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Original poster

Packing for a holiday

104 replies

Singinginthesnow · 16/07/2022 12:19

Hi all

Advice needed please! 2 adults and 4 children. Going to Spain for 2 weeks. I'm thinking we need only 4 maybe 5 outfits each. And extra pants for the younger ones in case of accidents. Dh reckons 7. But it just seems too much for the suitcase. One swim suit each too. We have a washing machine where we are staying and I'm happy to wash clothes.

Is there anything we should pack that we might not necessarily remember?

I'm packing a spare outfit in everyone's hand luggage too as I have heard bad things of suitcases going missing with the airline we are using so we at least have a change of clothes.

OP posts:
DamnUserName21 · 16/07/2022 12:22

I'd take an extra swimsuit and a few additional t-shirts and shorts.

CaptainMerica · 16/07/2022 12:26

That seems quite light.... I'd definitely pack 2 swimsuits, if you will be doing a lot of swimming.

When I am away, we would tend to have a shower and put fresh clothes on for the evening, even if not dressing up. So for 2 weeks, I'd pack at least 10 outfits. I am not a light packer though! And not keen on washing on holiday.

Seeline · 16/07/2022 12:27

You're taking 1 suitcase for 6 of you for 2 weeks?
How old are the DCs?
I would want at least 7 outfits, two swimsuits/sunsuits for DCs a week's worth of pants.
I used to take enough for the fortnight - I don't do washing on holiday.
You need PJ's
Sun hats
Cardigan for the evenings
It can rain....

CallmeMrsPricklepants · 16/07/2022 12:30

2 weeks id be taking 14 outfits each and assume I might do a bit of hand washing if we didn't have access to a washer, just because DC are messy, it's hot so you might want to change several times in a day. I would take two large suitcases and possibly a third or fourth smaller suitcase for DC.

trussedchicken · 16/07/2022 12:31

I usually pack for 7 days if we're going for 2 weeks and just do the odd bit of washing while we away. We always have self catering/villa/cottage holidays with washing machines.

luxxlisbon · 16/07/2022 12:34

I can’t imagine 4 outfits being anywhere near enough for a 2 week holiday. Who wants to do laundry on holiday?
Your DH is right, 7 minimum.

perimenofertility · 16/07/2022 12:38

I'm a very light packer, especially with the option of a washing machine. So I'm with you - 4-5 outfits each for two weeks, one swimwear each, a couple of nightwear, wear and wash all when needed. A couple of footwear options (trainers and sandals). Shared toiletries. Sun screen, sunglasses, sunhats for the kids.

Threetulips · 16/07/2022 12:41

I pack light. That’s more than enough, we always have an on-site washing machine and I’m happy to read my book whilst the machine whirls away- a quick hang up and it’s ready in an hour.

I also recommend a wash before you leave so none to do when you get home.

The over packers must costing a fortune in fuel for the weight alone!

lifesnotaspectatorsport · 16/07/2022 13:11

I assume you're travelling soon? Most of Spain is pretty hot at the moment so your clothes are going to be lightweight. I would take 5 outfits plus a few extra pieces that match as you might want to change/ freshen up of an evening. Two lots of swimwear per person if you'll have a pool. Somebody will always want to go swimming while their things are in the wash!

Second sunhats and shades, my kids wear them all the time (we live in Spain).

Anonymous48 · 16/07/2022 13:18

If you're staying somewhere with a pool, you'll definitely want two swimsuits each, so that one can be drying while you're wearing the other.

4 or 5 outfits doesn't seem like enough unless you really are going to be doing laundry at least every other day. Presumably you'll be wearing casual clothing during the day and sometimes changing into something a little nicer in the evening? Even if not, unless you're living in swimsuits all day long, you'll each need a couple of outfits each day.

Will you need beach/pool towels or will they be provided?

Bickles · 16/07/2022 13:30

Packing for a 2 week holiday in Majorca myself today. We have access to a washer. I always over pack!
We have swimwear x3 each. One on in the morning, fresh at lunchtime, one drying.
I have 3 cover ups and 3 sarongs. They are all chiffon and viscose and take up little space and weight. DH and DS have rash vests/ t shirts for by the pool too.
Hat and sunglasses each.
Sandals- 2 each- one more evening and one for the pool.
Evening clothes we have 5 sets each, mine are dresses, playsuits etc. DH and DS have shorts and shirts/ polo shirts/ t shirts.
The main weight is books and sun cream!

Mally100 · 16/07/2022 13:35

No where near enough. I would take 10 outfits at a bare minimum. 2/3 swimsuits. It's all light clothing so not sure why space would be an issue. 2x as many t-shirts as shorts, nightwear for at least a week.

coffeecupsandfairylights · 16/07/2022 13:37

I'm with your DH.

Seven outfits and at least two swimsuits each.

budgiegirl · 16/07/2022 13:38

If there's a washing machine when we go on holiday (and I try to make sure there is, even in hotels) I'd take four or five tops for each person, 3 or four shorts/light trousers, perhaps 3 evening outfits. I only ever take one swimming costume each, rinse them through and dry overnight. Enough underwear for one week. And a few washing powder pods, usually do a wash every three days or so - it somehow doesn't seem like a chore on holiday!!

Catsdrool · 16/07/2022 13:39

Get some packing cubes, they’re so amazing for squishing clothes down and you can categorise the clothes then too - swimwear, beach, evening.

doesn’t help with the max weight though!

budgiegirl · 16/07/2022 13:41

I also recommend a wash before you leave so none to do when you get home
This. Love coming home to hardly any washing!

Solmum1964 · 16/07/2022 13:47

Pack toothbrushes in your hand luggage as well!

Ginfilledcats · 16/07/2022 13:49

4 outfits total for 2 weeks!!! What?

God I’m the opposite of every poster here!
2 week holiday each of me, my DH and baby had at least 10 night time outfits (I definitely had 14 tbh), and probably 7 days worth of “day” outfits for popping the shop/out for lunch/wander round a town. And at least 3-4 sets of swim wear.
struggled to fit everything in 2x 23kg case

I hate doing laundry at home, no way in hell am I doing it on holiday (unless stained/the nightly swim wear wash).

tips though would be take 1 international plug and an extension cable to plug everything into rather than multiple plugs!

enjoy x

TheLeadbetterLife · 16/07/2022 13:54

I think your list is fine OP, I always used to overpack for holidays, imagining all the outfits I would wear, only to end up in a swimsuit all day, or the same comfortable shorts and t shirt.

swimsuits will dry in minutes in Spain, you don’t need two. And don’t take loads of shoes (I always did, never wore them).

I’m much better at packing light now.

Flederjo · 16/07/2022 13:54

Pack a swimsuit each in your hand luggage!!!

If you suitcases go missing you'll still be able to cool off in the sea/pool.

PinkiOcelot · 16/07/2022 13:55

That doesn’t seem like near enough to me. Even your DH suggestion is packing light.

TomAllenWife · 16/07/2022 14:02

Nuts!!!

We have a top for every nite and re-wear shorts
I have a dress for every night

I have 6 bikinis and would take them

girlfriend44 · 16/07/2022 14:03

one costume for two weeks!!!!!!!!

Deffo two.

alanabennett · 16/07/2022 14:13

I'm with you, OP, though I would take two swimsuits each. I'd be happy to do some laundry as I'm reading a book.

Really surprised at some other responses - 10/14 "night outfits" plus 7 for the day?!?! Good grief, I'd be taking half my wardrobe 😂

Threetulips · 16/07/2022 14:20

you'll definitely want two swimsuits each, so that one can be drying while you're wearing the other

why? They get wet in the pool.

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