Packing for your Family Holiday Abroad:
Hints and Tips
For many parents, just getting to the airport is a traumatic experience in itself, then there's the flight, the sand that inexplicably gets stuck everywhere and, dare we mention it, the dreaded sunburn! Never fear, we here at SchoolDays.ie have compiled the very best hints and tips for all your packing needs, just one less thing for you to worry about.
1. Packing Cubes are your best friend
When you are packing for your children, plan their outfits for each day and place them in packing cubes. One packing cube per child - you can fit so much into them! After the clothes are worn, simply place them back in a designated packing cubes. You can label the bags for different occasions, marking them off as 'dirty' when they have been used. This way, getting them dressed each morning is quick and easy, with the added bonus of having a clothes-free floor and a jump start on the post-holiday washing.
2. Don't panic over lost documents
Have you ever experienced the terror of losing your plane tickets? Even if they were in your hand the whole time? We've all had our mini meltdowns in the check-in line at the airport. One sure way to ease the stress of keeping track of your itinerary paperwork is to make double copies and pack them in and out of luggage, or you can check in online and have them on your iPhones, Smart Phones and tablets. You can relax knowing that you will always have a back up.
3. Keep your hands free of clutter
Invest in a few large Carabiners and attach them to the outside your carry on luggage. This will ensure that you will always have your child's necessities (sippy cups, teddy bears, hats) within reach. Your hands will be free at all times and you won't have to waste time picking a quiet spot in the airport to dump everything on the floor to look for Mr. Snuffles.4. Spread the load
Giving the younger members of your travelling troupe some small responsibility can be beneficial for everyone. Grab a small bag and encourage your child to pack it for themselves. It's important to give them guidelines on what is suitable to pack, you wouldn't want to get to the airport only to discover the pet hamster hidden away in their bag! Allow them to pack one small toy, a book, some crayons and a small blanket for the plane. Don't forget to include a sun hat and sunglasses in your instructions if you are travelling to a hot destination. Not only will your child feel grown-up, it also means that you don't have to root through your bag every five minutes.
5. Baby Powder
6. Toiletries for the whole family
If you are travelling on a sun holiday, make sure you have enough sun screen and after-care lotion first and foremost! We're afraid there are no short cuts when it comes to protecting your skin from the sun. Now that the essentials are out of the way, we can try to whittle down some of the things that take up space in your luggage that you do not necessarily need. Where possible, try to pack products that are suitable for everyone, (ie; shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, toothpaste), and pack them into one bag that can be left in the bathroom for convenience. While teenagers may be put out, do try to remind them that hair straighteners are rarely needed on holidays. Depending on your budget, an alternative would be to buy inexpensive products once you arrive and discard them before you make the return journey. You'll have more space and won't have to deal with any shampoo mess.
7. Get Creative
If you would like to keep your children entertained on long flights while, at the same, create some lasting memories, why not pack a journal that the whole family can add to? It doesn't take up much space and will serve as a great memento of your family trip for years to come. It's also a great way to tackle the post-holiday blues on the flight home.