Who hasn’t been through this? The holidays that have been booked for ages are finally upon us, and we are looking forward to the long-awaited recovery for the whole family. Now, you just need to pack your bags and make the final preparations... But, in order to prevent the holidays from degenerating, once again, into stress and chaos and, especially when you travel with children, to avoid situations when important little things are forgotten at home, you better set up your own checklist for family holidays. Here, you will find an overview of what you should take into consideration.
Stay well-informed about what to pack in the vacation suitcase
Whether you travel by car or plane, going to the beach or to the mountains, expecting to stay in a hotel or apartment, each type of holiday requires different things to be taken into consideration when packing your suitcase. However, no matter what, you should inform yourself beforehand about the local weather to always be prepared for temperature fluctuations, rain and even an afternoon in the pool during your ski holidays. The trick is to pack not too much and not too little. Nowadays, a washing machine is often part of the amenities offered by a hotel.
Tip: In some European countries, certain vaccinations may be required, so be sure to know this ahead of time!
What necessarily belongs on the checklist for family holidays?
Travel documents, airplane tickets, directions to the destination and important telephone numbers should always be kept with you. Toiletries and essential medication for you and the little ones are also high on the list. The medical travel kit generally includes plasters, a thermometer, ointment, a remedy for diarrhoea, painkillers and mosquito spray. Anyone traveling with infants or small children also have to think of bringing a sufficient supply of diapers as well as food, drinking bottles and a thermos to quickly prepare meals. If you want your trip to be a success and leave lasting memories, do not leave your travel guides, cameras, mobile phones and related charging cables at home! Also find out if you need a plug adapter for your electronic equipment at your destination.
Be prepared for everything on the road: well-organized hand luggage
For the arrival and departure, it is always important not to get bored. Thus, for entertainment, a basic set of favourite toys and books should be at hand. If during the flight, you should also have with you a bag with necessary medication, wipes and at least one set of clothes for changing, so that you will be well prepared in case your luggage is lost or arrives later than you at your destination.
Tip: If you include children in the packing process and even let them prepare their own trolleys, you keep them busy for a while and can then take care of your own luggage and the organisation of the trip in general.
Tips for beach holidays with children
In order to make the day of the beach for the whole family a pleasure, the following things should be on your packing list:
- Sunscreen: cream, hats, umbrella
- Beach toys
- Water wings and flip flops
If you buy all these things on the spot, keep in mind when you plan the baggage that the children would probably want to take the new toys home, so you should keep some free place in the luggage. When you purchase sunscreen, don’t forget to check the expiration date. If expired, the cream doesn’t guarantee effective protection, and the day at the beach could turn into an unpleasant experience.
Holidays with children should be carefully prepared. If during packing you keep this checklist in mind, you will avoid stress, chaos and frustration and will spend a relaxing break with the entire family.
