What Shall I Pack?

Travelling with children can make your holiday such an enjoyable experience, but the thought off it all can be a little overwhelming!

Being organised and planning ahead helps to avoid those last minute panics, and frustrations that arise when travelling. We also have to consider the amount we can take, after all, we don't want to be weighed down with heaps of baggage. As a rule of thumb a family of four should be able to pack what you need into two large cases (with wheels!).

If you are flying, be aware of luggage allowances, ensuring your luggage conforms to all size and weight specifications, including hand luggage. You really don't need the inconvenience at the airport having to move items about, or having to go to another desk to pay excess baggage!!

We have put together some checklists to assist in getting ready for a stress free trip with your little travellers:

Before you travel

• Buy travellers checks/ Change currency - Check with your bank to see if your bank card can withdraw cash at your destination.
• Make arrangements for your pets to be looked after.
• Lock all windows and doors before you leave
• Unplug small appliances.
• Clear fridge/ cupboards of food which will expire before end of your holiday
• Put rubbish out.

Important items

• Wallet and/or purse and cash
• Credit cards and/or traveller’s checks
• Car and house keys
• Travel insurance, EHIC card and list of phone numbers
• Itineraries, tickets and reservation confirmations. Maps and directions
• Prescriptions and other medications
• Camera, film, digital camera memory cards, batteries
• Glasses / contact lenses.

Checklist for travel bags

• Hand Luggage / Travel bag Checklist - A bag per person.
• Travel documents and itinerary in a separate pocket and easily accessible.
• Cardigan / Jumper and socks for each person– It can get cold when travelling on transport such as plane/train/coach.
• Portable DVD player

Babies’ hand luggage/ travel bag

• Sterilised bottles with water / 3-way milk formula container.
• Blanket / hat/ socks
• Wet wipes/ nappies / drying cloth
• Change of clothes
• Antibacterial hand wash

Children’s /Toddlers travel bag /hand luggage

• Favourite toys, colouring book and pencils
• Travel games and book.
• Favourite comforters.
• Drinks and snacks. – Please note: you will need to purchase your liquids after customs if travelling by plane
• Toddler snacks – Raisins, breadsticks, dried fruits, grapes, or dried cereals

First Aid Kit

• Sunscreen
• Paracetamol / Ibuprofen
• Lotion for insect bites
• Sun cream and After Sun lotion
• Insect repellent/bite and sting relief product
• Birth Control

Also see:
Packing check list for beach holiday
Packing check list for winter holiday
Packing check list for camping holiday