%20(2000%20%C3%97%202000%20px)%20(5).png)
Asides from the obvious passports, suncream, hats, sunglasses, sun protection suit/rash vest, and travel pram, I've listed below some other items that I took abroad with us that I found very useful. So, irregardless of whether you are staying in an Air B&B, Bed & Breakfast or half/full board hotel there will hopefully be some items that you can add to your list for your holiday.
I mentioned in my post 'KEEPING YOUR TODDLER AND PRE-SCHOOLER ENTERTAINED WHILST TRAVELLING' that I wanted to write about what I packed when we recently went on holiday to Sicily, and here it is! I mean, ideally suitcases would miraculously pack and un-pack themselves and weight limits wouldn't exist, but sadly...this is not the case. So, if you need a little inspiration then here are my top tips. For those of you who wish that a list for the whole suitcase would miraculously appear, today is your lucky day. Your Fairy Godmother is here! Just head on over to the resource library to download it.
Our little stripy bees rocking their towelling ponchos on the beach
Towelling poncho - Big Bee and Little Bee are wearing Dock & Bay children's mini ponchos in the photo above. They are so practical and perfect for using at the beach and by the pool. I particularly like them because they are very light (in comparison to others I've seen whilst shopping and used), quick-drying and come in a travel pouch to store them away after use. They also do a variety of towels and beach blankets made in the same fabric.
Trunkie Boostapak - This doubles up as a car seat and backpack for a revolutionary all-in-one kids travel solution. The BoostApak is a ECE44.04 approved car seat for group 2 & 3, certified to European Union safety standards, recommended for children under 135cm weighing between 15 and 36 kg (approx. 4–12 years).
First aid kit including Calpol sachets - You can never be too prepared! Our first aid kit includes items like plasters, antiseptic wipes, bandages, tape, hayfever tablets, adult ibuprofen and paracetamol etc. and the magic medicine, Calpol, but in sachet form to save on space and weight.
Thermometer - For peace of mind we take our thermometer whenever we go away, in the UK or abroad, just in case we are caught off the hop
Clogs - I first mentioned these in my 'TACKLING LOO/POTTY TRAINING FOR TODDLERS' post as we initially purchased them when we started potty training Big Bee, but they are brilliant for the beach and by the pool. On holiday the children used them all the time, and they are really easy for them to put on themselves too. We are now on our third pair and think they will be a staple for a long time.
Anti-bacterial hand gel - This went in the rucksack and was especially used during the travelling to and fro. Big Bee loves to touch everything (she's a sensory kinda gal), so it was a necessity to bring it if we were to try and avoid catching every germ taking a ride on the plane with us too.
Mosquito spray - Don't forget to pack a spray or lotion to ward off the mosquitoes. Ensure that it is dermatologically tested and DEET free. Just in case you or your little ones get bitten, make sure to pack an antihistamine cream.
SnoozeShade - Inventors of this piece of black fabric with holes in - thank you! I don't know how naps are supposed to take place on the move without it, and the thought of it gives me the chills. If you want to do naps out and about on holiday then I would certainly recommend packing this gem of an item.
Some of our holiday essentials including our first aid kit, Calpol sachets and reins
Small insulated cool bag, Tupperware and a freeze block - This one is less likely to be of use if you are staying in an all inclusive, but I found these invaluable on our recent trip in self-catering accommodation. Big Bee and Little Bee are such foodies and are of an age where their meal times are ingrained into ALL of our internal clocks! We did many visits to the beach and little day trips to local towns, and it was useful having either their lunch or perishable snacks easily accessible and nice and cool. When we were staying in the Bed & Breakfast for a couple of nights, I was that person (I never thought I would be) making sandwiches at breakfast for the day ahead.
Traditional reins/ wrist reins - I know people have mixed opinions on the use of reins, but personally I am in the camp that likes them. I think that they have a time and a place, and have provided a balance between safety and independence for our little ones. In the instance of going abroad safety was certainly at the forefront of my mind - busy and unfamiliar places and cars driving on the opposite side of the road. We took a CLIPPASAFE harness and reins, and an anti-lost wrist link that straps around your wrist and your toddlers.
Pool/beach toys - When I was younger, I vividly recall bouncing around on a huge killer whale inflatable for hours in the pool. Whilst, Big Bee and Little Bee are not quite there yet, we opted for some Zoggs balls and puffer fish off Amazon. We also took some little bath squirter animal toys and were thoroughly enjoyed.
Travel cutlery - I was not sure whether there would be suitable cutlery available for little hands in the accommodation we were staying in, so I took some travel cutlery with us. I actually purchased ours from Aldi, but there will be lots available online. Alternatively, just pop a few items of their cutlery from home in the suitcase.
Blackout blind - If your child can lie-in with the light shining through the windows then I am in awe of your child and you. We packed a blackout blind to ensure we could make the room sufficiently dark for the children. I wasn't going to risk it!
Float jacket/arm bands - Depending on the confidence of your little ones in the pool/sea, you may want to pack some floatation aids like a jacket or armbands.
More of our essentials including clogs, flotation devices and pool toys
Toys - I think it's easy to focus on toys for the travelling and not give much thought for the toys/books to enjoy the other end. I hid some of their toys a couple of weeks before we left and bought a couple of new items - balls, frisbee and a few travel size Play-Doh pots.
Travel stain remover - Maybe it's just my little ones, but I'm forever reaching for the Vanish to remove stains (and that's with them wearing bibs when they eat!). When we go away I pack a travel sized bottle as to ensure their clothes stay looking un-stained.
Favourite snacks - Because of the aforementioned love of food, we packed their favourite Organix snacks etc. not just for the aeroplane, but for the holiday itself too. So, if you're children are like ours then I would recommend doing the same.
Games for adults - It's easy to forget to pack properly for yourself when you have little ones, but try to remember to pack something for yourself to enjoy during those stolen moments whether it be a book, magazine, music or games. My husband and I love a card game and so we took a pack of cards, Avocado Smash!, Sushi Go! and Dobble (my favourite!).
I hope this list has been helpful and good luck with your packing!
Kommentare