A group holiday packing checklist

Make two lists, not one enormous list

A personal list is for things each traveller needs. A shared list is for things one person can bring for everyone. Before packing, check your accommodation, planned activities, weather and baggage allowance. A weekend in a city needs a different list from a walking holiday.

Personal essentials

Travel documents and any required booking details; wallet and payment cards; phone and charger; clothes and layers for the forecast; comfortable footwear; toiletries; any personal medicines and supplies; glasses or contact lenses if used. Keep necessary medicines and documents accessible during travel. Check official destination and carrier rules for documents, medicines, batteries and baggage rather than relying on a general checklist.

Things to divide between the group

Consider a suitable power adaptor, shared charging equipment, first-aid supplies, sunscreen, insect repellent, a reusable shopping bag and any activity equipment. Do not assume the accommodation supplies these. Some items are personal or cannot sensibly be shared, so agree what belongs on the group list.

Give each shared item a person

Write a name beside each shared item and confirm that person has it. If nobody owns it, decide who will obtain it and whether the cost is shared. A tick should mean it is packed or ready, not just that someone has thought about it.

Example: Alex brings the adaptor, Jordan brings the card game and Sam brings the shopping bag. Each person still brings their own phone cable, documents and medicines. These are examples, not a fixed list for every trip.

Check once before you leave

Review the list together before departure. Remove duplicates, check the planned activities and confirm any last-minute purchases. If a traveller drops out, reassign their shared items. Keep the checklist short enough that people will actually use it.

Use the lists in Tiki Tour

Keep personal packing and group packing together in the same trip as the itinerary and expenses. Packing lists are free. Pro is for attachments such as receipts, booking files and documents, subject to trip permissions and attachment limits.