Contiki Packing Guide
Apr 28 2026
Packing for a holiday is exciting, but it can also be one of the most stressful parts of preparing for your trip. Pack too much, and you'll struggle with heavy luggage while moving between destinations. Pack too little, and you may find yourself buying essentials along the way.
If you're travelling with Contiki, smart packing becomes even more important. Many Contiki itineraries include multiple cities or countries, meaning you'll be moving regularly between hotels, coaches, trains, or ferries. Bringing the right items will make your journey much more comfortable while helping you stay organised throughout your adventure.
Whether you're heading to Europe, Asia, Australia, or South America, this comprehensive packing guide covers everything you should bring, and a few things you should leave behind.
Contiki Packing Checklist at a Glance
Category | Essentials |
Travel Documents | Passport, visas, travel insurance, booking confirmations |
Clothing | Comfortable outfits, layers, walking shoes, swimwear |
Electronics | Phone, charger, power bank, universal adapter |
Toiletries | Toothbrush, sunscreen, toiletries, medications |
Health & Safety | First-aid kit, prescription medicine, reusable water bottle |
Accessories | Daypack, sunglasses, travel lock, laundry bag |
Money | Credit/debit cards, local currency, emergency cash |
Choose the Right Luggage
Before deciding what to pack, think about how you'll carry your luggage. On many Contiki tours, you'll be moving between destinations every few days, so you'll need luggage that's practical and easy to manage.
Backpack vs Suitcase
Backpack | Suitcase |
Easier on uneven streets | Better organisation |
Great for adventure trips | Ideal for city-based tours |
Hands-free while travelling | Easier to pack neatly |
Lightweight | Better for protecting fragile items |
Whichever option you choose, make sure it's easy for you to carry without assistance. Overpacking can quickly become tiring when you're loading luggage onto coaches or walking through train stations.
Essential Travel Documents
Your documents are the most important items you'll pack. Without them, your trip may not even begin.
Don't Leave Home Without:
Passport (with sufficient validity)
Visa (if required)
Travel insurance documents
Flight tickets
Contiki booking confirmation
Hotel details (if applicable)
Emergency contact information
Driving licence (if needed)
Student ID (if applicable)
Pro Tip: Keep both digital and printed copies of important documents in separate places for added security.
Clothing: Pack Smart, Not Heavy
Instead of packing a different outfit for every day, choose versatile clothing that can be mixed and matched. Lightweight layers are especially useful, as temperatures can change throughout the day.
Everyday Clothing
T-shirts and casual tops
Comfortable jeans or trousers
Shorts (for warm destinations)
Lightweight dresses or skirts
Comfortable sleepwear
Underwear and socks
Light jumper or hoodie
Outerwear
Your outerwear will depend on the season and destination.
Consider packing:
Waterproof jacket
Windbreaker
Warm coat (for colder climates)
Compact umbrella
Comfortable Footwear Is Essential
You'll likely spend several hours walking every day, whether you're exploring historic city centres, visiting museums, or hiking scenic trails.
Recommended Shoes
Comfortable walking trainers
Casual shoes
Sandals or flip-flops
Hiking shoes (if your itinerary includes outdoor activities)
Avoid bringing brand-new shoes, as they may cause blisters during your trip.
Download Your Packing Checklist
Toiletries
Most hotels provide basic amenities, but it's always helpful to carry your own essentials.
Toiletry Checklist
Toothbrush and toothpaste
Shampoo and conditioner
Body wash
Deodorant
Moisturiser
Lip balm
Sunscreen
Hairbrush
Razor
Nail clippers
If you're flying, remember to follow airline liquid restrictions for your hand luggage.
Electronics You'll Actually Use
Technology can make travelling easier, especially when navigating unfamiliar destinations.
Essential Electronics
Item | Why You'll Need It |
Smartphone | Maps, photos, communication |
Phone charger | Daily charging |
Power bank | Long sightseeing days |
Universal travel adapter | Different plug types |
Camera | High-quality travel photos |
Headphones | Flights and coach journeys |
Smartwatch (Optional) | Fitness and notifications |
A power bank is particularly useful during long travel days when access to charging points may be limited.
