 days before you leave. Check luggage, locks, chargers, power banks and travel plug adapters the evening before travel.

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