Padel Holiday Packing List: What to Take for a Weekend Abroad

Finding the right sport when you’re middle-aged is always difficult. We used to play a lot of tennis back in uni, and have recently discovered padel. It is an easy sport to pick up and play, does not demand elite fitness, and we have taken to little padel breaks in European destinations to escape city life. And I must say, it is great fun.

Packing for these or any padel holiday should be straightforward: one racket or a confirmed rental, suitable padel shoes, enough sportswear and spare clothes for the practice sessions and games you have booked, and a few travel essentials.

The difficulty is fitting everything around airline baggage limits, warm-weather play, evening plans and the possibility that your racket will not be accepted as ordinary cabin luggage.

This guide is designed for a three- or four-night padel break abroad, whether you are travelling to Spain, Portugal or another European destination for coaching, social matches or a relaxed active weekend.

For most trips, one racket, one pair of court shoes, three playing outfits and one or two casual evening outfits are enough.

Specialist padel-travel operator Padel Holidays recommends checking the expected weather and the club’s equipment-hire arrangements before packing. Its guidance suggests suitable court shoes, comfortable playing clothing, sun protection, a reusable water bottle, a cap and a light evening layer as the practical foundations of a padel-holiday bag.

Quick Padel Holiday Packing List

Category	What to pack
Padel equipment	Racket or rental confirmation, padel shoes (sports trainers are fine), spare overgrips, balls if required
Sports clothing	Three tops, two or three sports bottoms, three or four pairs of sports socks and spare clothes for after play
Court essentials	Refillable bottle for hydration, small towel, snacks, cap, wristbands or hair ties
Weather protection	Sun cream or sunscreen, sunglasses, light warm-up layer and packable waterproof
Travel documents	Passport, boarding pass, tickets, hotel details, court bookings and insurance
Health essentials	Regular medication, prescription evidence where needed, blister plasters and a small first-aid kit
Technology	Phone, charger, plug adapter, power bank and headphones
Holiday clothing	Swimwear, casual shoes and one or two evening outfits
Useful extras	Laundry bag, resistance band, massage ball, wet-kit bag, small backpack, camera, guidebook, wallet and map

Check These Three Things Before You Pack

1. Does the Club Provide Rackets and Balls?

Before paying for checked baggage or trying to fit a racket into your cabin allowance, ask what your club, coach or holiday provider supplies.

The LTA says most padel venues have rackets and balls available for hire, which can make rental the easiest option for beginners, families and travellers with limited luggage space.

Confirm:

• Whether racket hire needs to be reserved
• Whether balls are included with coaching or court hire
• Whether junior rackets are available
• What type of rackets the venue provides
• Whether rental is charged per session, day or stay

A traveller with one social session may be better off renting. A regular player with several coaching sessions will usually value the familiarity of their own racket.

2. What Does Your Airline Allow?

Airport security and airline baggage rules are not the same thing.

GOV.UK explicitly lists tennis racquets as permitted through UK airport security in both hand and hold luggage. Padel rackets are not named separately, so this should not be treated as a universal guarantee that every airline, airport or fare will accept one in the cabin.

Check:

• Cabin-bag dimensions
• Number of permitted items
• Whether the racket counts as your main cabin bag
• Special sports-equipment fees
• Hold-baggage requirements
• Rules at your return airport
• The policy of the airline actually operating the flight

On codeshare or partner-operated flights, the operating carrier’s baggage rules may differ from the airline that sold the ticket. Iberia, for example, directs passengers to the operating airline’s conditions where another carrier operates the flight.

Do not arrive at the airport relying on an assumption. Save a screenshot of the relevant policy or obtain written confirmation from the airline.

3. What Weather and Court Type Should You Expect?

Check whether your practice sessions and games are indoors, covered or fully outdoors, and find out what type of padel court surface you will be using.

LTA Padel advises that comfortable activewear and trainers can be sufficient for beginners, but padel-specific footwear offers lateral support, cushioning and better traction. It recommends herringbone soles for clay or artificial-turf courts and non-marking soles for indoor courts.

A summer trip to southern Spain may require extra tops, sun protection, hydration, regular snacks and frequent changes of socks. A spring break in northern Portugal may need a waterproof, warm layer and dry kit for evening play.

Should You Take Your Own Racket or Rent One?

Take your own racket when…	Rent a racket when…
You play regularly and know your preferred feel	You are a beginner or occasional player
You have several coaching or match sessions	You only have one or two social sessions
Your airline has confirmed how it can travel	You have a small cabin allowance
You have a suitable protective case	Checked baggage would cost more than rental
Familiarity matters to your game	You want to avoid loss or damage in transit

Regular players often notice differences in racket weight, balance, grip and shape. Padel rackets are available in round, teardrop and diamond designs, and the LTA says beginner players will often find a round racket easier to control.

