Packing for spontaneous holidays can be stressful, especially if you’ve got a couple of extra suitcases for the kids. With quick, thoughtful planning, you can avoid overstuffing your bags with things you won’t need and focus on enjoying your holiday.
We’ve listed our top packing tips below to help you get the whole family ready for a stress-free holiday.
Essentials to Pack for Kids
When time is tight, focus on the items you’ll need during the holiday. Aside from travel documents like passports and visas, EHIC/GHIC cards for Europe, and travel insurance, the items you pack can depend on your children’s ages.
Young children may need their favourite snacks to smooth over boring travel delays in the airport, get on the tarmac, and ward off hunger-related meltdowns in the air. Child-friendly pain relief can be a lifesaver on planes as your kids’ ears begin to hurt. Don’t get their favourite toy, blanket, or book to help them settle into new environments. Sun cream is another must-have to keep them safe from harmful UV rays during your outings.
What to Leave Behind
It’s easy to overpack in a rush but bear in mind that people often pack clothes and items they don’t end up using on holiday. Most trips won’t need too many toys, as kids tend to play with one or two, so pack a tablet and a couple of books at most for quiet time.
Unless you’re travelling to a remote location, most destinations offer pram care and highchairs, so leave your buggy at home. Avoid packing multiples “just in case”. One jacket, one sun hat, and one swimsuit per child will be enough. By travelling lighter, you’ll have fewer bags to carry and check-in, making the airport experience a lot smoother.
Packing Tips for Quick Trips
If you’re throwing bags together a couple of hours before travelling to the airport, a few smart tactics will make a big difference. Rolling your clothes will save space and reduce wrinkles, allowing the whole family to have outfits to wear when you arrive without having to iron.
Multi-use items are great space savers. Opt for microfibre towels that are lightweight and fast-drying for the beach or pool. Packing cubes can separate clothing by child or type, making it easy to find t-shirts and swimming trunks.
Give each of your kids a small rucksack for travel essentials, including snacks, a toy, and a change of clothes, to keep them comfortable and entertained on the go. Using a family checklist can help avoid leaving things you really need at home, such as sunglasses or chargers.
Make the Most of Your Holiday
Packing well for last-minute holidays will help you feel in control, even if you throw it together quickly. The less time spent rummaging through bags means more time spent enjoying your destination and making memories.
Leave a Reply