15 tips on how to pack for a touring holiday

Planning a touring holiday can be exciting, especially when the family can venture off to one of the best spots in the UK for a much-needed getaway. But knowing how to pack for a touring holiday requires lots of careful consideration and organisation. Luckily for you, our Away Resorts guide has all the tips you need for an unforgettable break!

A row of pitched tents, caravans and cars are parked up on a grass parking spot on a sunny day.

Whether you're exploring multiple destinations or spending your week/weekend break at one scenic spot in the UK, plenty of tips can ensure a smooth, memorable, and hassle-free getaway. These tips cover every essential aspect of packing for a touring holiday, so you have everything you need to prepare correctly.

We’ll go over everything from knowing what your accommodation is like to what items you should bring and knowing how to pack cases for a touring holiday. This way, you can embark on a trip that brings only treasured memories for the whole family. So, let’s get into our comprehensive guide on packing for a touring holiday.

Top tips on how to pack for a touring holiday

There are many great tips to consider when packing for your touring holiday to ensure you maximise your time away. Here are some of the most important things to take into account when getting ready for your next break:

A bright sunny day overlooking our East Fleet Farm holiday park in Dorset. There are vast areas of countryside and a river to the horizon.

Know what your accommodation is like

Before you start packing for a touring holiday, it’s essential to do some research into what your accommodation is like. There are different types of touring holidays, and if you choose a suitable UK holiday park, you can enjoy your break away in a great location with varying amenities.

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For instance, plenty of toilets, showers, and local shops at your holiday park can massively change how much you need to pack for your touring trip. Also, if you plan to do certain activities, all the gear and facilities you need are already at the park too.

Accommodation can easily make or break your touring holiday, so make sure you choose the best type for your getaway.

A view of the camping and touring pitches at St Ives Bay. There is views of the sea in the background.

Research your chosen location

Accommodation is key for knowing how to pack for your touring holiday, but so is knowing exactly what location you’re going to, and what is nearby. Understanding your destination can help immensely when deciding what to bring, wear, and plan for your trip. For example, you could book a touring holiday in Cornwall to spend your break enjoying the many beaches and coastal activities.

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Or, you can escape to the New Forest for a nature-themed getaway, surrounded by wildlife and adventure.

Be sure to research local activities, places to eat, and nearby attractions so you know what to expect at your chosen location and how to pack effectively.

Don't overpack

One of the biggest challenges when considering how to pack for holiday travel is resisting the urge to overpack. It is so tempting, especially when you start thinking initially of all the things you will need. However if you choose the right location and accommodation and make a few smart choices, you will realise that you only need to bring a few necessary items to have the best time away.

For instance, you might want to bring lots of toiletries, but if you’re staying at a holiday park with shops nearby, you can always get the essentials when you arrive. Also, you might want to bring an outfit for every day of your break, but if laundry facilities are available, why not wash your clothes to wear them again on your trip?

Remember, every extra item becomes a burden when you’re touring and moving between locations. Choose versatile pieces that can be mixed and matched, and only bring the necessary items.

Use a packing checklist

Another great tip on packing for a touring holiday is to create a detailed packing checklist before and throughout your trip. This will help you in the time leading up to your trip to ensure you bring everything you need – as we all know that feeling when you realise you left something at home.

But not just that, the checklist can be great for ensuring you don’t forget anything when you finish your holiday or move between locations. Some great categories to include on the list are clothing, toiletries, electronics, camping gear, and much more.

A pitched up family tent with a man, woman and baby sitting in the porch area of the tent. A teen boy and girl are cycling by on a hot sunny day.

Choose the right gear

Choosing the appropriate gear is crucial when planning how to pack for a touring holiday. There are various things to consider, such as how you’ll use your space in the holiday park. Will you be sleeping primarily in your touring caravan, or will you have a tent pitched for extra space? This can change the type of camping gear you bring on your trip.

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The nature of your trip is also essential. Will you be hiking, attending local events, or chilling at the beach? Invest in comfortable, durable shoes and clothing that suit your planned activities, and remember any specialised equipment like walking poles or GPS devices if needed.

Check the weather

When going on a touring holiday in the UK, there’s a crucial thing you need to prepare for when packing, and that’s, of course, the weather. Britain’s weather conditions vary significantly throughout the year, sometimes even daily, so checking the forecast before going on your trip is essential. This is especially true if you cover different regions on your touring trip.

Check long-term forecasts for your destination, and remember that weather predictions aren't always accurate, so include some flexible options in your luggage too.

Bring clothing suitable for any weather

Following on from our tip about checking the weather, it is always essential to bring layer-friendly clothing suitable for any conditions. As we said, the weather forecast might say one thing, but you must be prepared for any conditions. Also, considering touring holidays are great for outdoor fun, it is essential to pack items that can be layered for warmth or worn in warmer weather.

Waterproofs are also important, so make sure you have at least one waterproof outer layer and bring some quick-drying fabrics – which will also mean they can be easily washed and worn again during your trip.

