packing nightmare!

[brightstar1]

Anyone got any tips about keeping packing to a minimum,toiletries etc for hols. with 5 to pack for its hard to fit it all in,all those bottles!!!!! (going abroad btw) (Another post on our destination)"Turkish delight".

I don't bother taking shampoo or conditioner with me - just buy some when you get there. For other toiletries, take little bottles of things like cleanser/moisturiser etc (decant into little travel bottles or buy travel sizes). Baby wipes are my favourite travel toiletry - you can wash with them, use them instead of cleanser and cotton wool, clean just about anything with them ... they're fantastic!

The other thing I do is use a separate bag for all my make up and toiletries so it's all in one place, rather than pack each person's toiletries separately - I've got one of those square vanity case type things that's perfect for the job.

Thanks sd. was going to buy shampoo etc out there but someone told me it is v. expensive.I love baby wipes too, best thing since sliced bread, great for the kids shoes if your in a hurry!

i use them for shoes too!

so do you carry that on the plane?

I usually take it on as hand luggage but if I had a lot of luggage I'd put it inside a bigger case and check it. I would've thought Turkey would generally be cheaper for most shopping, but I've not been there so have no idea. Are you self-catering?

no all inclusive.

There'll probably be those little bottles of shampoo and shower gel at the hotel - I would leave it and buy anything needed out there. Luggage for 5 people weighs a ton without adding big heavy bottles of shampoo etc!

am leaving hairdryer at home,so thats one less. am worried that i'll leave toiletries out then wont be able to get any out there! think we're quite remote.

Also the towels thing is a pain. their so heavy and we all need one!!

Take just the one bottle of baby shampoo. It's fine for both adult and child hair if you're in and out of the pool and washing your hair every day, plus you can use it for all other washing as well. That way you're covered for emergencies and can always buy other stuff while you're out there, if you need.

Decant must-haves into smaller bottles - I hoard hotel toiletries and use them, if they're nice, or just empty the little bottles to refil with my own stuff. Don't scimp on sunscreen, that's the one thing you definitely need to have from day one.

Have just one tube of adult toothpaste between all the adults, and similarly one tube of baby toothpaste between all the juniors. Leave electric toothbrushes at home.

Have a nice time!

Do you have to bring beach towels for everyone? We sometimes take one towel for the 2 adults and one for the 2 children, and either another two for the beach, or use fleece airline blankets for the beach.

Can you tell I'm a bit of a cheapskate hoarder ?

Does the hotel provide towels in their bathrooms? try to find out as it'll save you loads of space! if it's all inclusive they may well do.......

very ious......

prettycandles, do you mean to tell me that you borrow the airline blankets? i wont tell anyone!

Sarongs instead of towels for beach/pool. Best £2 I ever spent in Thailand.
Also, ignore advice to pack heavy things at the bottom of case. Fold trousers/skirts neatly and put these at bottom, followed by teeshirts, shorts etc, put the toilet bags into carrier bags (to contain any leakages), shoes in carrier bags and put them on top, stuff undies and cossies in the gaps. It stops the folded stuff moving around and getting even more creased.

'borrow'? Well, I suppose you could call it that - as long as we return them next time we fly TWA!

Hee Hee we borrowed a Virgin blanket in 1998. still use it now!!!!!Lovely quality.