*This post is brought to you in collaboration with Youi.
It's the holiday season and post-Christmas is time for many of us to pack our bags and depart for sunnier destinations to unwind a little more freely without all the pre-Christmas obligations.
Where families are concerned, the job of preparing for a holiday can be mammoth, especially when we no longer have the luxury of regular school days or day care and other arrangements in place, to take the kids off our hands for a few precious hours in order to pack. (Though having the kids around is precious too!)
It's times like now when I need to resort to lists to help me get through the extensive set of tasks and essentials to reach the golden destination at the end - the holiday itself.
I thought it would be fun to approach a packing and preparation list this year in an A to Z fashion. Setting a list of reminders and prompts in this format really forces you to consider just about everything but it also makes it a fun and simplified way to get through the boring bits. Hopefully you too will find it of use and if I've overlooked anything, go right ahead and leave your suggestions in the comments!
A is for Aerogard. Insect repellent in Summer is a must and no matter what your chosen brand or approach, don't forget this important essential.
B is for booking confirmation. Read over all of your holiday documentation and confirm departures and arrivals, tours, flights and accommodation and whatever else you have planned prior to the day so that your travel is not interrupted by stressful oversights or cancellations.
C is for car. Is your car insurance up to date? Is your Registration paid? Are any outstanding fines paid? Do you have roadside assistance? Imagine the worst possible scenarios and map out your mental list of to do's. Don't get caught out in a costly way on vacation by skimping on these important matters.
D is for deodorant! Make sure you pack you basic necessities. There's nothing worse than making routine trips to stores for dull items when you should be lying on the beach instead!
E is for entertainment. Think about wet weather and evenings at your destination. Does your accommodation have a TV? A DVD player? Movies for kids and board games? Consider all options and take some of the kids' favourite forms of entertainment along with you for the quiet times. (Or times when you anticipate craving some quiet for yourself!) Take along your iPad or tablet PC for a bit of video gaming on the go.
F is for food. Pack lots of snacks for the car for the kids and for yourselves. Save dollars by taking your own. If staying in a hotel or a holiday home, taking your own food will work positively for you in this same way, plus it will make your holiday more relaxing too, when the worry of supplies has been covered.
G is for goody bags. A must have item in the car for bored kids on long trips. Pay a visit to a junk store and stock up on everything from notepads, colouring books, lollies, crayons, puzzles etc. Keeping the kids entertained will ensure you maintain your sanity.
H is for hamper and can cover two sorts of items: A hamper of nice foods and drinks for treat times such as a sparkling by the beach or some chocolates late evening can be something lovely to look forward to. Likewise a good collapsible hamper for dirty washing is invaluable for storing the piles of clothing young kids can produce and will take the stress out of cleaning and sorting at your destination each day.
I is for insurance. Make sure you have travel insurance if you are going on a costly journey that involves interstate or international destinations or for an extended period of travel. Check your home and contents insurance is up to date before you depart to protect your home and goods from fire or theft in your absence. Make sure your car is covered by the best car insurance policy too, such as those offered by Youi. This is especially important if you are embarking on a driving holiday.
J is for jewellery. Keep it safe. Don't take your precious valuables on holiday to prevent loss, theft and heartache.
K is for keep it simple in terms of packing. Give the kids a small bag each to take in the car or on the plane and once it's filled, they're at their limit. Do the same for yourself. Really scale down your packing so that you have the barest of essentials only. Remember you can always buy a few things at your destination and this part can be fun indeed!
L is for leave it behind. Carefully weigh up each and every item you pack into your bag or car. Do you really need three pairs of sandals? Three sunhats? The best holidays by far are the ones where you have packed so light that there's barely any choice to make when it comes to clothing. More time to grab and go which equals - relaxation.
M is for medication. Don't forget your regular medications and prescription items. For kids, anticipate various worse case scenarios and pack Panadol and antihistamines etc. This includes a first aid kit containing everything from Band-Aids to insect bite creams. A tube of antiseptic is an essential too.