Plan some fun activities beforehand

Research, plan, and pack for specific activities you want to enjoy during your touring holiday. There will be so much for you to do on your UK break, whether it's swimming, hiking, attending events, shopping, going on walks, or anything else you can’t wait to experience.

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When you know what activities you plan to attend, you’ll have a clearer idea of how to pack and ensure you have everything you need. Although, certain holiday parks can supply you with the right gear for your activities, such as letting you hire bikes for a family riding day.

Take items for the journey

A huge part of touring holidays is the journey to and between your locations. Therefore, remember to pack items specifically for travel days and road time. This is especially important if you have little ones since you can do several things to remove boredom from the equation and turn a road trip into a fun adventure.

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Snacks are always a great idea, and having some games for car journeys keeps things fun and engaging for the whole family.

How to pack cases for touring holiday

If you want to know how to pack for a touring holiday, a significant aspect is knowing “how to pack”. That means knowing exactly how to arrange your cases and pack things most efficiently for space and convenience. Here are our top tips on how to pack cases for touring holiday:

Pack your most used items at the top

When organising your suitcase, an essential tip is knowing exactly how and where to pack certain items for the most convenience throughout your holiday. We all know the pain of having to rummage through our cases and pull everything out just to find one item and then needing to repack.

Therefore, place frequently used items nearer the top of your case where they're more easily accessible. This might include toiletries, pyjamas, or even your outfits arranged by day. Also, you can pack a separate small bag for the essentials you'll need daily.

Share items across cases

Another tip on packing cases for touring holidays is to ensure you share items across different cases. It’s nice to have all your things in your own case, but at the end of the day, the whole family is going to the same place, so why not distribute items more strategically across cases?

This not only helps you manage space, but it can also ensure everyone has some essential items if one bag gets forgotten or lost, for example. Share toiletries, basic first aid supplies, and any shared equipment between cases.

Use packing cubes

Packing cubes are invaluable for touring holidays. They can help you effectively organise your belongings by category and make it easier to transfer items between locations without unpacking everything. You can use many different styles of packing cubes, such as having different coloured cubes for different categories of items or to separate clean and dirty clothes.

Pick secure and durable cases

When it comes to packing for a touring holiday, one thing you need to consider is choosing a case that's both durable and secure. Naturally, a lot of your holiday will be based either outdoors or on the move, which are both environments where cases can be knocked, dropped, or worn down.

Make sure your case wheels are sturdy, for example, so they can be used on various surfaces, and ensure any locks won’t break easily. A weatherproof case is also ideal to help protect your belongings from rainy days.

Properly secure liquids

Take extra care with liquids when packing your travel case, since the last thing you want is to have spills that damage all your items or require you to rewash everything on the first day.

If driving in icy conditions, proceed cautiously and only when necessary. Also, keep an emergency car kit on hand in case of breakdowns or other issues.

Leave room for dirty clothes

Make sure you reserve space in your case for dirty clothes. You can bring a separate laundry bag or a designated packing cube to put your dirty clothes in throughout your stay so they don’t transfer smells to your fresh clothes.

Once again, you may find plenty of opportunities to do laundry at your chosen holiday park, but if you have a few dirty items to bring with you, for example, this tip can be a great help.

How to pack for a touring holiday – FAQs

Let’s answer some of the most frequently asked questions surrounding how to pack for a touring holiday:

What is the 12345 packing rule?

The 12345 packing rule is a guideline for how many clothing items you should bring on holiday when packing light. It suggests you take:

1 hat
2 pairs of shoes
3 bottoms
4 tops
5 pairs of socks and underwear

This minimalist approach helps prevent overpacking while ensuring you still have essential items for your touring trip.

How to pack a suitcase for a touring holiday?

To pack a suitcase for a touring holiday, start with a packing list and organise items by category. Use packing cubes for better organisation, place heavy items at the bottom of your suitcase, keep frequently needed items easily accessible, and ensure liquids are properly secured.

How do you pack for a 3-day touring holiday?

If you’re packing for a 3-day touring holiday, you’ll only need to bring a few items of clothing and essential items to avoid overpacking for your weekend break, for example. Pack enough for one outfit daily, plus one spare, and bring essential toiletries and any activity-specific gear.

How many outfits do I need for a 7-day touring holiday?

For a week-long touring holiday, focus on bringing versatile clothing that can be re-worn across different outfits or combined differently. Also, consider laundry opportunities and pack clothes that can be easily washed and dried while travelling.

Get ready for a new adventure with our tips on how to pack for a touring holiday

With our extensive guide, you’ll now be able to master how to pack for a touring holiday and ensure a smooth and memorable getaway for the whole family.

Packing for your trip takes practice and planning, but following these tips will help ensure you're well-prepared for your next adventure. Remember to stay organised, pack strategically, and focus on the type of trip you want to have.

These packing tips will allow you to focus on enjoying your touring holiday rather than struggling with your luggage.

Get ready for a comfortable, hassle-free break!