Feel so overwhelmed with packing and going on holiday. What do we really need?

[appliecations]

We’ve never been on holiday as a family and I don’t know where to start. DC are 7 and 10. Do we all need a suitcase each? What do we do with toiletries?

Do you take toys/ pool things? Buy things there?

Where are you going and what type of accommodation?

Are you going to a hotel or self catering? Are flying, if so do you have hold luggage?

You don't need a whole suitcase each.

Just work through days / eves. So for a warm weather week say 7 pairs of knickers per person, 2/3 socks, 2 PJs. 3 shorts, 7 t shirts, 2 swimwear. Then evenings - 3/4 shirts / nicer tops / dresses per person. Shoes - beach, sandals, trainers. One sweatshirt per person. Plus toiletries, books, chargers, adaptor plug, hairbrush.

Make a list.

We are going to Majorca, bed and breakfast. I think DH booked four cases anyway.

What about swimming? How many changes for the kids?

Wear the same outfit twice to cut down on the amount of clothes or mix and match, take a cardi or light jkt for everyone, wear it whilst travelling so it doesn't need to go in a suitcase, take some travel wash or buy it there and a handful of pegs and rinse the kids stuff out and hang out overnight, same with undies, swimmies etc.
Only let the kids have a suitcase if they can pull it by themselves.
Toiletries, we pack it in carrier bags incase they leak then distribute evenly between the suitcases.
Also, split everyones clothes between cases in case a suitcase gets lost then everyone has got something to wear.
Check your luggage allowance and weigh your cases so you don't get an additional charge at the airport.
If your going abroad buy water toys there.

Yes, the DC are excited about their own suitcase and travelling.

Thank you. I’m starting to feel like it’s doable!

For a holiday where I couldn't easily do laundry I would probably pack for my boys:
5x shorts
7x t-shirts (include a couple of smarter polos or shirts for evening if you want)
1x hoodie/sweat shirt (and wear one to travel in)
2/3 x swimming shorts
7x pants
3x socks (of they are wearing sliders/flip flops/crocs they won't need many)
2/3x PJ's
1x sliders/flip flops/crocs
1/2x hats
Sunglasses

On the plane they'd wear shorts/joggers, a t-shirt, hoodie and trainers.

Toiletries - don't forget sunscreen!

Is but pool toys there as it's a fun thing to do and saves space.

Don't forget favourite cuddlies, books, small games - Uno/cards/dobble etc depending on their age.l, colouring/puzzle book and pens.

Also an iPad/tablet and headphones (you'd be amazed how many parent don't bother with headphones for kids on the plane!!) for watching a movie/playing games on the plane. Remember to download your movie before you leave!

Have a great time!!

I agree with @Campervangirl - pack a change of clothes for everyone in each suitcase in case they don't all arrive at the other end. And each have a change of socks and pants in your hand luggage.

If you have tea and coffee making facilities in your room, take some tea bags, as it's much cheaper here and you can't usually get the same brand. Put toiletries in plastic bags - if anything leaks it won't go all over your clothes. Take one bottle of shampoo, one of conditioner, etc for everyone to use or one per bathroom. If you've used most it during your holiday, leave it there.

We are away for 2 weeks to a villa so have access to a washing machine. We have brought a weeks worth of clothes each and can wash stuff as we need to. Have brought suncream and toiletries. Split them between cases as they are heavy - put in bags in case of leaks.

Extension cables always handy to have. Dont forget the millions of chargers you will need. Have battery packs for hanging about in the airport/on the plane.

I have a word document list that I can add/subtract from so it evolves from year to year

And we normally take washing line and pegs too. Didn't need the washing line as there are lines here. Needed the pegs though!

Snacks for the plane; we bring pringles as the tiny tubs on board cost a fortune. Sour skittles are the choice of my dcs

Don't forget converter plugs to plug your UK three-prong leads into the Spanish two-prong outlets - basic ones are usually cheap at Poundland if you don't already have some.

Take along a small supply of any over the counter meds you might want - aspirin, paracetamol, immodium, etc. You can of course buy them in Spain but it can be a little bit of a hassle as a lot of items are only sold in pharmacies and not supermarkets, corner shops, etc.

As we go to Spain regularly dh bought extension cables with the Spanish 2 pin plug on them so you don't need the adaptor plugs to use them

My packing list is for similar age DC is:

Cuddlies
Tablets
Chargers
Book
Uno/similar card games

2 or 3 swimsuits (one on, one drying but can be nice to have a spare and they take up no room)
Goggles
Arm bands or similar if needed
Beach towel
Buckets & spades (as I hate the waste of buying new each year
Inflatables - although if you haven't got any already, buy abroad as there will be so much more choice
Ball

T-shirt per day
Shorts x 2
DD will take a couple of dresses instead
Hoodies x 2
Pants
Socks
Trainers
Sandals

Toothbrush
Toothpaste
Hair stuff

Suncream

Take 2-3 swimwear, beach towels, beach cover up outfits (they have got very strict on what you can leave the beach in) day clothes and evening clothes, light jacket or similar for evenings in case it's not that warm. Appropriate shoes. Take inflatable pool toys and bucket/spade if room. Check hotel details to see if you need toiletries and towels for there

Oh and take playing cards and uno, excellent for sitting playing in bars.

I agree with a lot to that @teenagerinlove wrote.
Even if you did buy 4 cases you don't have to take 4 but if you did I would take 2 large and just 2 hand luggage type things then you don't have to wait for 4 suitcases when you get there and back.
We have travelled as a 4 since kids were tiny and always managed with 2 large.
I would agree with change of clothes in hand luggage.
Chargers (we had to buy from airport)
I would Amazon pool inflatables but you can get them in Majorca too similar prices.
For a week hol we took 2 swim wear each, can dry one one day wear the other etc.
Enjoy!!!!

Thank you. I’m making notes and it seems much easier.

Is medication ok in the hold?

Pack some clothes for everyone in each suitcase incase a suitcase goes missing.

And PJs!

I'd take medication on hand luggage. That's too important to risk going missing.

Depends what sort of medication you mean. We took a basic kit with paracetamol, ibuprofen, antihistamines, bite cream, plasters, indigestion tablets, etc and put it in the hold. If its medication you take regularly then that might be best in hand luggage

Yes, the first type. I might put a change for everyone in a carry on case too. The DC are very excited about wheeling their own cases!

I will show my list to give you an idea. Bear in mine we are in a villa and are self catering so some may not be of use to you

Sorry its quite extensive too

Thank you so much, that’s so helpful.

I refuse to wash on holiday since DD is not a toddler anymore. So, we have a top per day plus 2 spares. 3-4x shorts, 3/4 lenght linen trousers for me and DD also likes to take a dress or two for evenings. We do a lot of sightseeing, so need proper clothes not just beach/pool things.
Sandals, flip flops or similar and trainers.
Underwear for each day
Two sets of swimsuits (they get rinsed in the shower in the evening)
Mix all clothes to ensure everyone has something in case a suitcase is delayed.

First aid kit, suncream and general toiletteries are in the suitcase, wrapped in plastic bags.

Take a beach bag with you.

Hand luggage is for all essential medication, electronics, chargers, all paperwork and what you need during the flight. If your children are taking cuddly toys, do take them in the hand luggage as well.

We normally have things like small balls, diving sticks etc with us and buy DD an inflatable there as a treat.
We take books, travel games and cards and DD likes to take pad/colouring book and pens with her. Nice to have for a break after lunch.