Planning your holiday getaway can be stressful. We’ve all been there before and know the drill. You need to think about all the things you need, then pack them up and lug them around with you, all while trying to get the kids to cooperate and behave. These tips aim to help you with packing for your holiday with kids, so that it is as stress-free as possible and that you arrive for your holiday, ready to have a great time.
Liquids and your luggage
Before leaving for your travels, keep all liquids sealed in plastic bags before arriving at the airport checkpoints. With everything going on in the world today, airport checkpoints are very strict, and will confiscate liquids that are not properly contained. Containers must hold no more than 100ml, and must be in a single, transparent, resealable plastic bag. Bring your own water bottle to refill along the way and avoid paying for expensive bottled water from airport shops or at restaurants, that way you can empty it before getting onto the plane and ask the airline staff to fill it for you.
Travelling with kids
If travelling with children, it's important to pack light but make sure there's enough room for everything they might need whether it is diapers, extra clothes, toys etc. Pack items like these as close to hand as possible: this will help minimize panic when they are needed and you find yourself desperately looking for the item of choice that is in need. If travelling by car, don't forget about children's booster seats if yours aren’t universal and plan ahead so that you don’t have any issues when hiring vehicles once you arrive at your destination. All in all, making sure you have everything you need before your trip is essential, and can really make or break your holiday. If you're a parent who travels often enough that they know the drill: childproofing their room should be on top of your to-do list. This includes unplugging all electronics so curious fingers can't break them (or worse!), securing any sharp or hard objects and making sure there are no small toys anywhere in sight for young ones to choke on while exploring new places or playing hide-and -seek games. Bring a first aid kit with band aids, gauze, scissors etc if this is on your packing list! From scrapes from hiking trips to bumps acquired while moving about unfamiliar territory, these things happen more often than many people realize. It's better safe than sorry and make sure you’re prepared for any eventualities while on holiday. If this sounds like too much work, consider booking accommodation where these things have already been taken care of! That way, you'll only need to pack clothes and toiletries when heading off, without having to worry about all sorts of safety measures as well.
Think about clothing
Remember to pack extra clothes. Pack enough for both the duration of your stay and an extra day just in case something happens when you are travelling or exploring new places! You don't want to end up having to wear dirty, wet clothes because you didn't plan ahead. Pack your clothes in compression bags or organize them into easy-to-carry travel suits and outfits for each day of your trip before putting everything in plastic bags with handles that can be tied together to avoid losing anything at security checkpoints, on buses etc. Clothing items like these are great because they make it easier for taking care of kids' dirty laundry too! Pack clothes that can be mixed and matched with each other. It makes packing for your holiday much easier, especially if you're limited on space or luggage weight restrictions are a concern. Throw in at least one really nice outfit for those special nights out during your holiday. Pay attention to seasonal weather patterns when deciding what should go into your luggage; winter wear is often more appropriate than summer clothing items, but you’ll need to do a close check of the local weather, wherever it is that you are going. Keep all jewellery close by: earrings can get lost easily and break during travelling.
Lastly, and most importantly, don't let packing for your holiday stress you out. Holidays are meant to be enjoyed, and packing, while important, is only a small part of the holiday.
The most important thing is that you relax and enjoy your break away from home, so whatever you do, don’t let packing get the better of you!
