School holiday trips have a way of creeping up on you. One day you’re locking in flights, the next you’re sorting passports, chargers, and who needs what in their bag. A simple international travel packing checklist helps keep everything moving. No overthinking and no doubling back. Just a clearer picture of what’s coming with you and what can wait.

If you’re flying internationally in or out of Australia via Melbourne Airport, it’s worth sorting your travel must-haves early on Laneway, Melbourne Airport’s online duty free shopping platform. It’s one less thing to think about later, and one more way to keep your travel plans stress-free.

Whether you're flying with family or just trying to keep things easy, a few smart picks on Laneway can go a long way. These duty free travel essentials are practical and ready when you need them:

Body care must-haves you don’t have to pack

When packing for an overseas trip, it doesn’t take much for your toiletries to start taking over your bag. But pre-ordering your bath and body care needs on Laneway means less bulk, fewer last-minute errands, and a few more things off your list.

Here’s what you can lock in online now to make school holiday travel feel more sorted:

• Deodorant and toothpaste – These are the first things people forget or run out of space for. Ordering ahead means you won’t need to borrow from someone else or race to find a chemist the day you land. Clinique, Rabanne and Aesop have easy options worth adding to your cart.
• Shampoo, conditioner and body wash – Flights are drying, travel days are long, and the hotel minis don’t always cut it. Sol de Janeiro, Jurlique and L’Occitane offer duty free options that feel like an upgrade without taking up half your suitcase.
• Body lotion that keeps up with your trip – Between cabin air and extra walking, skin dries out fast during travel. On Laneway, Chloe, Jo Malone London and Clarins offer hydrating picks that feel good to use and even better to have ready when you need them.

Skincare and makeup that hold up across time zones

Long flights, changing weather, and tired skin can mess with your usual routine. The right skincare and makeup can help keep you looking fresher and feeling a little more put-together even after a full day of travel.

Here are a few duty free options worth having ready:

• Hydrating lip balm – Cabin air dries out your lips fast, especially on long-haul flights. A nourishing lip balm from brands like Tom Ford, Lano or Gucci is a simple fix that won’t take up space in your bag.
• SPF that won’t slow you down – Whether you’re landing somewhere warm or sightseeing outdoors, a lightweight sunscreen is a must. Look for formulas from Elizabeth Arden, La Prairie and Estee Lauder that wear well under makeup and don’t feel sticky.
• An eye mask that works while you rest – A hydrating mask can help reduce puffiness and keep skin feeling smooth while you catch up on sleep. Shiseido and SK-II both have options that are easy to use mid-flight or once you land.
• Makeup that lasts all day – A long-wearing foundation or skin tint can go a long way when you're dealing with back-to-back travel days. Benefit, YSL Beauty and Givenchy offer duty free options that hold up without needing constant touch-ups.
• Lip and cheek colour you can swipe on fast – Lip products that can also function as a blush are great for travel days when you want a bit of colour. Look for options from Kylie Cosmetics or MAC that are easy to apply on the go.
• Eye makeup for long days out – A good mascara or brow gel can help you feel a bit more pulled together, even after a long haul. Aside from brands already mentioned, Bobbi Brown and Lancome also offer duty free eye makeup that doesn’t smudge, flake or need much effort.

Fragrances to keep you feeling fresh all day

The right scent can help reset your mood after a long flight or keep you feeling fresh during a full day out. It’s an easy way to feel like yourself again, no matter what time zone you land in. Some brands Versace and Jean Paul Gaultier even offer travel-sized minis, so you can pack light without giving up your favourite notes.

Here are more duty free perfumes you’ll find on Laneway:

• Fresh and citrusy scents – Clean, bright fragrances are great for day trips and warm destinations. Hermes, Maison Margiela and Issey Miyake have crisp options that don’t overpower.
• Floral favourites that go with everything – Soft florals from Narciso Rodriguez and Marc Jacobs work across day and night, making them easy all-rounders.
• Richer scents for evenings or cooler climates – Carolina Herrera and Giorgio Armani offer deeper notes like vanilla, amber and musk, ideal if you want something longer-lasting for your night plans.

Toys and treats to keep kids happy and entertained

Keeping the little ones happy during long flights or layovers doesn’t need to be complicated. A few small extras can help smooth things out, especially when you're mid-transit or waiting to board.

