Best package holiday tips?

[NealBrose]

I'm going on my first package holiday in nearly 20 years. Taking 2 teens to the med at May half term and instead of being excited I am just stressing about what to pack.

I have got self-catering/camping planning and packing down to a fine art but have NO clue about a week on a beach. I'm mildly panicking that I'll try at take something banned on the airplane and cause a security alert.

What clothes do I/they need? What do you do about lunches when you're half board (and have a 16yr old with hollow legs). How do you pay for stuff? Help!

Get a credit card that doesn't charge for overseas use and take a small amount of cash for tips or small purchases.
If there's a fridge in your room go to a local supermarket and stock up on snacks for the hollow legged one. Also make sure they fully utilise the breakfast buffet!!
Take at least 2 items of swimwear each because putting a damp cossie on is grim!
Check if your hotel provides beach / pool towels as you often need to take these.
Take a couple of smarter outfits each for the evening and other than that just shorts / tshirts type wear for going to breakfast or if you go sightseeing etc.
Don't forget plug adapters!

Re lunches, are you likely to be around the resort at lunchtime or out all day? If you're likely to stay near, see if you have/can have a fridge in your room and stock up at a local supermarket, if there is one.

Thank you @MiddleAgedDread Plug adapters! I had totally forgotten about those.

I don't have a credit card but think I would have time to apply for one? I definitely will encourage eldest to eat loads of breakfast but this is a (very slim) child who can eat a huge Sunday roast and then need a full bowl of cereal as a snack an hour later

With the lunches, I've done the trick of using the hotel fridge when we've been for a city break in the UK. But I usually take a mini chopping board and knife so we can make sandwiches. I assume we can't do that on a airplane?

Have you got hold luggage? I think some airlines allow a knife then, not cabin baggage obviously. But if there's a supermarket, you may be able to buy one from there? Or just borrow a couple of knives from the buffets for the week. They're not going to have the big sharp ones, but probably enough to make a sandwich with?

Can't see any reason why you couldn't take a chopping board if you wanted to.

Just buy a cheap knife when you get there assuming you are not in the middle of nowhere.

Do you have hold luggage?

Adapters and extension cord. There are never enough plug sockets.

If you can in weight allowance bring sunscreen. We were paying €25 for sunscreen in Ibiza last summer

At least two sets of swimming shorts / board shorts whatever they wear in the pool so one on and one can dry.

We have hold luggage so I will check with the airline or maybe just buy/borrow one, good idea (I'd probably stress less at the airport!)

I'm not sure why I'm getting worked up about it - in my twenties I'd just chuck in two bikinis and a couple of sarongs and crack on. I think I've somehow forgotten that holidays are supposed to be relaxing...

I am at the cost of sunscreen. Will definitely be making space for some.

I'll add a second set of swimstuff for us all to my list.Though the thought of trying to find another bikini also fills me with horror - shopping for the first was bad enough!

And yes - we have 25k of hold luggage each, which seems like quite a lot?

Yes, 25k is lots.

Your resort are likely to sell basic holidaymaker stuff like sun cream, spare swimming costumes etc, if you find you're stuck. The hotel shop will usually be more expensive than an ordinary one, but if you're in anywhere at all touristy there'll likely be other options available.

Own brand sun cream is pretty cheap. Aldi etc.

You definitely want multiple cossies.

25kg is loads, definitely pack in the sunscreen!

where are you going? In May you May you may need a light jacket / sweater etc in the evenings.

Mallorca. It's right at the end of May so I'm hoping warm enough for the kids to feel like it's a 'proper' holiday and swim in the sea but not hot hot as I find the heat really difficult to deal with. Good point about sweaters etc. I have a vague memory of airplanes being freezing so we'll need something to travel in too.

Planes are either freezing or boiling, definitely have a jumper / hoody for the flights and put your sunglasses in your hand luggage, I nearly burnt my retinas when I stepped off the plane last year!!

we're arriving at ten at night so I think we should be safe on that front, but I actually need to get some sunglasses for the boys too.

I always do a Boots order to store and select the store that's airside - then pick it up before we head to the gate (and after the prerequisite airport mimosa). Then you can take sunscreen/shampoo/etc with you but you don't take up room in your hold case.

You've got plenty of luggage allowance, so pack plenty of shelf stable snacks for the teens. Crackers, crisps, biscuits, cereal bars, raisin/chocolate brioche, dried fruit and nuts if they like those. Basically, anything in your food cupboard at home will survive the flight. I did this when travelling with a fussy 2 year old, you can always pack them in Tupperware boxes so they don't get squashed. It's not the same as a meal but might tide them over for a bit!

Thank you @SpryHazelScroller - that's a very useful. I love a good list - definitely helps me feel in control

Does that mean I can just pay on my phone/use my usual contactless debit card? (I took travellers cheques last time I was abroad!?)

and take tinted goggles, not clear one if you'll be swimming in an outdoor pool

Ooh, that's an interesting idea. Very clever. Aren't there odd rules about liquids on planes these days though?

That's a great idea @loveulotslikejellytots I can't think we'll need all that weight allowance for clothes etc so I'll have a think about what could work.

As long as it's picked up airside you're golden with whatever size you want. Same logic applies to buying litre water bottles/cans of coke etc

Does that mean I can just pay on my phone/use my usual contactless debit card

You can but some cards are very expensive to do it this way. If its a small purchase the fee could outweigh the cost of the item.

You can get a Chase, Starling, Monzo or Kroo card in days, so get one of those, and there's no fees and the best possible exchange rate.

If you can't get sun cream in Boots its cheap in normal Spanish supermarkets, ie Mercadona, Eroski or Lidl, it's very expensive in beachfront shops, Spar and Superdino.

I've found my packing list on my phone:
underwear / bras
trainer socks (travel in trainers / pumps)
PJs

shorts / skirts
t-shirts / vest tops
sunhat / cap

swimwear x 2
rash vest
googles
flippers
dry bag
inflatable toy (you can usually buy them in the resorts but Aldi & Lidl often have them cheaper)
pool towel
beach shoes (might not be needed if it's sandy)
sarong or kaftan type thing to throw over a swimsuit

flipflops / sliders

2-3 smarter outfits for the evenings
sandals
cardigan / sweater
small handbag

toiletries
medication
sun cream & after sun
small 1st aid kit
sanitary products

chargers for all devices
headphones
plug adaptor
book(s)
playing cards

hand wash liquid (for rinsing things out in the sink if needed)
clothes pegs (lost stuff that was drying off the balcony once!)
tea bags / instant coffee if you'll have a kettle
snacks
beach towel pegs for the sunlounger

Given OP has 25kgs of luggage I'd be inclined to pack these in the hold luggage rather than have to get them at the airport and carry them on the plane.