For a short weekend, one racket is normally enough. Taking a second makes sense only for a competition or intensive training camp where a replacement rental would be unsuitable.

A Simple Take-or-Rent Decision

Compare:

Cost of taking your racket = extra baggage fee + protective case + potential damage risk

with:

Cost of renting = rental charge per session × number of sessions

Renting is usually more practical when you have one or two sessions, limited luggage space or an airline without a clear racket policy.

Taking your own racket becomes more worthwhile when you are playing repeatedly and the club’s rental equipment may not suit your level or preferences.

Can You Take a Padel Racket on a Plane?

The answer depends on the airline, your fare and the dimensions of your racket case.

Current Airline Positions

Airline	Published position relevant to rackets
British Airways	A sports racket may travel as one cabin item in a slim case containing no more than two rackets. The case must be under 80 × 45 × 10cm and cannot contain balls or clothing.
Ryanair	Sports equipment can travel in the cabin only if it fits within the passenger’s cabin allowance. Larger equipment may require an extra seat or paid hold carriage.
easyJet	Rackets are not specifically included in its published sports-equipment list. Passengers are told to contact customer services about unlisted equipment.
Jet2	Outsize sporting equipment should be declared in advance, may incur an extra charge and is carried subject to space. The maximum item weight is 32kg.
Vueling	Sports equipment that does not fit in a normal suitcase can be booked as special luggage, must be packed securely and carries a variable charge.
Iberia	Sets of tennis, squash or badminton rackets and balls are treated as checked special sports equipment. The standard permitted weight is 23kg, with excess charges up to a 32kg maximum.

These policies can change. Check your exact flight and fare before paying for luggage, particularly when your itinerary involves different airlines in each direction.

Taking a Racket in Hand Luggage

A slim single-racket cover is more likely to comply with cabin rules than a full padel bag containing shoes, clothing and accessories.

Check whether:

• The racket case replaces your normal cabin suitcase
• You retain an allowance for a small personal item
• The handle fits within the stated dimensions
• The airline restricts what can be packed beside the racket
• The return airport applies different security procedures

Even when security allows racket equipment, an airline may refuse it at the gate if it exceeds your paid allowance.

Checking a Racket into the Hold

When checking a racket:

• Use a padded or semi-rigid case
• Place soft clothing around the racket face
• Keep the handle away from hard suitcase edges
• Remove electronics and valuables
• Add contact details inside and outside the bag
• Photograph its condition before travel
• Keep proof of purchase for an expensive racket
• Check baggage-insurance limits

Do not assume an airline or insurer will pay the full replacement value of a premium racket. Read the limits for sporting equipment, checked baggage and unattended property.

Essential Padel Equipment

One Protected Racket

One racket is enough for most weekend breaks.

Use a slim protective cover rather than a large tournament bag where baggage space matters. Large padel bags are useful at home but can be inefficient when your airline charges by item or applies strict dimensions.

Court Shoes

Your padel court shoes are more important than taking your own racket.

The LTA says ordinary comfortable trainers may be enough for someone starting out, but specialist court footwear provides better grip, lateral support and cushioning for padel’s repeated side steps, lunges, pivots and longer rallies.

Practical rules:

• Take shoes you have already worn
• Do not make a new pair your only option
• Pack them in your hand luggage where possible
• Use a shoe bag
• Bring separate lightweight shoes for travel and evenings
• Choose shoes that support your feet during quick changes of direction

Padel Balls, Only When Needed

Ask whether balls are included.

The LTA explains that a padel ball looks similar to a tennis ball but contains less pressure, producing a slower rebound from the walls. Most venues provide suitable balls for coaching and may also offer them with court hire.

One tube is sufficient for a casual weekend when players must provide their own.

Spare Overgrips

Pack two or three overgrips.

They take very little space and are particularly valuable in warm conditions, when sweat can make the original grip feel slippery.

Bottle and Small Towel

A refillable bottle and compact sports towel are more useful than most specialist accessories.

Check whether the venue provides:

• Drinking-water refill points
• Towels
• Lockers
• Changing rooms
• Showers

Minimal Recovery Equipment

For a weekend, take only what you already use:

• Resistance band
• Massage ball
• Blister plasters
• Personal supports or braces
• Compression socks for the flight, if useful

A full foam roller or large massage device rarely justifies the luggage space.

