Boating Holiday Checklist : what to bring in my luggage ?

Boating holiday : Checklist to prepare my suitcase

First time on a riverboat or just need a check-up before embarking ? No worries, we’re here to remind you of all the things you’ll need in your suitcase with this boating holiday checklist !

Ready for a riverboat adventure?

For those who start packing their bags a month before departure, but also for procrastinators who are leaving “already” tomorrow… It’s time to start packing!

If you’re here, it’s probably because you don’t know where to start either.

There’s no need to panic ! Always remember that even the most experienced sailor has forgotten an essential piece of equipment 😉

To avoid any incidents, here’s a list of essential things to take in your suitcase for an unforgettable boating holiday on the river !

The aim is not to bring everything that appears on this list. The idea is for you to make a few selections of what you might need during your stay ! Forget those 10 kilos of “just in case” items, it’s holiday time !

What's the ideal suitcase to bring on a boating holiday?

Backpacks, travel bags, flexible suitcases, rigid suitcases… You can quickly get lost with all this luggage ! So what’s the best luggage for a boating holiday?

As you’ve probably guessed, the space on a boat is rather limited. Although there are a few cupboards and storage trapdoors, these spaces are rather narrow and can make it difficult to store several large suitcases. For this reason, we recommend using bags that are relatively flexible and can be easily folded and stowed in your respective cabin cupboard.

The essentials in my suitcase for a worry-free boating holiday !

Personal documents (identity documents, means of payment, travel tickets for those coming by train or plane)
Medicine bag : even if you will find a first-aid kit on board, don't forget your personal medicines.
Electronic devices : phones, computers, chargers, headphones, cameras... (in moderation, of course 😉

What about clothes?

A few days before embarking, check the weather conditions to avoid any unwelcome surprises !

Underwear
Trousers / shorts / Bermudas
T-shirts / tank tops
Dresses / skirts
Sweatshirts / pullovers / fleeces (rather useful for the aperitif on the terrace in the evening 😉
Nightwear / earplugs (essential if you're going on holiday with snorers !!)
Jacket / Coat
Rainwear (raincoat, windcheater, umbrella). We wouldn't wish it on you, but it might come in useful...
Good-weather clothes (sunglasses, sun cream, aftersun, caps, hats, anti-UV clothes, pareo)
Shoes (trainers, flip-flops, sandals)
Swimsuit (although it's forbidden to swim in the river, there are a few places on the way where you can take a dip)

A wash bag, maybe?

Toothbrush / toothpaste
Hairbrush / comb / hairband
Shampoo / shower gel
Cotton pads / cotton buds / wipes
Cream / makeup
Deodorant
Hand towels
Sanitary protections

The little extras!

Board games / card games / books…
Tea towels, toilet paper (even if there's already some on board, it's always better to bring a little extra to be sure)
A few bottles of water (the water is drinkable on board, but stored in a tank that can taste like plastic...)
Fishing equipment (don't forget to get a fishing licence by clicking here)
Ground coffee (except for Octo Fly customers who have a Senseo coffee machine at their disposal)
Gloves (for lock professionals:)
Some shopping for the first few days at least (for some, it will be a little while before they find shops)

For an eco-friendly suitcase that won't leave the boat on flat batteries!

Please keep in mind that the boat is battery-powered, so here’s a short list of things not to bring with you on the boat (i.e. power-hungry equipment) :

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