To ask for a holiday checklist for dummies

[Justyou]

Hi, I’ve just booked our 1st family holiday abroad (me,dh, 3dc) we’ve never flown since we were young and kids haven’t flown ever.
It’s to Cyprus in 2 weeks it was a combination of never having passports until now , big b day coming up & desperately needing one/wanting one before teenagers don’t wanna come away anymore that led to it being a last minute thing.
Please please could anyone help with any advice that may help, packing lists, airport advice/tips anything at all.
We really are totally clueless - I have been googling but to be honest my head is ready to explode with just researching/booking the holiday, can’t believe how stressful it was having to factor in so much stuff.

I am asking as I know that there will be really obvious things I would never even have thought to pack.
Thank you in hopeful advance!!

Oops forgot photo!

Pack your medications (if you take any) in hand luggage as if your suitcase goes missing you don't want to be worrying about missing meds.

Always have the address of your hotel written down as if your flight is delayed and you miss you connecting transport you can get a taxi there. It happened to me and the taxi driver had to visit various hotels as I didn't know mine! I'm not organized and didn't have an iPhone with the booking on!

Oh I missed the deleted messages, can’t ubders why there would be any negativity tho
Do people pack make up/straightners in hand luggage? I know it’s silly but if they went missing in suitcase I’d hate to feel a mess and it would make me self conscious

Any tips on good suitcases and the size/amount for 5 people?

*Can’t understand

Have you got your EHICs?

What's your airline baggage allowance? Read their website for info on what you can/can't take in hand luggage/luggage and dimensions and weight allowed. Quite often the larger cases will be too heavy. Buy combination padlocks for the cases. Make sure luggage tags on everything with your destination, flight no. (home address on reverse) and mobile no.

Yea got EHIC sorted

Tips from our holiday - check hand luggage size and weights allowed for all baggage. That will determine what bags you take. Pack at least 1 outfit and swimsuit per person in hand luggage. If you’re flying from a regional airport check whether they have a boots. Depending on ages of children pack a small extra pouch of toys for restaurants which you keep in your bag which can be deployed to bored children. Sun hat each. Don’t take too many clothes - You can buy extras there but UK clothes don’t really work on holiday in high heat. Take protective sun shirts for the kids - easier than suncream on bodies in the water. Think like a local - we went to Spain so we embraced the fact everything shut from 2-6pm and also kept out of the sun in that time.

Another tip I have is that I always take a huge folding lightweight bag in my handbag to the airport. Once you’re through security (be prepared to remove shoes, belts and everything) my kids often discard jackets and hats and sometimes their bags and I put them all together in this one huge bag so we can move easily without losing things.

And yes, I pack anything I’d be lost without or is hard to replace in my hand luggage. Personally that would not include hair straighteners but I only pack stuff in my case which I can replace. So more stuff goes in the case coming back (eg all swimwear and more clothes).

Boots sell a spray sun cream its like hairspray and very quick to apply with no messy hands!!

It's 50 30 or 25 I think

Plus buy a solid stick for their faces £3 ish take a few - this can be applied everywhere so handy for bags

If you suffer with coldsores like me when you are out in the sun take some cold sore cream with you! I've just come up with one right in the middle of my lip😡 Off to find a chemist today and hope they will take one look at me and know exactly what I need!

Also, the sun is making my hair like straw so I've taken some deep conditioning treatments with me to ensure I don't look like a scarecrow for the whole of this holiday!

We have just been abroad for the first time in 10 years and were a bit clueless but it was fine. I took far too many clothes with me and took a few dresses for evenings but most women were in shorts and casual tops in the restaurants.

Have the name and address of your hotel in your phone and make sure DH does the same. It's easy to lose your bearings on the first couple of days.

I was freezing on the plane coming home. Actually wished I had packed a small blanket.

And you will see people all shapes and sizes wearing all kinds of things. It's so hot that after a day or two you just don't care!

LoveBeingAMum555 Thank you, it’s ridiculous how worried I’ve been that I’ll look a mess and everyone else will be ultra groomed at all times.

There are all shapes and sizes of half naked people by any pool - all types of holidays!!!

Nobody really stares or comments or judges - everyone is equally hot and needs a cool down!

Stop over thinking t and enjoy

Take some travel sick pills, just in case. I use Stugeron. Flew for the first time as a young teen and unexpectedly felt so unwell. Nothing worse than starting your holiday feeling queasy/throwing up.

We’ve used those travel tablets before for car journeys they are really effective.

@Justyou - we are coming home on Weds so must nearly be your turn! How is your packing going? Weather has been very hot here the last couple of days and very, very humid. I have given up on my hair and any make-up I put on when we go out in the evening slides down my face! Please post and let us know how you get on in Cyprus. Have a safe flight and a fantastic time!

Icequeen01 thank you, we go in about a week. I have just checked the weather and yes it looks very warm!!
Is the heat affecting your hair lots? I guess I’ll use that huge hat as a cover up
Packing going well I think- nearly done at last.

I literally can't do anything with my hair but I do have very fine hair which is prone to frizz. It's actually completely grey but I have it coloured regularly so it can get very dry. I have brought some Argan oil with me which helps a bit and I also bought some of the John Frieda deep conditioning sachets with me which helps with the chlorine and sea water. I have given up to be honest and just tie it back all the time!

Oh no you have just described my hair so I’m def bringing that hat.
The stress has mostly gone now so just lots of excitement.
Were everyone’s ears ok on the plane? My memory of flying 30 years ago was not a great one due to ears popping and taking so long to feel back to normal.
I was hoping to do a trip whilst there but looking at the travel agents available ones looks v costly so thinking is hiring a car a good idea maybe instead?