What to pack for a holiday with children? Start with a plan
Whether you're looking forward to a trip to the seaside, the mountains or a bigger city - it's a good idea to start by planning what we'll be doing. A visit to the aqua park, a trip to the nearby mountains, a city tour or a visit to the zoo all require completely different activities for us and the children. The planned activities will therefore strongly influence what we will need on the trip.
We know from experience that with children it is sometimes better to take three things too many than one too few. Therefore, it is a great idea - even before you start packing for your trip with children - to create a list of what you need for your holiday with your child. This will not only be very helpful when filling your suitcases, but also before you return - having a list ready will make it easier to check that you haven't forgotten anything.
List of things to do on holiday with your child
When packing for a holiday with your child, it is a good idea to start by preparing your hand luggage, such as a comfortable shoulder bag or backpack. It is not only useful for travelling, but also for trips and sightseeing in the city. What should I take on holiday with me in my hand luggage? Of course, its contents depend not only on the location and activity, but also on the time of year and the age of the child. However, there are a few universal items that are worth taking with you whatever the age of your child.
It is a good idea to pack snacks and drinks for your trip and sightseeing in your carry-on bag. Preferably ones that won't allow you to get too dirty - a non-cap cup, juices with a tube, sandwiches, dry provisions or fruit. It's also the perfect place to throw in a jumper or sweatshirt, a bottle of washing water, wet wipes or something for abrasions - slices and antiseptic for a wound. It is also a good idea to throw tissues, toilet paper, antibacterial lotion and, in summer, sunscreen into your bag or rucksack.
And what to take on holiday with your child in your large travel luggage? The obvious thing is to pack clothes that are suitable for all weathers. Above all, it's worth packing clothes for your child that simply work for us, your child likes to wear, don't crease, are comfortable and breathable, including:
- short and long-sleeved shirts,
- short shorts and long trousers,
- a light rain jacket,
- a zip-up sweatshirt or jumper,
- underwear (a few more pieces than you plan on wearing on the days of your holiday),
- pyjamas,
- comfortable, covered shoes,
- sandals,
- flip-flops for the shower and pool.
If you are not going on a long holiday or your children have their own toiletries, it is a good idea to transfer them to smaller bottles. When thinking about what to take on holiday with your child, let's also remember a handy first aid kit, which should include:
- sunscreen 50+,
- plasters, bandages,
- disinfectant,
- diarrhoea preparations,
- analgesics and antipyretics,
- thermometer,
- tick and mosquito repellent.
It is also worth throwing in something soothing for bites and sunburn.
It is a good idea to involve the children in the packing process. Firstly, they will give us suggestions as to what they would most like to wear, but secondly, they will learn discipline and organisation when going on trips. This is a very valuable lesson for independent trips to summer camps or holidays with friends in the future. Let the children also bring along their beloved toys or books of their own choosing. If the weather is inclement, we will still be able to spend time together with a favourite game or story as a family.
This may also interest you: Attractions for the family in Wrocław - 7 must-see places!
What to take on a trip with a baby?
We have to approach packing for a family holiday a little differently if we are going on holiday with a toddler of several months. What should you pack for a holiday with a baby? First and foremost a pushchair or sling (depending on what you prefer), so that you can explore comfortably and enjoy your holiday with your little one. Suffice it to say that the trip itself can be stressful - especially for new parents.
In addition, what to take on holiday with a baby? The list should include, but not be limited to:
- extra clothes for layering,
- a favourite blanket,
- soother,
- bath gel or bath oil,
- nappy rash remover,
- a supply of formula milk (if you are feeding your baby this way),
- nappies and nappy sacks.
If your child is already teething, dummies and teething teethers will also be useful. If you have some space left in your boot or suitcase, it is worth considering some less obvious accessories, such as a mosquito net, pram wheel pump, rain cover or sunshade. It is worth taking washing powder or liquid with you, preferably in sachets.
What else to pack for a holiday with a baby? When planning a holiday with a few months old toddler, it is essential to take the health book and a note of the phone number of a trusted paediatrician we can contact in case of emergency.
List for a trip with a child - do I need everything?
A lot can come in handy during a family trip with children, but remember that we don't have to take everything with us! When making a booking at a hotel, find out whether the establishment provides guests with the accessories needed for everyday life with children.
The Europeum is an excellent hotel for families with children in Wrocław, where we have prepared a special offer for tourists travelling with children. Among other things, we offer our guests a family room that comfortably accommodates 4 people, so parents can have their children under constant control.
We have also prepared a number of additional facilities for the youngest guests - a cot, a bathtub, a toilet seat, a changing table, a bottle warmer, a mat and a highchair. To use these during your stay, simply request them at the time of booking. By going to Europeum, your list of things to bring on holiday with your baby can be considerably shorter!
