Travel packing checklist: what to bring, what to buy

In short: travelling light means travelling better. Start from this checklist, tick what you really need for your trip, and only buy what’s missing. Three purchases often make the difference: a bag that fits your airline’s rules, a universal adapter and a power bank.

1. Documents (the most important)

• valid ID card and/or passport (check the dates);
• visa or travel authorisation if needed;
• driving licence (and International Driving Permit if required);
• bank cards (ideally two, kept separately) and some cash;
• European Health Insurance Card or travel insurance certificate;
• tickets, bookings and accommodation addresses, also saved offline.

2. Luggage

• Cabin bag: check the dimensions and weight allowed by your airline and fare before buying.
• Suitcase or backpack? A wheeled case is handy in cities and hotels; a backpack is better on cobblestones, stairs and itineraries with many changes.
• Packing cubes and a laundry bag to keep things organised.
• Padlock for your case and hostel lockers.

3. Electronics

• Universal adapter (France uses type E sockets at 230 V);
• power bank, always in the cabin [TO CHECK airline limits];
• chargers and cables, possibly a compact multi-socket;
• headphones, and offline maps downloaded;
• an eSIM if you come from outside the EU: see our Internet in France guide.

4. Toiletries and health

• in the cabin, liquids are limited and must be placed in a clear bag; rules are changing depending on airports and their equipment [TO CHECK for your airport];
• usual medication with prescription, in your cabin bag;
• small first-aid kit: plasters, painkillers, antiseptic;
• sunscreen, even in the mountains in winter.

5. Clothing

• layers rather than bulky clothes;
• a light waterproof jacket;
• comfortable shoes already worn in (lots of walking in cities);
• a slightly smarter outfit for a restaurant or a show.

6. By type of trip

• With kids: comfort toys, snacks, small games for journeys, water bottles; book a car seat with your rental car. See travelling with kids.
• Road trip / campervan: phone mount, car charging cable, cool box, head torch. See our campervan guide.
• Skiing: gloves, goggles, thermal base layers, sunscreen; equipment is rented on site: see our skiing in France guide.
• On a budget: water bottle (plenty of drinking fountains in cities), padlock, microfibre towel for hostels.
• Solo: copies of documents in secure online storage, a discreet money pouch.

Before you close the case

• weigh it (a luggage scale avoids surprises at the desk);
• photograph its contents and the case itself (useful if it’s lost);
• add a tag with a way to contact you;
• keep in your cabin bag: documents, medication, electronics, a change of clothes.