Anna’s Ultimate Guide for Packing for a holiday in Kefalonia!
My ultimate guide for packing for a holiday in Kefalonia provides a helpful and comprehensive check list for those travel essentials whether you are a seasoned holiday goer or a first time traveller. Bear in mind that many of these suggested items will be easily available to buy throughout the island (marked in purple), or may be available at your accommodation, if you want to travel light.
Luggage and the journey
Most airlines allow one small piece of hang luggage (such as a handbag) and a small carry on-case, and it’s optional to bring a larger case in the hold. Of course if you are arriving by car, ferry, or public transport limitations may be different. You may want to consider the type of luggage you choose to bring in relation to the mode of transport you will have to transport it (car, bus, taxi, walking), whether you are moving around with it and what you actually need to bring with you.
You may also want to carry
- Hand sanitizer/wipes
- Face masks
- Travel lock for cases
- Money belt
- Travel pillow
- Eye mask/ear plugs
- Wrap or scarf for warmth
Documentation
Important documentation should be kept on your person when travelling and in a room safe (if available) once in your accommodation. Entry documentation could vary depending on which country you are visiting from so please double check your government website.
- Passport/ID/Visa (it’s wise to take copies just in case!)
- Tickets/boarding passes for transport
- Travel insurance
- Accommodation details – directions, contact details etc.
- Driving license
- Medical prescriptions for prescribed medicines you are carrying
- Emergency contacts list and important addresses/telephone numbers
- Credit cards/cash
Electronic Equipment
For entertainment, making memories and communication you will almost certainly be packing electronic equipment. This will also need to be packed and kept with you in hand luggage, so pack smart and light as your bag will need to be comfortable.
- Mobile/SIM
- Camera/SD Card
- Drone
- Video recorder
- Laptop/tablet
- USB Stick
- Power bank
- Portable WiFi Hotspot
- MP3 Player
- Travel speakers
- Headphones
- Kindle/E-reader
- Cables/chargers/plug adapters
- Hand-held games consoles
- Travel apps: currency converters/language translators/SatNav etc
Other Entertainment
Sitting around at check-in, or travelling to your destination in general can become dull. Also if you are planning on lounging around the pool or sunbathing on the beach you might wish to employ more traditional methods of entertainment!
- Books and magazines
- Note book and pen for jotting down ideas, memories or making a diary
- Phrasebook/Guidebook for planning and practicing the local lingo
- Playing cards, small games
- Crafting/hobby kit– knitting, crochet, sketching etc
- Binoculars
Toiletries and personal items
Packing travel sized toiletries is a great idea, especially if your accommodation provides shower gels, shampoos etc. There are plenty of opportunities to buy these kinds of items in Kefalonia but it is always handy to have a few essentials with you.
- Contact lenses/solution/case
- Prescription glasses/spare
- Sunglasses
- Hat
- Medications
- Shower gel/shampoo/soap
- Sun cream/after sun
- Moisturiser/lip balm
- Feminine hygiene products
- Toothbrush and tooth paste (dentures/case)
- Shaving kit
- Deodorant
- Wet wipes/makeup remover
- Hair bobbles/pins
Medical essentials
Pharmacies on the island are well stocked and the pharmacists are very knowledgeable and helpful. However it might be convenient to have the following with you, especially if you intend on walking or spending time at the beach
- Mosquito repellent
- Bite/sting cream
- Diarrhoea medication
- Oral rehydration powder
- Antiseptic cream
- Antihistamine
- Pain killers
- Travel first aid kit
Clothing and footwear
Unless you are travelling at either end of the season the chances are you won’t need too many clothes! Think about what activities you intend to do and pick according to that! Nightlife and eating out in Kefalonia usually only requires casual clothing.
- Sandals
- Beach/sea shoes
- Sturdy shoes for walking (paths and pavements are not always smoothly paved!)
- Hat/bandana
- Waterproof/lightweight jacket
- Swimwear/ beach cover up
- Long trousers
- Shorts
- T-shirts & tops
- Long sleeved top/shirt (especially if you intend visiting religious sites)
- Long sleeve sweater/fleece for layering
- Dresses/skirts
- Underwear, socks and sleep wear
- Belt
Other Useful Items
Depending on what type of activities you intend to do, when you intend to visit and how adventurous you feel you may need some more unusual items. Some of these items are also useful for cutting down on waste and for organisation
- Reusable water bottle/flask
- Sewing kit
- Head torch/small torch
- Daypack/beach bag
- Binoculars
- Clothes washing liquid
- Umbrella
- Snorkel/fins/goggles
- Beach toys/swimming aids
- Sealable bags for wet items, dirty items etc
- Plastic box (Tupperware) for picnics and to protect delicate items
- Travel towel/beach towel
- Specialist sporting equipment
- Vacuum packing bags/ zipped compartment bags