On the face of it, a week-long family vacation is easy to pack for. You’ve looked for flights and planned every transfer in order to experience the most out of your holiday. However, the very fact that it’s only a week can make it even more difficult to know what is essential, and what is better left at home.
Let’s have a look at the essentials when travelling with a baby.
Passport and ID
It’s important to bring your driving license as well as your passport, too. This may come in handy if you wish to rent a car, or as a general-purpose identification as you may not want to travel around with your passport constantly.
Boarding pass
Boarding passes are of course necessary to get onto your flight. However, e-tickets for your mobile are recommended if you want to cut down on important things to look after on your holiday.
Currency and cards
If you want to avoid the terrible exchange rates and fees inside airport brokers and your own bank, it’s advised to exchange your vacation money beforehand. Regardless, bringing your bank card is vital in case of emergencies and running out of local cash.
Travel insurance card
Travel insurance is important, and it will often require either documentation or a card to prove you have it.
Medication
This includes any prescriptions and medication for the baby. It’s also important to bring some general first aid too, such as plasters and disinfectant cream.
Check out our suggested medications and toiletries list, along with handy emergency details print out card idea here.
Toiletries
A toothbrush for travel, tissues, wet wipes, contact lens solution, and microfiber towel are some of the more obvious ones. You may also want to bring your hairdryer if there’s room. Hand sanitizer, razor and moisturizer are also useful to take. Remember if you intend to fly carry-on only keep everything in clear containers under 100ml.
Clothing
The number of clothing items you take will depend on your itinerary, your personality, and the climate in which you’re visiting. A major factor that’s often forgotten about is asking yourself: is there a washer machine or easily accessible washing facilities where you’re going?
If there is, there’s no need to take 7 days worth of stuff, as you can wash and re-use – catch more of our handy packing tips to cut down on unnecessary items here.
Baby packing list
Your baby checklist may somewhat differ depending on your age and stage, but here are some things worth considering:
- Armbands/Floaties
- Dummies/Pacifiers
- Toddler reins
- Plastic bags
- Nappies/Swim nappies
- Nappy rash cream
- Travel changing mat
- Cot and linen
- Stroller
- Toys
- Nursing cover
Our complete guide to baby packing list can be found here.
Summer extras
If the vacation is to a warm or summery destination then there are some extras to consider. These include swimwear, high factor sun cream, after-sun, sunglasses, sandals and possibly a travel towel and beach toys.
We have more tips on travelling with a baby to warm climates here.
Travel extras
Travel extras include things like a sleeping mask and a travel pillow. Okay, these aren’t essential so don’t pack them first, but if you have room, go for it! What about kids comfort devices for the plane too?
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