N is for nappies. If you have a child in nappies, don't forget them! Likewise, overnight pants for the older, yet-to-be night trained kids as well as swim pants for littlies comes under this banner. (Don't forget wipes too!) I have written a post specifically on flying with toddlers previously and this may be another place to read up on important points if this is you too. Find tips for packing a nappy bag here.
O is for organising things before you leave. Ask a kindly neighbour to collect your mail from your letterbox or arrange postal re-direction or holds. Have you got parcel deliveries scheduled to arrive in your absence? Again, ask a neighbour or friend to check daily for items that may be stolen in your absence. Cancel newspapers and weekly deliveries of any kind for the duration of your departure. Give a friend a set of keys to your home for emergencies and a full itinerary to ensure that you can be contacted at any point.
P is for pets. If you have a cat or a dog, who will feed them while you are away? Organise a kennel or cattery or enlist the help of a neighbour or friend to keep your pets happy while you are on vacation.
Quit procrastinating about what you need to do and get onto it the minute you think of it to ensure it gets done!
R is for reading material. Holidays mean relaxing and there's no better way to get into that mode than via a book. Don't forget to pack a few!
S is for swimwear. Make sure everybody has their bathers, rashies and towels in order as well as a set of thongs to get to and from the beach on the hot sand. Sunscreen is a must too as well as hats and sunglasses. Don't forget boogie boards and water play items such as buckets and spades.
T is for toiletries. Toothbrushes and toothpaste, tampons, moisturiser, lip balm and even toilet paper. Don't forget your essentials. Find tips for Summer beauty essentials on a budget here.
U is for underwear and socks. So essential and yet so easy to forget in the rush and excitement. An Umbrella both for rain and the beach can come under this header too.
V is for visit the App store and download Apps to keep kids entertained while on holidays. Choose books, games and even download a packing checklist App to specifically check off items so that you are completely covered.
W is for what tech do you need? USB cables, mobiles, spare batteries etc. Don't get caught out without a connection, especially on holidays involving self-driving or flights. If you are travelling through, or holidaying in high risk bush-fire areas, you will definitely need a phone to keep up to date with spot fire outbreaks and it could save your life.
X, Y and Z are the perfect acronym for miscellaneous. Do you need sleeping bags? Bedding? Do you want to take your own appliances such as a coffee maker or milk frother? Do you require a Portacot for an infant? A baby sling or pram? A child's favourite toy or a box full of toys to keep kids entertained is a great idea. Add whatever you like here and have a great holiday!
What would you add to your own packing list?
Have I forgotten something?! Please leave your suggestion below.
Recent posts on Six Little Hearts you may have missed:
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Very clever, Jody! I can't do without lists when I'm packing either. I'd probably add an S for straighteners or g for goggles, k for kickboards or t for towels :) Visiting via #teamIBOT
ReplyDeleteOh the hair straighteners and blow dryer - they're top of any list aren't they!
DeleteI love this - and R is most definitely for reading material!!
ReplyDeleteI was very particular about popping a book in there. I went away recently and forgot to bring a book. I really missed the luxury of reading in bed, especially since the toddler was not room sharing at the time. It was a wasted night!
DeleteI'm a list lady too! This is great Jody! I just packed for Melbourne a couple weeks ago and found it so stressful and I only have one toddler. Since we decided to drive and not fly we were able to take more things with us, which took away from the stress, but then we had to remember to bring them with us too. haha! I really like your collapsable hamper idea. I used to have one in my early 20's. Will have to seek one out. I was using green bags, which is kinda gross. - Peachy Keen Mumma
ReplyDeleteAfter our recent holiday, It turns out I over-packed our car and the Husband suggested using those ugly striped, huge bags next time to pack! Green bags are not such a bad thing it seems! I couldn't find my hamper and must buy a new one. They really keep things organised when you're travelling.
DeleteThat is an incredibly exhaustive list! I don't think you could have missed anything!