How Much Sportswear Do You Need?

Pack by number of sessions, not simply by number of nights.

Item	Recommended quantity
Sports tops	3
Shorts, skirts or leggings	2–3
Sports socks	3–4 pairs
Sports underwear	One set per session, plus a spare
Warm-up layer	1
Lightweight waterproof	1
Cap or visor	1
Court shoes	1 pair
Casual shoes or sandals	1 pair
Swimwear	1–2 sets
Casual evening outfits	1–2

A three-night holiday with four coaching sessions may require more playing kit than a five-night trip with only two social matches.

If you have morning and evening sessions on the same day, assume you will want a fresh top, socks and underwear for the second.

Choose lightweight, quick-drying fabrics rather than heavy cotton. They pack smaller and are easier to wash or air between sessions.

What Should Stay in Your Hand Luggage?

Keep in the cabin	Usually suitable for checked luggage
Passport and bookings	Spare casual clothing
Medication and prescription evidence	Full-size toiletries
Phone, charger and valuables	Extra sportswear
Court shoes	Laundry bag
One complete playing outfit	Non-essential recovery equipment
Racket, only when airline-approved	Protected racket, if checking it
Insurance information	Balls, where preferred
Power bank	Larger liquids and aerosols

Keeping your shoes and one complete outfit in the cabin means delayed luggage does not automatically ruin your first session.

GOV.UK allows essential medication in hand luggage. Travellers taking prescribed liquid medicine in a container larger than 100ml may need a prescription or doctor’s letter as evidence.

Controlled medicines may have additional requirements, and the destination country’s import rules should also be checked.

Travel Documents and Health Essentials

Keep these accessible:

• Passport
• Boarding pass
• Accommodation confirmation
• Court or coaching booking
• Airport-transfer details
• Travel-insurance policy number
• Emergency-assistance number
• GHIC or valid EHIC where applicable
• Prescribed medication
• Prescription copy or medical letter
• Secure digital copies of key documents

A GHIC or eligible EHIC can provide access to medically necessary state healthcare within the EU on the same terms as local residents. It is not a substitute for travel insurance and does not cover private healthcare or medical repatriation.

Check that your travel policy covers:

• Padel
• Organised competitions, where relevant
• Additional activities such as cycling or water sports
• Medical treatment
• Cancellation
• Delayed or damaged sporting equipment
• Repatriation

GOV.UK advises travellers to check activity exclusions because some sports and higher-risk activities are not automatically included in standard policies.

Toiletries and Court-Care Essentials

Pack:

• High-factor sun cream
• Deodorant
• Toothbrush and travel-size toiletries
• Blister plasters
• Lip balm
• Personal medication
• Hair ties or headband
• Insect repellent where relevant
• After-sun or moisturiser
• Laundry or wet-kit bag

Liquid rules can differ between airports. Most UK airports still restrict ordinary liquids to containers of 100ml or less, although some airports now permit larger containers. Check the departure, connecting and return airports before travelling.

Do not assume that the scanner rules on your outward journey will be the same on the way home.

Technology and Power Banks

For a short trip, you generally need:

• Phone
• Charging cable
• Plug adaptor
• Headphones
• Smartwatch charger, if required
• Offline copies of the hotel and club addresses
• Transport apps
• Optional luggage tracker

Power banks must travel in cabin baggage, not the hold. Current UK Civil Aviation Authority rules limit passengers to two power banks, require them to be protected against short circuits and allow units up to 100Wh without airline approval. They must not be recharged onboard.

Check the airline’s own instructions before flying, particularly if your power bank exceeds 100Wh.

Warm-Weather vs Cooler-Weather Packing

Warm-weather destination	Cooler or shoulder-season destination
Extra sports top	Long-sleeve warm-up top
Cap or visor	Lightweight fleece
High-factor sun cream	Packable waterproof
Sunglasses	Tracksuit bottoms or leggings
Lightweight shorts	Extra dry socks
Refillable bottle	Shoes with reliable grip
Swimwear	Warm evening layer
After-sun	Dry change after outdoor play

Spain or Portugal in Summer

Prioritise:

• Quick-drying clothing
• Extra tops and socks
• Cap
• Sun cream
• Water bottle
• Swimwear
• Sandals
• Clean clothing for after play

Where possible, book early-morning or late-afternoon sessions rather than playing through the hottest part of the day.

Spring or Autumn Breaks

Add:

• Thin fleece or sweatshirt
• Packable waterproof
• Long sports bottoms
• Extra socks
• Closed casual shoes
• Dry layer for evening sessions

Indoor Padel Weekend

Indoor facilities can still feel warm. Pack breathable sportswear and a clean change for afterwards, but you can usually reduce the amount of weather protection.

