Just as you wouldn’t think about leaving home without your mobile phone it’s important that you don’t leave home without some of the most essential things for a successful, well organised trip.
There is often so much to plan and organize before heading off on a trip, especially if it is an overseas trip, that it can seem a little daunting as to what to remember to do and organise.
Research, planning and preparation are key.
Having a checklist of items to pack helps to remind of essentials that in the excitement of packing may be missed.
A great tip is to place everything out that you want to pack and then halve it.
Be mindful that it does not apply to everything in your packing list. Some things are essential on a trip.
You’re not alone.
You of course want to be prepared and have the right items of clothing and accessories for your trip.
There is no set list or guideline for what to pack especially when travelling with kids. Packing light isn’t as important as packing smart.
Items on the top of your must have priority list should provide comfort and convenience and ideally serve more than one purpose.
What to pack is dependent on individual holiday factors such as are your mode of transport, how long you are going, how many kids are travelling, their ages and so on.
What you pack when flying differs to what you pack when travelling in a car or on a train. Packing alters when packing for a baby or packing for a 8 year old.
Do a dry run a week out from travelling. This allows you to test your space and see if you can manage your suitcase and other items easily. It provides the opportunity to see realistically what will fit, what needs to be culled, what needs to be purchased.
No two people or holidays are the same. The checklist is a starting point. Narrow down the items to suit your individual needs.
Select items that are versatile. Layering or chose items that can be used in a few different ways and/or situations. A sarong can be used as a skirt, a thin throw rug for the kiddies, a picnic blanket, a tablecloth, a shield from the sun for a baby, etc.
Pack clothing items that go together and/or with most of your clothes. For a child it means easily swapping out a dirty t-shirt without a hassle.
For older children let them pack their own carry on and help choose items for their luggage. A child not only feels included but allows the child to chose items important to them. Complete a last minute final check to make sure that they haven’t packed the family crystal!
Roll your clothes. This provides more space in the suitcase. Rolling helps to smooth out creases and wrinkles too. Alternatively, you can use packing cubes.
Break down your items into categories.
Must haves:
All of the must haves are safest to be packed in your carry on luggage. All valuables go into hand luggage. Place everything in your carry on that you would be devastated to lose.
Remember to leave photo copies of important documents with someone based at home. Documentation of travel itinerary, contact numbers, passport, insurance details, etc.
Carry on:
Luggage Clothing:
Luggage Toiletries:
Luggage Miscellaneous: