When it comes to packing for a holiday, we tend to fall into one of a couple of personality types. The perfect packer, super organised and packed days if not weeks before travel. The chronic over-packer, throwing in everything but the kitchen sink. A minimalist marvel, who’s got streamlined packing down to a fine art or last but not least one of those people (me included) who are running around throwing things in a bag in a last-minute panic, inevitable forgetting lots of essentials and running around the airport picking up the stuff you just can’t do without.
Whatever camp you fall into, there’s lots to consider when your packing for a family beach holiday, especially if you and the family will be enjoying water sports and other activities too. Check out the list below in preparation for your next holiday.
Make a packing list (see below) Whether you’re travelling for a week, two or longer (lucky you) a packing list is a great idea to. It becomes even more important when you’re travelling with kids; you’ll need to be super-organized, to ensure you holiday goes swimmingly.
Roll your clothes Want to squeeze more into your luggage? Then we recommend you roll not fold! Rolling saves space and helps to avoid creases too.
Think about your hand luggage It can’t be helped, sometimes hold luggage does go missing or is delayed in getting to your holiday destination. Prepare for all eventualities and make sure your valuables are in your hand luggage and that you have a spare change of clothes, you could even pack some swimwear so you can hit the beach or pool while waiting for your luggage to catch up with you.
Don’t pack too much! Lay out everything you think you need for the trip and then pare it back. You could probably cut your packing by half this way, be ruthless, do you really need five pairs of shorts and six pairs of shoes?
Wear the heaviest items Put the flip-flops in your luggage and wear your heaviest clothes and shoes for the journey, saving on luggage space and weight. If you get hot, tie them around your waist or stuff into your cabin bag.
The essentials Tickets and booking confirmation, passports, travel insurance, foreign currency, European Health Insurance Card (EHIC), money and credit cards.
For the beach Rash vests, UV suits, wetsuit, swimming costumes (at least 2), sun cream, sunglasses, sun hats, beach towels, swim goggles, beach bag, book or e-reader andwater bottle.
Electricals Phone and chargers, camera, plug adaptors, chargers, tablets or portable DVD player, extension leads andheadphones.
Bathroom stuff Hairbrush, shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste and toothbrush, small first aid kit, SPF lip balm, razor, paracetamol, rehydration sachets, insect repellent, antihistamine and any other bathroom essentials personal to you.
Clothes and accessories shorts or trousers, skirts or dresses, t-shirts, shirts, sweatshirt or jumper, shots, flip-flops, hat, nightwear andsunglasses
Clothes for sports Socks, trainers, gym clothes, cycling clothes, tennis clothes, rash vest, wetsuit andboard shorts
First up, check the luggage allowance you’re allowed to take for your baby and what extras you’re allowed to take on the airplane. Travelling with under 5’s you can usually bring a pushchair and car seat on the flight with you free of charge, but it’s worth checking as policy does vary from airline to airline.
What to bring for the journey Lots of snacks, cartons of formula, drinks and bottles, small toys, books, tablet loaded with favourite films, songs and games, blanket, nappies, wipes, change of clothes, favourite toy, dummies, something to suck on for take-off and landing.
And when you’re on holiday Clothes for the duration of your stay – 2 outfits per day should suffice (or you could use the hotel laundry service or take some travel wash to wash and dry as you go), sandals or shoes, socks and underwear, sweatshirt or jumper for evenings, toys and books, sun suits, sun hat, float jacket/device, towel, beach shoes, bug spray, drinks and snacks, swim nappies, baby wash, sun lotion, comb or brush, PJ’s, toothbrush and toothpaste, favourite cuddly toy, nightlight, medical supplies such as Calpol and Sudocreme and first aid kit.
We ran a survey of 1,000 UK parents to reveal that half (49%) of them feel guilty about wanting to do their own thing, without the kids, on their family holiday.
The excitement and anticipation of a holiday with the whole family can be just as exciting and almost as much fun as the holiday itself.
If you’re planning your first family holiday overseas, here are our top ten tips to help make travelling with toddlers as easy as a walk in the park.
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