Master Three-Night Padel Packing Checklist

Before leaving home

• Racket policy confirmed with the airline
• Operating carrier checked
• Cabin and hold dimensions confirmed
• Racket or ball rental reserved
• Court and coaching sessions confirmed
• Weather forecast reviewed
• Court type checked
• Passport valid
• Insurance arranged
• GHIC or EHIC packed where relevant
• Airport transfers confirmed
• Valuable equipment photographed

Padel kit

• One racket or rental confirmation
• Protective racket cover
• Court shoes
• Three sports tops
• Two or three sports bottoms
• Four pairs of sports socks
• Sports underwear for each session
• Two or three overgrips
• One tube of balls, only if needed
• Refillable bottle
• Small towel
• Cap or visor
• Warm-up layer

Travel and holiday clothing

• One travel outfit
• One or two casual evening outfits
• Casual shoes or sandals
• Swimwear
• Underwear and sleepwear
• Lightweight waterproof or jacket
• Laundry or wet-kit bag

Documents, health and technology

• Passport and boarding pass
• Hotel, transfer and court details
• Travel insurance information
• GHIC or EHIC
• Medication and evidence where required
• Phone and charger
• Plug adaptor
• Cabin-safe power bank
• Secure digital document copies

What to Leave at Home

Avoid packing:

• Several rackets for a casual weekend
• Multiple tubes of balls when the club supplies them
• Brand-new court shoes
• Heavy cotton kit for every session
• Several formal evening outfits
• Full-size toiletries for a cabin-only trip
• Valuables inside checked sports luggage
• Recovery equipment you do not normally use
• An oversized padel bag without checking dimensions
• Items that are inexpensive and easy to buy locally

The aim is to pack for the sessions you have booked, not every possible scenario.

Common Packing Mistakes

Assuming the Racket Is Automatically Cabin Baggage

Security approval does not override your airline’s size and item limits.

Packing Court Shoes Only in the Hold

A baggage delay could leave you unable to join the first session.

Taking Too Few Tops and Socks

Warm-weather sessions often require a complete change.

Wearing New Shoes for the First Time

A padel weekend is not the place to discover a rubbing heel.

Failing to Confirm Rental Equipment

Large groups should not assume enough suitable rackets will be available without a reservation.

Ignoring Insurance Limits

A policy may cover baggage generally but impose a lower single-item limit on expensive sporting equipment.

Forgetting the Return Journey

Keep a separate bag for damp sportswear, socks and used shoes.

Plan Your Padel Holiday

A useful padel packing list should protect the essentials without turning a weekend break into an expedition.

Confirm whether you genuinely need your own racket. Keep your court shoes and first playing outfit in the cabin. Pack according to the number of sessions booked, and choose quick-drying kit that can handle warm conditions or a sudden change in weather.

Done properly, everything needed for a three- or four-night padel trip should fit into one sensible travel bag without leaving you short on court.

FAQs

Can you take a padel racket in hand luggage?

Possibly. GOV.UK permits tennis racquets through UK airport security, but airline cabin dimensions and item limits still apply. British Airways publishes a specific cabin policy for slim racket cases, while several other airlines require the item to fit the normal allowance or travel as paid sports equipment.

Should I take my own racket on a padel holiday?

Regular players may prefer their own racket because they know its grip, balance and feel. Beginners and cabin-only travellers may find rental easier, and most padel venues offer equipment hire.

Do I need padel-specific shoes?

Not necessarily for a first session, but proper padel or court shoes provide better lateral support, cushioning and grip. Choose the sole according to the court surface.

How many playing outfits do I need?

Three sports tops, two or three sports bottoms and three or four pairs of sports socks are sufficient for most three-night trips. Add another complete outfit if two sessions are booked on the same day.

Should I pack padel balls?

Only if the club or coach expects you to supply them. Many venues include balls with coaching or court hire.

What should stay in my hand luggage?

Keep your passport, medication, valuables, court shoes and one complete playing outfit in the cabin. Carry your racket there only after checking the airline’s policy.

Can a power bank go in checked luggage?

No. UK Civil Aviation Authority rules require power banks to travel in cabin baggage. A maximum of two is permitted per passenger, subject to capacity limits and airline requirements.

Does travel insurance cover a padel holiday?

Policies vary. Check that padel and any additional planned activities are covered, together with medical treatment, cancellation and sporting-equipment loss or damage. A GHIC or EHIC does not replace travel insurance.