Here are a few easy-to-pack duty free food and toys worth adding to your Laneway order:

• Building sets that keep hands busy – Compact LEGO kits are a great way to pass the time in terminals or at the hotel. They’re fun, focused, and don’t rely on screens.
• Plushies they can cuddle the whole trip – A familiar soft toy can make a big difference during long days away from home. Miffy Plush and Peanuts Plush options are light to carry and easy to sneak into their seat or backpack.
• Chocolates for a sweet travel moment – Whether it’s a little reward or just something to help settle into the flight, Kinder, Toblerone and Patons have small-size treats that are easy to share or stash for later.

Accessories that make overseas travel simpler

It’s the little things that make the whole trip run smoother, especially during school holiday travel when bags are fuller and days are busier.

Here are a few more travel extras that are worth locking in early on Laneway:

• Sunnies that work with every outfit – You’ll want a pair of sunglasses that’s easy to throw on and comfortable enough to wear all day. Le Specs, Ray Ban and Oakley have styles for every kind of trip — from city breaks to beach holidays.
• An adaptor for your charger you won’t forget – Chargers are easy to remember. Adaptors? Not so much. Pick up a universal one from Korjo so you’re not left hunting for the right plug as soon as you land. Throw in a TSA-approved lock that works with most bags, so you can zip up your luggage confidently before check-in.

During school holiday travel, your carry-on is your calm in the chaos. So having the right mix of essentials in one bag can make a big difference, especially on longer flights or when plans get delayed.

Here’s a quick travel packing list to keep things easy:

• Travel documents that matter – Keep your passport, visa, travel insurance, vaccination card, and emergency contacts in one safe spot. A small folder or pouch helps you find what you need without digging.
• Valuables and personal items – This includes credit cards, prescription medications, contact lenses, and anything else you’d be stressed about losing. Use a money belt or a zipped pouch so they stay close and secure.
• Comfort picks to help during long flights – Bring earplugs, a scarf or cover-up, and a spare t-shirt to reset mid-flight.
• Essentials that keep things running – Pack a refillable water bottle, compact hairbrush, insect repellent, and extra memory card if you’re planning to take a lot of photos. Add a guidebook if you like having something offline.

Your checked luggage is where everything else goes, fromthe bulkier stuff to the backups and the bits you won’t reach for until after you land. The trick is packing one is knowing what can wait and what deserves space.

Here are a few packing tips to make your stuff easier to find:

• Clothes for your destination – Heading somewhere warm or travelling into colder weather? Either way, pack with your plans in mind. That means swimsuits, light sleepwear, and your sun hat for beach days, or warm layers, thermals and extras for chilly stops. Quick-drying fabrics are great if you're rotating outfits or trying to travel light.
• Shoes and extras – Flip-flops? Sandals? Runners? Keep them away from your clothes and into a packing cube. You’ll thank yourself when everything doesn’t smell like sneakers by day three!
• Grooming basics – You won’t need your toothbrush, floss, nail clippers or tweezers on the plane, so keep them tucked in a single pouch. That way, you’re not pulling your whole bag apart at 11 PM in the hotel bathroom.
• A small first-aid kit – Nothing fancy. Just the Band-Aids, pain relief patches, and things you’ve needed before but always forget. The future you will appreciate it.
• Bulky items you don’t want to carry – If a hair dryer or another hair tool is non-negotiable, or you're bringing anything that plugs in, drop it in here. Just check the voltage first. A fried appliance doesn’t help anyone.

Packing for an overseas trip always feels like a bigger job than it should, especially when school holidays are in full swing. But a bit of prep now means you’re not chasing chargers, sunscreen or clean t-shirts the night before your flight.

Even better, you can lock in duty free products on Laneway ahead of time and tick a few things off your list early. And if you’re into a good deal (because who isn’t?), subscribe to Melbourne Airport’s Shopping News newsletter. You’ll get early access to new offers and seasonal highlights sent straight to your inbox!

Disclaimer: Only passengers travelling internationally from/to Melbourne Airport can purchase goods via the Laneway. Please note that some goods may have minimum age requirements (for example, alcohol/tobacco), and ID will need to be provided at the time you collect the goods from the relevant collection point. Purchases of alcohol and tobacco via the Laneway must not be made by any person who is under 18 years of age.