Essential travel packing list for kids

Holidaying with children doesn't have to be stressful.

You may think that you need to pack thier entire toy box in order to have a good holiday, but realx, you don't.  Your children may be insisting that they really, really , need each one of thier teddy bears, but relax, they don't.

The really successful breaks are the ones that are organised well, and this all starts before you even leave the house -  with your packing

It’s never to early to start a trip packing list, in fact, the best time to start a packing list is when you've just come home from your holdiay -  you know exactly what you missed and what to pack for next time. 
However, if you're not that organised, don't worry.  This essential travel packing list will cover most of the areas that you need to think about.  Read it with a notepad and make adjustments to the packing list so you create your own,  keep your travel packing list in a safe place and use it for all holidays.

Your travel packing list will ensure that you'll be able to relax and enjoy your vacation, not waste time trailing round foreign stores trying to purchase things that you forgot to pack! 

The essential travel packing list for an anxiety free vacation.

1. Decide who is responsible for the packing.  It's best if it's just one person, but if you are dividing the responsibilty, be really clear about who is packing what for whom.

2. Purchase some small, clear boxes before you pack.  Pack all the essential items in here, such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and shampoo. 

3. When packing clothing,  think in terms of layers.  Weather is unpredictable, so if you’re unsure, pack plenty of options rather than just one coat.

4. Avoid packing whites and light colours for the kids. Delicate fabrics are also a no-no.

5. As you pack, rolll your clothes rather than folding. This means that they won't be too creased when you come to unpack.

6. Save on space by packing socks inside of your shoes.

7. Pack a surprise present for your kids.  This will hopefully take thier mind off the toys that they've left behind and keep them entertained on holiday.

8. Pack really essential items such as sunlotion, sunhats and medical supplies first.  They are things you really don't wan't to forget.

9. If possible, pack your swimming costume and small towel in your hand luggage.  That way if you get to the hotel and there are problems with your room or bags, you can get straight to the beach without having to rummage through all your bags!

10. Pack clothes pets and good quality plastic bags.  They come in handy for all types of stuff such as making darker curtains, drying towels and clearing rubbish.

11. Even if you never use them pack medical essentials such as a thermometer, insect repellent and antiseptics wipes.

12. Pack a travel wash in your hand luggage  – always useful for little accidents should you need to wash clothes quickly

13. All toiletries should be packed in a zip-up bag, so if any tops come away from the bottles, the product won’t leak out on all of your clothes!