To wonder if it’s worth going on holiday when getting ready to go is this much of a pain in the a***?

[Sadmadsleepy]

Love holidays and am really looking forward to 5 days of real life switch off!

However, going anywhere with child in tow seems to require a mammoth amount of prep work! Washing, leaving the house in a semi ok state, figuring out what to pack, packing, clearing out the car…the list goes on and on. Been at it on and off all day and nowhere near done.

I’m sure I remember pre kiddy chucking some stuff in a suitcase whilst music played, glass of wine in hand, as I carefully picked outfits and accessories. Now, I’m lucky if what I chuck in a bag for me - last of course- even matches. DD’s 5 million items of clothing, toys, sleep things etc are all much better planned out of course!

I know it will lovely once on the way tomorrow…but this bit seriously sucks, right?!

Same. We are travelling abroad week after next, and part of the trip is a cousins wedding, so in addition to the usual family holiday requirements we also have to bring very formal clothing that will be worn for about 8 hours then go back in the suitcase (which we've added on extra, so even just dressing for the wedding is costing £80).

Checking in online, getting the currency, making sure the summer shorts and tshirts fit the kids, remembering every tiny little thing. Urgh.

However, I need to remind myself that the fact we were even able to accept the invitation and pay to be there is a privilege, and I should just give my head a wobble.

Once when planning to go away, my autoimmune issue flared up badly, so that I was unable to pack for myself. My then nine year old DS packed for me. It was a fun surprise to see what he thought I needed. Dresses and books, apparently. He remembered pjs. But it was still worth it just to get away for a bit.

YANBU

totally agree esp when they’re young they have so many illnesses on holiday that I’d end up taking half of boots just in case even now by the time I’m through security I’ve got a stress headache so bad it lasts half the holiday and they’re adults!!

I absolutely love (as much as you can) packing to go abroad. It's so easy. Ten days in Turkey...chuck in ten t shirts for each of the dc, maybe 6 shorts, underwear, swimmers, flip flops. Done. Then marvel at how little space it all takes. Lovely.

Packing for a UK holiday though I find a monumental faff. Better take 3 hoodies, just in case. Actually, these, then maybe one lighter fleece in case it's too warm in the night for a jumper. But of course it might actually be cold, so better take their 'proper' coats too. Both shorts and trousers...just in case. Don't forget the waterproof jackets too. I'll pack those next to the sun lotion 🙄

I find packing for a fortnight abroad far easier than 5 nights in the UK!

Lists I have billions of lists but I have 3 disabled children one medically complex too and tube fed and I have to pack all the meds and equipment plus clothing incontinence products and nappies without my lists I'd be f*#cked but thankfully they all love flying so we make sure to get away often

We’re going away in the U.K. tomorrow for the week and luckily we’re driving because it feels like we’re taking everything AND the kitchen sink! I agree with PP where it’s like, you have to pack for every weather between cold and hot, rain and shine, plus I don’t know what food options are like so I’m taking a fuck ton of food too (it’s centre parcs) plus even stuff like loo roll and kitchen roll. Never been on hols in U.K. before so I’m taking everything just in case!

I do miss just throwing in a load of new dresses, pretty sandals, swimmers and about 10 books and that was that.

I have a campervan. I leave DH at home, take the dogs and just go.
No real packing - just fling a couple of changes of clothes in the wardrobe, everything else is already on board.
I love holidays abroad but hate the thinking that accompanies them😅

I'm packing for a UK camping holiday with 2 DC. I am so stressed. Packing is bad enough as it is - add in tents, sleeping bags, cooking equipment, insect repellent and a fuckton of other stuff and I'm regretting ever agreeing to it.

This.

Looked at its 20 degrees where we’re going, near coast with strong winds. Everything from shorts to hoodies going in!!

It most certainly does! We're not even attempting abroad until our youngest is 5.

It's a lot of faff and bloody hard work, the prep and the holiday. But a change of scenery is good for everyone - enjoy!

Where are the partners in all this? What are they doing to shoulder the burden?

Oh god, I'm packing for a UK holiday leaving tomorrow and I've reached the quietly sobbing stage of the evening where I don't feel like I'll ever be ready to go! I have no tips, just solidarity 😭

I recently went on holiday with 11m DS and 2.5y DD (and DH!). Last time I left the country we did a week AI in Lanzagrotty and I did hand luggage. 4 day dresses, one nice dress, swimmers, toiletries. Passport, phone, wallet, keys. Phone charger. Done.

2 kids was a very different prospect and I need another flipping holiday now. Sympathies.

Sorry Canaries was Oct 19. Pre DC, pre covid, pre everything

I told ds (12) to put all his stuff on my bed so I can pack ( I prefer to cross pack suitcases in case one gets lost). For a week:

• 2 pairs of pants
• 2 tshirts
• 2 shorts
• 1 swim trunks
• phone charger
• 4 asterix books

Give. Me. strength.

I end up making loads of extra jobs for myself....as it looks like it might be decent weather I had to dig out shorts for DS10 which required getting older DSs old clothes out of the big box. Of course then I had to go through all DS10 current clothes to make space and I've cleared out his wardrobe and drawers - now I've got a huge charity shop bag, as well as a packed suitcase. I've been putting off the clothes shuffle/update for weeks but could have done without it today really!

I completely agree and the same goes for actually booking a holiday and finding somewhere that will work (location wise and accommodation). Makes me want to not bother sometimes which is depressing! And it costs so much more.

We are going where we went last year- same hotel. DC loved it and literally want to replicate it day by day - the mental load is so much lighter.

We went to Disneyland Paris last week and yes, it was a pain. DS had a whole carry-on for his Hot Wheels, 2 stuffed toys, books, Calpol, hat, spare hat, ventolin/spacer, clenil preventer, and giant crocodile toothbrush. We managed to forget any sort of coat or hoodie so ended up buying him a Lightning McQueen jacket. Eyeroll.

I absolutely hate packing too. Always remember everyone else’s things, but always forget something I need.

I usually pack one of everything for a UK holiday, one coat, one hoodie, one dress, one pair of shorts etc. Then you’re covered for all weather.

YANBU. Self catered holiday in the UK with 3 kids - it feels like we’ve packed our whole lives, including the bread machine! Wellies, sandals, walking boots, trainers, waterproofs, warm hats and gloves, shorts and sun hats, swimming stuff for the pool, separate swimming stuff for wild swimming, bikes and helmets, tupperware and toilet paper and dishwasher tablets, toys, books, board games… the list is never ending. Going on holiday is a lot of work.

🫣oh no! I’m glad I’m not alone but sorry you’re suffering.

I’ve now given up and eaten a pizza.

Plan was to have it all done today so we could get up and go tomorrow. Looks like we won’t be getting on the road until midday at this rate.