Health and Personal Care
A small health kit can save you from unnecessary stress during your trip.
Pack These Essentials
Prescription medication
Pain relievers
Motion sickness tablets
Allergy medication
Plasters
Antiseptic wipes
Hand sanitiser
Reusable water bottle
If you take prescription medication, keep it in its original packaging and carry it in your hand luggage.
Accessories That Make Travelling Easier
Some of the smallest items can make the biggest difference.
Consider bringing:
Small day backpack
Packing cubes
Laundry bag
Reusable shopping bag
Neck pillow
Eye mask
Travel padlock
Sunglasses
Hat or cap
Travel journal
Packing cubes are especially helpful for keeping your suitcase organised when changing hotels frequently.
How Much Money Should You Carry?
Most destinations accept credit and debit cards, but it's still a good idea to carry a small amount of local currency for public transport, markets, tips, or smaller shops.
Best Practice
Primary credit/debit card
Backup payment card
Small amount of local cash
Emergency cash stored separately
Avoid carrying all your money in one place.
Things You Don't Need to Pack
One of the most common mistakes first-time travellers make is overpacking.
You can usually leave these items at home:
Too many pairs of shoes
Large bottles of toiletries
Heavy books
Expensive jewellery
Bulky towels
Hairdryer (often provided by hotels)
Excessive clothing "just in case"
Packing lighter means more room for souvenirs and makes moving between destinations much easier.
Packing Tips for Different Destinations
Destination | Extra Items to Pack |
Europe | Comfortable walking shoes, light jacket, umbrella |
Greece | Swimwear, sunscreen, sandals |
Japan | Comfortable shoes, reusable shopping bag |
Thailand | Lightweight clothing, insect repellent |
Australia | Sun hat, sunscreen, refillable water bottle |
New Zealand | Waterproof jacket, hiking shoes |
Peru | Warm layers, altitude essentials |
Morocco | Modest clothing, scarf, sunglasses |
Always check the weather forecast before your departure, as conditions can vary by season.
Packing Mistakes to Avoid
Even experienced travellers can make packing mistakes.
Avoid these common ones:
Bringing more clothes than you'll wear.
Forgetting travel adapters.
Packing valuable items in checked luggage.
Wearing new shoes for long walking days.
Leaving important documents until the last minute.
Ignoring airline baggage allowances.
Not leaving space for shopping or souvenirs.
A little planning goes a long way towards a smoother travel experience.
Final Pre-Departure Checklist
Before leaving home, make sure you've packed:
Item |
Passport & travel documents |
Phone & charger |
Universal travel adapter |
Comfortable walking shoes |
Toiletries |
Prescription medication |
Credit/debit cards |
Day backpack |
Travel insurance |
Contiki booking confirmation |
Final Thoughts
Packing well can make a huge difference to your Contiki experience. By choosing versatile clothing, keeping your luggage light, and bringing only the essentials, you'll find it much easier to move between destinations and enjoy every part of your journey.
Remember, you don't need to pack for every possible scenario. Focus on practicality, comfort, and organisation, and you'll be ready to make the most of your Contiki adventure, whether you're exploring Europe's historic streets, relaxing on tropical beaches, or discovering new cultures around the world.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I bring a suitcase or backpack for a Contiki tour?
Both work well, but the best choice depends on your itinerary. A suitcase is ideal for city-based tours, while a backpack can be more practical for adventure-focused trips with frequent movement.
How many outfits should I pack?
Pack versatile clothing that you can mix and match instead of bringing a different outfit for every day. Around 5-7 everyday outfits are enough for most trips, especially if you'll have access to laundry facilities.
Do I need a universal travel adapter?
Yes. If you're travelling internationally, a universal adapter is highly recommended, as plug types vary between countries.
Can I do laundry during my Contiki trip?
Many hotels and accommodations offer laundry facilities or nearby laundrettes, especially on longer tours. Check your itinerary or ask your Trip Manager for local options.
What is the most important thing to pack?
Your passport, travel documents, payment cards, medication, and comfortable walking shoes are the essentials. Everything else can usually be replaced if needed.