When you pack, make it the responsibility of one person, or make sure the divisions are absolutely clear - that way you won't arrive at your destination with six bikinis but no knickers!
It's a really good idea to keep a box to store all the small and essential items you take away with you - things such as calpol, spoon, toothbrushes and paste, toddler shampoo, thermometer etc.
It simplifies the packing process especially if it includes items that can't be packed until the last moment (i.e.toothbrushes).
- As soon as you've washed and ironed holiday clothes put them away in the suitcase so that the family can't get at them.
- Stuff all shoes with socks.
- Roll your clothes - they won't get so creased.
- If it's likely to be cold, think in terms of layers, rather than everyone having one thick coat or jacket.
- If you can, pack your swimming stuff in your hand luggage if you're going to a hotel. That way, you can go swimming if your rooms aren't ready without having to rummage through suitcases.
- Don't forget hot weather essentials, such as sunhats and sunglasses.
- For little ones and toddlers make sure you keep back a pair of pants to carry in hand luggage just in case of little accidents en route
Toiletries & medicines
- Hang on to those freebie hotel toiletries - very useful for short holidays. They'll save you a fair bit of money and space in the suitcase.
- Make sure you pack toiletries in a zip-up bag; the lids can pop off with the cabin pressure. Put your toiletries, perfume and bulk of your make-up in your suitcase as it may be confiscated if you put it in your hand baggage. Equally, sharp objects such as tweezers or nail scissors must be packed in your hold luggage.
- Some medicine essentials include: plasters; digital thermometer (more accurate in a hot climate); insect repellent; re-hydration salts and diarrhea medicines; antiseptic cream for insect bites; antiseptic wipes; calpol; paracetamol
Other useful bits & bobs
- Good quality sealable plastic bags. Useful if things spill or get dirty.
- Clothes pegs come in handy for all sorts of things, such as creating darker curtains if necessary.
- Some soap flakes or travel wash - useful if you run out of clean undies and you need to wash some in the sink!
- Nail clippers - nails grow much faster in a warm climate, and short nails make it harder to scratch insect bites.
- If you're hiring a car abroad, don't forget to take car sunshades and a child view mirror with you if you want one.
It might be easier to actually buy some things abroad rather than take them with you: cheap towels; inflatable boats; toiletries etc. Also, remember to check your hand baggage size before you go. Each passenger can take on one piece of hand baggage but it mustn't be any bigger than length of 56 cm, width of 45 cm and depth of 25 cm. Write your name and address on a sheet of paper and put it in your luggage. If the label comes off, it's a fail-safe.