Minimalists help me - packing for a holiday

[LittleCatZ]

Soooo lucky to be having a holiday overseas this year, 8 days visiting family in the sun. I always hugely overpack meaning too much to carry and a manic rush to pack before we come home possibly due to lack of practice as holidays are rare for us

DCs are now old enough that we will have 4 seats = 4 hand luggage (2 Trunki's as these will double up as toys and really value them as seats when queueing.
Due to needing specialist sunscreen for eczema I have 1 bag to check in, I'm hoping to limit myself to a hand bag after we've checked our case in to keep hands as free as possible to chase 3yo

What do I actually need to pack?

[DeafLeopard]

Ooh you need ten days in a carry on. Off to google it for you as it's not bookmarked on my phone.

[janek]

first of all you need one of these each.

Secondly, how much excema (sp, sorry!) cream will you use? Could you decant it into smaller containers so you can carry it on? If four of you are travelling you would be entitled to four bags for liquids (one in each rucksack).

Thirdly, if you're going somewhere hot, you only need one jumper each, the dcs may not wear theirs at all if they're in bed before it gets chilly at night, but you'll need them for the journey.

I try and take enough pants (and socks if needed) for each day, although we always have access to a washing machine when away, so it isn't always necessary to take so many. Then a t-shirt/top for every two days (more for a filthy toddler, but my dd1 often comes home with unworn tops, you know your children). Then enough bottoms to go with the tops. I take two pairs of pyjamas for dcs (you never know when a nappy will leak) and one for me. Swimming costumes. One pair of shoes each, although i will concede that if you're going somewhere hot now, from here, you may not want to wear your sandals on the journey (although you could wear them with socks ). That's about it.

[LittleCatZ]

Loving the bags - thanks for the link janek
Spain - so cream even on dull days, so I've come to terms with 1 checked bag as we need cream for 4 people. We'll need ridiculous quantities of mosquito repellent but probably won't use a liquid.
I do decant all other liquids and will use shampoo for everything. I'm the only girl which helps so minimal conditioner needed and travel size moisturiser on order.

I was thinking wear 1 jumper, take 1 jumper for the evenings each. I think I can risk 1 pair of pyjamas for oldest but 2 for youngest is probably wise.

Apparently it may be possible to wash stuff there - but I should be on holiday, so trying to keep that for emergency to look forward to on return to reality!

You are so right about shoes, I tend to have last minute anxiety about having something 'smart' to wear and throw loads in. Maybe I'll buy myself some magic shoes for all occasions - any suggestions?

[LittleCatZ]

DeafLeopard any progress with the link? I do have a few weeks to get ready yet.

Any suggestions for beach towels? We may be able to hire, although no one seems sure so I need compact ones just in case.

[DeafLeopard]

Pictures here on the second page there is a list of what she actually takes.

We do hand luggage only when we go away in the summer, we spend most of the day in swim gear so I take three sets, I take three dresses that can be worn day or evening, two cardigans - I wear one to travel, two nighties, a pair of flip flops, a pair of sandals - wedge so comfy to walk in but ok to go out in.

[forevergreek]

for a week i pack:

for me :6 dresses, (casual enough for day, smart enough for evening), 1 cardigan, sandals, underwear, x2 tights in case cold

will wear a dress, warmer cardigan, tights, shoes on day

for ds's each: 4 shorts, 2 trousers (prob one smart jeans, one chinos). 6 t shirts, 2 shirts, one v neck thinner jumper/cardigan. 6 pants. 1 pjs. 1 swim trunks/sun vest. sandals. 6 socks
(wear sandals in day and shorts and shoes and trousers at night usually)

they wear chinos, tshirt, thicker cardigan, closed shoes and socks

for x2 toddlers and x2 adults the above fits into x2 handluggage rucksacks. (usually one adult/one child clothes per bag). leaving us handsfree for airport bound little ones. we usually take x2 slings also so can carry and child and rucksack each when needed. ie 2am landing when both asleep.

great advantage is no waiting around either (unless you have a group transfer), so can just walk out airport and straight to hotel

enjoy

ps..i detest trunkis :)

[forevergreek]

thats x2 40l rucksacks

[LittleCatZ]

DeafLeopard the flight attendant is a great role model, thanks for sharing

forevergreek I am in awe of your packing, although DH may be a bit worried as I now need to do some shopping as I own 1 proper summer dress and 1 indecently short only on the beach type dress
DH and I used to be carry on only people and I aspire to get back to those days. Maybe if I could send the sun cream over to the relatives by post... [ponders]
We got 1 Trunki as a gift and DCs play with it all year round so I'm a convert we'll definitely get value for money out of a second and the one we have has taken punishment well.

[custardismyhamster]

Can you not get relatives to buy sun cream, shampoo etc fr you? Maybe ring them to check they have what you need over there then it's a less thing to pack

[forevergreek]

I only wear dresses all year as it saves co-ordinating top and bottoms

i think we are minimalist in everything so it helps mindset :) (did a month in vietman nearly 2 years ago with a newborn and 18month old with same two bags)

It is very liberating when it is done. we also role everything like in the video above.

another tip is small bags within bag. for example i always pack pjs/toothbrush/clean pants/nappy/wipes in a washbag at the top. so on arrival if late we dont have to unpack everything to get ready and into bed. a side pocket contains another bag with change of clothes/wipes/nappy for quick access on plane if they need changing for any reason. we use MUJI for these little bags (just the mesh ones) and travel size things.

[Clary]

You don't need all those shoes! (I mean the shoes you well I always pack)

For two weeks in UK I wear walking boots (that's what I wear the most on hols tbh) and take flip flops, running shoes (but that's only cos I run) and one other pair of ballet flats. So if you don't plan to walk or run you only need one pair of flats (which you wear) and one pair of flip flops.

If you are visiting family you will be able to wash, no? So I would take two outfits each and wear one more; if it's hot, just wear your only hoodie/cardi. 1 swimming costume each. Four sets undies and socks. Two pairs of jamas. Beach towels 1 each. That's it really.

TBH I don't pack much more than that for a fortnight away!

[Clary]

I think I am even more minimalist that you forevergreek we are clean, really!

[LittleCatZ]

Clary thanks for joining and for the shoes pep talk. You are right. We will also be spending majority of the time at the poolside so maybe 2 sets of swim wear for DCs (it is horrid putting wet stuff back on) and less clothes is the way to go.

Custard I think I'll have to send the sun cream and toiletries as I buy specialist stuff but defo thinking we can make our bags lighter