How to Pack for a Holiday with Kids
Summer holidays are fun, but planning them and then packing your life into a couple of suitcases to go away is pretty challenging. Especially when you have more than one child. We wanted to include these tips in the hope of making your packing and preparing for the holiday easy.
Checksheet
Make sure to prepare one in advance. Sometimes you may think of something that’s important during the strangest of times but then forget to remember actually to take it. Start your checklist in advance and keep it on the fridge. Then add to it as you go.
Pack light
I know it’s super challenging for some, but how many holidays did you have when you only wore a couple of outfits and the rest of the heavy luggage just came to the holiday with you?
Choose a few outfits and go with them. This is a great opportunity to create a holiday capsule. Keep things simple. Lay a few clothing pieces for each family member and then create outfits matching and reusing some items together.
Have a plan
A little planning goes a long way. Being organised makes holidays with kids that much easier. Have an approximate (or definite) itinerary for a piece of mind. Up to you how much detail you’ll go into, but make sure to have some sort of idea of what you’re doing during the holiday.
Have little helpers
Make sure the kids are helping you carry stuff, especially their own. There are many options for kids’ bags these days, and whether it’s a backpack or a bag on wheels - utilise the help they can give you by carrying their own things.
Pack essentials
Things like sunscreen, hats, sunglasses, wet wipes, nappies, and any other toiletries and medicine are all very important, and you should definitely list them first on the check sheet. You don’t want to run around looking for nappies in an unfamiliar place at night. Most parents have been in a similar situation, though, and while it’s funny now, it’s definitely far away from that when it’s happening to you!
Downsize your toiletries
Get special small-sized bottles to put your shampoo, conditioner or soap in. Don’t carry extra weight when it’s not needed.
Pack in advance
The worst idea here would be to pack on the day (or a few hours) before you actually have to leave your house. Ensure to be organised the night before, making your morning/day getting ready much easier.
Pack lots of snacks
Whether it’s a road trip or aeroplane travel, the best decision you can make is to grab a few snacks to keep kids entertained and avoid hungry moaning between travel times or while waiting for flight check-in.
Breathe and have fun!
And finally, don’t forget to breathe! Holidays with kids can be stressful, but they don’t really have to be. Appreciate this time and the opportunity to get away and change the scenery. Enjoy!