August 10, 2026, 3:11 pm | Read time: 3 minutes
Just before departure, the bed is full of clothes, the suitcase barely closes, and yet the feeling remains: Something is missing. Packing without a plan often leads to overpacking and forgetting important documents, medications, or charging cables. It’s advisable not to start directly at the open suitcase. First, check the weather forecast for your destination. Consider not only the daytime temperature but also cooler evenings, rain, and planned activities.
Next, create a personal packing list. Divide it into categories such as clothing, personal care, health, technology, and documents. Lay everything out visibly at first. This way, you can quickly see if you’ve packed something twice or if something is missing. Here is a comprehensive packing list for a classic summer vacation:
Packing List for a Summer Vacation
In Carry-On Luggage
- Documents: ID, tickets, booking confirmations, driver’s license, insurance documents
- Technology: Smartphone, possibly laptop and e-book, charger, headphones, power bank
- Miscellaneous: Sunglasses, gum, small cosmetic bag with cleansing wipes, disinfectant, and tissues; for long-haul flights: sleep mask and earplugs
In Checked Luggage
- Clothing: Tops (T-shirts, sweaters, shirts, blouses, cardigans), pants, underwear, socks, sleepwear, jacket, shoes, swimwear, handbag, possibly sportswear
- Personal Care: Toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, shampoo, sunscreen and after-sun, comb, beauty and care products for face and hair (makeup remover, hairspray or gel, face cream, lip care, hand cream, perfume), possibly razor and shaving cream
- Health: Personal medications, band-aids, small travel pharmacy, glasses or contact lenses, possibly contraceptives, possibly tampons or pads
- Technology: Travel adapter for the socket, camera and memory card, possibly hairdryer, straightener, or curling iron
- Miscellaneous: For beach vacations, accessories like air mattress, diving goggles
Always adjust the list to your destination, travel duration, season, and personal needs. Keep your completed packing list. Then, for your next vacation, you only need to add a few items.
What Are the Rules for Liquids in Carry-On Luggage?
Airports have specific security rules. Liquids in carry-on luggage are generally only allowed in containers with a capacity of no more than 100 milliliters. Some airports now have special checkpoints equipped with modern CT technology, where larger quantities of liquids are permitted.
Creams, toothpaste, gel, perfume, and shaving foam are also considered liquids. Exceptions exist for medications and necessary special foods. A prescription or medical proof may be required for liquid medications.
These 11 Items Are Now Allowed in U.S. Carry-On Luggage
What to Consider Before a Flight–The Checklist
Where Does the Power Bank Belong?
Loose lithium replacement batteries and power banks are not allowed in checked luggage. They belong in carry-on luggage and must be protected against short circuits.
The airline may have additional or stricter requirements. Therefore, check the allowed number and battery capacity as well as any restrictions on usage on board before departure.
Special Rules Apply to Medications
Pack necessary medications so they remain accessible during the trip. Before traveling abroad, inform yourself about the regulations of the destination and transit countries.
Special documentation is required for medications containing narcotics. For travel within the Schengen Area, a doctor-completed and officially certified certificate may be necessary. Outside the Schengen Area, the regulations of the respective country apply.