The Agenda
Whether you’re hot-footing it to a villa in Tuscany or trying your hand at glamping in Cornwall, the summer holidays are well underway. And when you’re packing for the family, chances are space will be at a premium, so it makes sense to think small.
Alongside travel-size toiletries and dinky hairdryers, there’s an array of space-saving foldaway items that will help free up valuable room – bags, water bottles, change
mats, fabric high chairs and sun protection tents are smart choices for young families, and you can even get pushchairs that fold up to be carried like a bag.
When it comes to clothes and accessories, you rarely need as many items as you pack. Take the time to be organised – rather than flinging everything into a suitcase, lay the clothes out so you see exactly what you’ve got, then edit your selection. Keep things simple with separates that can be mixed and matched, and limit the amount of shoes you pack.
PACK SMART
Clever packing can save space and be an organisational Godsend when you arrive. Using packing cubes or vacuum roll bags to separate items makes it easier to locate things, and rolling, rather than folding, saves space and reduces creasing – and let’s be honest, no one wants to do ironing on holiday. Make the most of every inch of space by placing things inside shoes and in other gaps.
It’s best to choose dark-coloured clothes which don’t need to be kept pristine, but if you do take lighter items, turn them inside out when packing to avoid marks. An empty bag to put dirty laundry in will also keep things organised.
Only pack toiletries you can’t do without, and if you can use the same shower gel, moisturiser and shampoo as the kids, it makes life easier. Don’t scrimp on sun cream though, as it’s often better value (with a better choice available) before you travel. Pack essential medicines somewhere easy to
KEEP ESSENTIALS TO HAND
Whether you’re driving, flying or travelling by bus or train, make sure you have essentials in easy-to-access hand luggage so you don’t have to rifle through bags to find wet wipes, snacks and entertainment. Make sure this bag also contains a folder with printouts of tickets, insurance, addresses, maps and any other important information.
To entertain kids when travelling, eating out or during downtimes, a bag with toys, activity books and some crayons can amuse them for hours, as will a travel journal they can write or draw in throughout the trip. Ensure electronic devices are fully charged before you leave and that chargers and adapters (if needed) are packed, along with a portable travel bank if you have one. Good planning equals happy travels. Bon voyage.