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Hand-picked deals by our pirate teamHoliday checklist with kids: Must-have essentials
Are you packing for a family holiday? Sounds exciting, right? But putting your travel documents together and getting your kids ready can be a little chaotic. Between making sure you have enough clothes, keeping the little ones entertained and not forgetting their favourite teddy, it can feel like a mission. That's why having a solid holiday checklist with kids is a lifesaver.
Packing smart means less stress and more fun on holiday, whether planning a beach holiday or visiting bustling cities. The key is to pack light but without forgetting the essentials. You will need travel-friendly snacks because hungry kids are grumpy. You also need entertainment for long flights to keep your kids busy.
Check out our holiday checklist with kids to ensure you don't miss a thing. Plus, we've got hacks for keeping things organised; you don't want to dig through suitcases for swimsuits.
Family holiday packing tips
Whether preparing for a mini-expedition or a long family holiday, with the right tricks, it will feel like a breeze. Here are a few tips to stay organised and ensure you have everything you need:
Pack light: Kids go through outfits at lightning speed but resist the urge to pack their entire wardrobe. Stick to mix-and-match outfits, and remember, you can always do laundry if needed.
Roll clothes, don't fold: Rolling clothes saves space and prevents wrinkles. It also makes it easier to see what's packed instead of digging through a suitcase tornado.
Keep essentials in your hand luggage: Flights and road trips with kids can be unpredictable, so ensure you have a survival kit in your hand luggage. A survival kit usually has a change of clothes, wipes, snacks and entertainment.
Use packing cubes: Use packing cubes to separate clothes, toiletries and shoes. This way, you can avoid rummaging through a jumbled mess.
Have a first aid kit: A small first aid kit is important for unexpected bumps and scrapes.
Travel documents and essentials
Picture this: You're packed and ready to go with kids in tow, and then panic strikes – you left an important document at home. You can avoid last-minute chaos with this must-have holiday packing list. Keep your trip smooth and stress-free by packing these travel essentials:
Passports and visas
Passports should be valid for at least 6 months, and visas (if needed) should be sorted well in advance. Take photos or copies, just in case. Trust us, a missing passport at the airport is not the holiday vibe you want.
Travel insurance
Nobody plans for lost luggage, delays or unexpected mishaps, but having good travel insurance means you won't have to stress about the unexpected.
Flight and accommodation details
Print your tickets, hotel reservations and transfers, or save them in a travel folder or app. Scrambling for emails at check-in is no fun.
Money, cards and emergency cash
Not everywhere takes cards, so carry some local currency. Pro tip: Split your money between bags in case one goes missing.
Emergency contacts and copies of important documents
Keep copies of passports, travel insurance and emergency contacts in a separate bag or stored digitally in a cloud. Just in case!
Packing checklist for kids
Your holiday packing list should have the following items:
Clothing: Pack enough outfits for the trip, plus a few extras for inevitable spills and messy adventures.
Weather-appropriate gear: Bring raincoats for winter holidays, sun hats for hot days and swimwear for pool or beach fun.
Shoes: Pack walking shoes for exploring, sandals for casual days and beach shoes to protect little feet from hot sand or rocky shores.
Toiletries: Don't forget child-friendly sunscreen, toothbrushes, baby wipes and diapers if needed.
First-aid kit: Keep essentials like Band-Aids, fever medicine, motion sickness tablets, antiseptic wipes and insect repellent on hand for minor mishaps.
Snacks and water bottles: Pack healthy snacks and refillable water bottles to keep them happy and hydrated.
Comfort items: A favourite stuffed toy, blanket or bedtime book can help make unfamiliar places feel more like home.
Entertainment and activities packing list
Keeping kids entertained while travelling can be a lifesaver. Whether you're on a long-haul flight or just waiting at the airport, having a well-packed entertainment kit will help keep boredom at bay.
Tablets and headphones: Load up on kid-friendly movies, TV shows and educational games before leaving, and don't forget volume-limiting headphones for a peaceful trip.
E-books and audiobooks: These are ideal for quiet entertainment. Audiobooks make long journeys fly by, while e-books ensure you don't have to carry bulky storybooks.
Colouring books and crayons: They provide a simple but mess-free activity that keeps kids entertained without screens. It is great for restaurants, flights or hotel downtime.
Travel games and puzzles: Compact magnetic board games, card games or mini-puzzles are great for keeping little minds engaged.
Fidget toys and stuffed animals: A favourite cuddly toy or stress-relief fidget toy can help keep kids calm and comfortable during long trips.
Snacks and water bottles: Nothing ruins a trip faster than a hungry child. Pack easy-to-eat, non-messy snacks and refillable water bottles.
Activity apps: Download interactive learning apps, language games or virtual drawing tools to keep kids entertained while on the move.
Holiday checklist with kids FAQs
Q: What to pack for a 7-day holiday?
A: You need seven outfits, plus a couple of spare changes, comfortable shoes and weather-appropriate gear, like a rain jacket or sunhat. Packing for a week-long holiday means striking the right balance between essentials and extras. Don't forget your passport and travel documents. If you're heading to the beach, add swimwear and beach towels.
Q: What do you pack for a sun holiday with kids?
A: For a sunny getaway with kids, pack light, breathable clothes, sun hats and sunglasses. Sunscreen is a must; opt for high SPF and water-resistant formulas. Bring sandals and a lightweight beach cover-up. A beach bag with towels, floaties and beach toys is essential. Keep snacks, refillable water bottles and a mini first-aid kit handy.
Q: What to take on holiday to keep kids entertained?
A: A well-packed entertainment kit is a lifesaver on holiday. Bring tablets loaded with movies and games, colouring books, travel-sized board games and small toys. Don't forget headphones, audiobooks and storybooks for quiet moments. Pack snacks, a comfort toy and a journal or sticker book to keep them busy at restaurants or on flights.
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