ReplyDeleteFood and entertainment are too biggies for us because we usually drive everywhere. Hungry, bored kids are not pleasant.
I second that Jess. Food I think, has to top any list where kids are concerned.
DeleteThis is great. I did a travel planning post today too - jinx. I was waiting to see what x y z would be - ha ha. I love lists so of course I loved your very comprehensive list.
ReplyDeleteOh I will have to check yours out too - we can compare notes!
DeleteYes, XYZ was almost a problem until I thought up a nifty way around it! I am seriously contemplating writing A-Z lists for every aspect of my life from here on - I would never forget anything with these. :D
What a list, but like you I can't work without them! Once packed, I put a stick it note on each bag with items that still need to be packed like Magdalene's sleeping teddies. She won't sleep without them so I have to pack them on the day that we leave somewhere! Very creative way to write this post too. :)
ReplyDeleteThe Sticky-Note idea is a fab one Rebecca! While it would work for me, my guess is that some of my smaller kids would run off with the notes and stick them in other places!! Great suggestion and maybe I will try it next time!
DeleteLove this post - awesome. I'm taking notes as we're leaving for our camping trip on Friday and I have not yet done a thing!!!!
ReplyDeleteYou are the perfect reader for my post then!
DeleteHave to admit, I was writing the post and about to go on holidays myself - I'd not done any preparation either at the time "D. Hope it's of use and that you have a wonderful holiday.
I am a list maker as well. This is a wonderful post what great tips. Thanks for linking up on the Oh My Heartsie Girls Wordless Wednesday Link Party.
ReplyDeleteWishing you an amazing week!
xx
Lysa
Co-Host
Thanks so much Lysa and thank you for stopping by. x
DeleteI could have used this list when going to China. Thanks for sharing in the Oh My Heartsie Girl WW this week, we appreciate your stopping by!!!
ReplyDeleteKarren Host
You'll have to pop back next time you are travelling. Thanks so much for stopping by.
DeleteExcellent list! We are lost without the aeroguard in particular ;)
ReplyDeleteI rarely get bitten my mozzies - don't be jealous! They love my Husband and kids though!
DeleteThere was me considering a mini-break and you've reminded me of the list and the endless kid gear that goes with it lol! Is it me or does everyone almost pack the kitchen sink too? I'm a terrible overpacker, I'll skim everything back for me but when it comes to the kids you can never be prepared enough. I'll always pack spare clothes if flying in the hand luggage as we normally have some sort of spillage. Great list though Jody, I can tell you're a pro-packer :-) x
ReplyDeleteI am a bit of an over-packer too sometimes. I think you need to be with kids. I was shocked how much stuff people take camping recently - they really take everything!
DeleteI can not think without a list! So nice to know there are so many more out there like that too! Thanks for sharing this post at OMHG WW this week!
ReplyDeleteI am not normally a list person but I think I might start to be one. Thanks for visiting.
DeleteR is pretty much my favourite there - books are super important to me when I go away!
ReplyDeleteThis one came to mind after our recent city stay - I forgot my book which was all kinds of sorrow!
DeleteReally good tips! I believe Q is me to a T! Haha. Thanks for linking up on Oh My Heartsie Girl WW.
ReplyDeleteLOL! It was a simple solution to an otherwise difficult letter!
DeleteI always over pack and then SD takes about half of it out again - I always take my own teabags (well, I wouldn't be English if I didn't would I ...).
ReplyDeleteOh yes - tea bags - me too! I like my brands and all...
DeleteGreat list - you are soooo organised! Nothing I can think of that is missing apart from we often take an esky on roadtrips for some food to get us started at the destination and if we need something on the way :-)
ReplyDeleteYes - the foodstuff is packed in our Esky. :D That's an essential for sure. x
DeleteAerogard. I didn't need to go past A! The little insects LUUUURVE me.
ReplyDeleteEmily, just sit next to someone that the insects love more and they all flock to them - I swear, it works every time!
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