Packing List for Your Vacation: So You Don't Forget Anything When Traveling

Every journey begins with packing. As you stand in front of your open suitcase, surrounded by folded shirts, rolled T-shirts, and your toiletry bag, your anticipation for what awaits you in the distance grows. Those who travel regularly know that packing well saves nerves, time, and sometimes even money. Start your vacation stress-free with our packing lists.

Basic Packing List: The Essentials for Relaxed Travel

The perfect packing list starts with the seemingly obvious. These are the essentials that are sometimes surprisingly left at home. Here are the basics that you always need to take with you, whether you're going on a city break, beach vacation, or business trip.

- Travel documents – extremely important: Remember to bring your passport, ID card, driver's license (an international one if applicable), vaccination certificate, credit cards, and booking confirmations. It's best to have the latter printed out and carried digitally. It also never hurts to have a little cash in your wallet.

- Technology and accessories – you can't do without gadgets: A smartphone, chargers, memory cards, headphones, and a universal adapter will ensure that your vacation doesn't inadvertently turn into a digital detox experience.

- Hygiene and comfort items – for a well-groomed appearance: If you want to feel comfortable and score points with your fellow travelers, pack a toothbrush and toothpaste, travel-sized shampoo and shower gel, deodorant, face cream, a brush or comb, a nail file and scissors, and a razor. Sunscreen and disinfectant should also be on every packing list. If you need glasses to see clearly, remember to pack them – or contact lenses, including lens cases and cleaning solution. Menstrual products are also essential for anyone who needs them.

- Travel first-aid kit – health comes first: If you need to take prescribed medication, it should be the very first thing you pack. Other important items include remedies for pain and fever, as well as gastrointestinal medication for diarrhea and nausea. Don't forget Band-Aids for wounds and blisters. As some vacation destinations are home to small pests, we also recommend packing insect repellent and ointments to relieve itching caused by insect bites.

- Clothing – the foundation of your travel wardrobe: Pack basics such as T-shirts, underwear, socks, a light rain jacket, and a sweater for changing temperatures, as well as a comfortable pair of shoes. Don't forget a slightly more elegant outfit for the evening.

- Organization is everything: Bags for dirty laundry and a few plastic zip-top bags ensure cleanliness and order until the return trip.

Tip: Roll your clothes instead of folding them to save space and prevent creasing.

Off to the Sun: The Packing List for Your Summer Vacation

If you want to enjoy the lightness of being on your summer vacation, you shouldn't complain too much when you arrive. You don't need much more than breezy clothes, swimwear, and a few accessories to get by at the beach hotel. It's also a good idea to leave room in your suitcase for a few souvenirs anyway. So, what shouldn't be missing from your packing list for your summer vacation? Find out here.

- Summer clothing – to avoid sweating: Opt for breathable materials such as cotton, linen, or viscose. Consider sandals and other light shoes that also look elegant while strolling around town.

- Swimwear – to get more out of the sea: Of course, bikinis, swimming trunks, and the like are a must. Don't forget flip-flops for walking by the sea or to the beach bar. Tip: Microfiber beach towels dry faster and save space. All of these items belong in a beach bag.

- Sun protection – for a healthy sizzle: Waterproof sunscreen with a high sun protection factor, after-sun lotion and a lip balm with UV protection are essential for every summer vacation. Sunglasses protect your eyes from UV rays, and a cap or straw hat will help keep your head cool on the beach and while sightseeing in the city.

- The extras: A thermos flask will keep your drinks cool, even in the summer heat. A waterproof bag will protect your electronic devices from getting wet or scratched by sand.

Packing List for Your Winter Vacation – Layers Instead of Heaviness

When heading to colder climes in the winter, your top priority should be to stay warm. This can be difficult without overloading your suitcase with woolly sweaters and a thick down jacket. The trick to packing for a winter vacation is to dress in layers.

- Base layer: Thermal underwear regulates body temperature, wicks away moisture, and ensures comfort.

- Middle layer: A fleece or light sweater retains heat without adding bulk.

- Outer layer: A waterproof, breathable jacket or coat with the same properties provides reliable protection against the wind and wet conditions.

- Accessories: A hat, gloves, a scarf, and thick socks will protect and add a stylish finishing touch to your outfit.

