Complete Guide: Packing Your Bags for Summer 2026 Holidays

The Ultimate Checklist for Preparing for Your Summer Vacation

Packing for summer vacation is often a source of stress: you pack too much, or you forget the essentials. Our comprehensive guide helps you remember everything while traveling light – with a selection of the best accessories available at Best'n Deal.

Essential Documents

Before anything else, check your documents:

  • Passport / ID card (sufficient validity)
  • Flight or train tickets (printed and on smartphone)
  • Hotel / Airbnb reservations
  • Travel insurance
  • Health insurance card and prescriptions if necessary
  • International driving permit if renting a car

Clothing: The 5-4-3-2-1 Rule

For a one-week vacation, this rule works perfectly:

  • 5 light tops (t-shirts, tank tops)
  • 4 bottoms (shorts, dresses, light pants)
  • 3 underwear sets
  • 2 swimsuits
  • 1 jacket or sweater for cool evenings

Complete with 1 pair of walking shoes, sandals, and flip-flops for the beach.

Hygiene and Care: The Essentials

Prioritize travel sizes (100ml max for air travel):

  • Sunscreen SPF50 (mandatory!)
  • Mosquito repellent
  • Hydrating after-sun lotion
  • Small first-aid kit
  • Regular medications

Tech & Gadgets Not to Forget

This is often where the most frustrating omissions occur:

  • Smartwatch: to track your activities without taking out your phone
  • Wireless headphones: for travel and the beach
  • Universal adapter: essential abroad
  • Power bank: for charging on the go
  • Charging cables: for all your devices
  • Camera / action camera: to capture memories

Beach & Pool Accessories

To fully enjoy the water:

  • Microfiber towel (light and quick-drying)
  • Waterproof beach bag
  • Polarized sunglasses
  • Hat or cap
  • Waterproof phone pouch
  • Flip-flops and water shoes

Games and Entertainment

For kids and family evenings:

  • Beach games (rackets, ball)
  • Books or e-reader
  • Card / travel games
  • Mini portable projector for outdoor movie nights
  • Ultralight hammock for naps in the shade

Travel Comfort

For long journeys:

  • Inflatable travel pillow
  • Sleep mask
  • Earplugs or noise-canceling headphones
  • Hydrating facial spray
  • Compression socks (long-haul flights)

Packing Tips

To maximize space in your suitcase:

  • Roll clothes instead of folding them
  • Use packing cubes for organization
  • Put shoes in plastic bags
  • Fill shoes with small items
  • Wear the heaviest clothes on departure day

Find All Your Vacation Accessories on Best'n Deal

Smartwatches, beach gadgets, portable fans, mini projectors, GPS trackers... everything you need for a perfect summer is available in our store with fast delivery. Happy travels!