This essential packing list will help you get organised, whether you plan to ski, hike or lie by the pool. Plus, we’ve got some insider packing tips to maximise your space and make your trip as smooth as possible.

The absolute essentials:

Tick these packing essentials off the list as you go and check out our handy tips to help you along the way:

• Passport / visa – make sure you’ve got at least six months left on your passport before you travel, which is a post-Brexit requirement for travelling to the EU. Print out your visa and make copies of both to keep safe in your suitcase and carry-on luggage.
• Travel insurance documents – make sure your travel insurance is in date and covers the country you’re visiting, and the activities you plan on doing. Bungee jumping on the agenda? You may want to check if you’re covered for ‘extreme’ sports.
• Boarding pass/tickets – whether you’re going by plane or train, it’s best to print it all out or load it as PDFs on your phone (we’d advise doing both in case you run out of phone charge or can’t log on to the WiFi). Check with your airline whether you have to check-in online before you arrive at the airport.
• Currency and credit/debit cards – even if you’re planning on using your card abroad it’s always a good idea to keep some currency and change on you for cash-only situations, like your first taxi from the airport. It’s best to let the bank know if you’re travelling abroad, too, and for how long.
• Emergency contact details – no matter how many people you’re travelling with, make sure you have contact details for someone back at home in case disaster strikes. Keep a copy in your suitcase and your hand luggage in case you get separated from either.
• Devices – no doubt you’ll have your phone on you at all times, but don’t forget your camera if you have one, a tablet or kindle for the journey and headphones, too.
• Chargers – forgetting your phone or laptop charger can be a nightmare.
• Medication ­– make sure you get any prescribed medication before you travel and that it’s enough to last for longer than your planned trip, in case you find yourself delayed or stuck abroad for longer than expected.
• First aid kit – it’s worth packing some different-sized plasters, insect repellent, painkillers, wipes and antibacterial hand gel.
• House keys – we have a feeling you’ll be wanting these at the end of your trip.

What else do I need to pack?

Now you’ve got the essentials, we’re guessing you’ll want some clothing and a few luxuries to go with them. For a one-week holiday, we’d suggest packing the following amount of clothes, toiletries and extras if you have space.