- Extras: Sunglasses will protect you from UV rays and being dazzled by the snow. Hand warmers, lip balm, and a small thermos flask are also important companions on a winter vacation.

Tip: Use compression or vacuum bags to significantly reduce the volume of bulky winter clothing, such as thick down jackets and sweaters, by pressing or rolling out the air. This makes thick items flat and allows them to fit much more compactly in the suitcase.

What You Need to Pack for a Vacation with Children and Babies

​Traveling with the family, with small children and babies, is a logistical feat. Helpful tips include packing a clearly structured suitcase, small bags for each family member, and familiar items for the little ones. Here is our checklist for vacations with children and babies:

- Travel documents and organization – to make sure everything runs smoothly: Make sure passports (even for babies!), booking confirmations, emergency contacts, and the address of the accommodation are on hand. For added peace of mind, consider getting SOS bracelets for the children with your mobile phone number.

- Medicine and safety – well prepared for all eventualities: You should always carry a small first-aid kit. If you're traveling with children, it should include a clinical thermometer, child-friendly painkillers and antipyretics, nasal spray, Band-Aids, and wound disinfectant. It is also helpful to have allergy medication or electrolytes. Important documents, such as health insurance cards, vaccination certificates, and international health insurance, should also be included in your luggage.

- Care and hygiene – so that the little ones feel comfortable: Diapers, wet wipes, wound protection cream, and a travel changing mat are essential. For daily care, mild baby shampoo, a gentle washing lotion, and sunscreen with a high sun protection factor are sufficient. Don't forget children's toothbrushes, brushes, combs, and a small hygiene kit for on the go (handkerchiefs, disinfectant, and a wet bag).

- Nutrition – so that a little hunger doesn't become a big drama: For babies, include pre/follow-up milk, bottles, bibs, and, if necessary, porridge or jarred food in the luggage. Older children will be happy to have their favorite snacks, a sturdy drinking bottle, and a lunch box for on the go. It's practical to pack a few squeezies or snack boxes, which fit in every bag. You can also pre-order a kids' meal with Lufthansa.

- Clothes – for all weathers and every adventure: To keep babies and children comfortable, pack light, breathable clothes as well as a warm sweater for cool evenings. Pack enough changes of clothes – small mishaps happen quickly. For babies, this includes bodysuits, rompers, and a sleeping bag; for children, pack comfortable shirts, shorts, and a sun hat for outdoors.

- Comfort and entertainment – for a good mood throughout the journey: A few favorite toys, books or a coloring book can make long trips more enjoyable for everyone. Audio games or a tablet with offline content are ideal for older children. Sand toys will keep them occupied at the beach.

- Mobility – always on the move: To stay mobile with the little ones, consider a stroller, buggy, or baby carrier. Don't forget sun and rain protection for the stroller.

What Belongs in the Carry-On Luggage?

Whether you're taking a long-distance trip or vacationing Mallorca, your carry-on luggage is your personal island while traveling. You can keep everything you need close at hand: travel documents, technology, a spare outfit, and perhaps a book. Well-prepared carry-on luggage will tide you over during long layovers or unexpected delays.

- Travel documents – everything you need at hand: Keep your passport and ID, boarding passes, booking confirmations, visa documents, wallet, and important cards in your carry-on luggage.

- Technology and valuables – safely stowed away: Your smartphone, laptop, tablet, headphones, and chargers should always stay with you. The same applies to jewelry and keys.

- Hygiene and care – for freshness on the go: Bring hygiene and care products such as a toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, lip balm, hand cream, disinfectant gel, and tissues. A mini deodorant or a refreshing spray can help you feel fresh during a long flight. However, to avoid any issues at security, all liquids must be in containers that hold no more than 100 ml, which should be placed in a transparent one-liter bag.

- Comfort – for pleasant travel: Bring a hoodie or scarf, a light change of clothes, a sleep mask, and a neck pillow to stay cozy on long flights.

- Snacks and drinks - energy for between meals: Small snacks, such as nuts or granola bars, and an empty water bottle to refill after security are useful.

- Health – just in case: Keep regularly required medication, a few Band-Aids, headache tablets, and travel chewing gum ready in your carry-on luggage.