How do you pack so you dn't take your entire wardrobe, where do you buy resealable plastic bags for customs, is last summers suncream in date & other minor holiday hassles

[KatyMac]

I am feeling a little pressured......so I am say on MN with Narnia on eating chocolate & quietly panicking

Any good holiday tips?

Put the things you want to take out on the bed. Half the amount you are going to take. Then double the amount of money.

They give out the bags at the airport don't they? For free, or at least they did last summer at Gatwick.

No idea about the suncream.

I did that twice for each of us....it's shoes, toiletries, medication & books that take up all the room (is 12kg average too much?)

Apparently the bags are £3 at the airport now

Where are you off to?

Last year's sun cream will have deteriorated - buy at the airport or when you get there, depending on where you are going.

I got a zip up bag from Smiths - like a mini book bag.

Summer 08 ones? Oh poo! more money

You only need 3 of anything - one on, one off and one in the wash. Double quantity for children.

Print off security regs regarding fluids to wave at nasty security people trying to steal your toiletries wantonly on dubious grounds.

Am sure summer 2008 suncream will be fine but check the use by date

how many pairs of shoes are you taking?

DH - going out (new Years eve); Trainers (Cycling & tennis); Sandals (beach/sailing)

DD - Going out & sandals

Me - beach & walking

But DH is size 11

Thank goodness for the suncream

Who did you get travel ins with in the end?

I tend to buy books in the duty free lounge. 12kg should be well within limits 0 surely even stingy airlines allow 20kg check in luggage?

Have you got to dress up anything more than casual linen trousers/skirts?

New Years eve Gala - So slightly dressy (DH is not taking a suit)

Green Bee - very good

The limit is 20Kg - I just worry about taking too much stuff

Are there laundry facilities?

(I haven't done a holiday for ages where I haven't been able to do my own laundry, at worst having to use travel laundry stuff and hang on balcony to dry)

Glad to hear you got insurance. Greenbee/John Lewis - what a fab example of branding/customer care tbh)

I never even consider doing laundry on holiday - well apart from rinsing a swimsuit out

I don't suppose I used to until I spent two months living in an hotel. And two months staying with DH's family in NZ. Most US (and Aus and NZ) hotels/motels I've stayed in have a guest laundry and for a few dollars you can put a couple of loads through. Hence when we spent most of the summer staying in a Hilton in California, I managed to get out there with just a small case each for DD & me.

All day by pool so

2-3 swimsuits
3-4 sarongs
3 pairs linen trousers
couple of skirts
couple of dresses
couple of pashminas/wraps/shrugs/cardis
cami tops
nice thin but warm sweater/cardis
sandals, beach/pool shoes

I don't have to take lots of medical stuff though, or wetsuits or anything like that!

Oh I haven't packed nearly that much

DH & DD have tho' - no wetsuits but DD has her heart set on her mask & flippers

2 small cases & a medium sized one

DH's medication is about a carrier bag full

DD only has a small toiletry sized one for mediation & I have a makeup bag.....are you sensing a theme here

But DH has 1 book, DD has about 6 & we won't discuss how many I am taking........

Iam a bloke so obviosly no.1 is not an issue (one t shirt should do it for a fortnight)

Resealable bags charge depends which airport I have never been charge, but also have used on occasion a fold over sandwich bag.

Suncream goes out of date? I slap the same stuff on the DCs - who have sensitive skin so using facotr 500 aka Dulux Magnolia - from year to year and they don't get burnt.

So if a man is naturally predisposed to less luggage - why has my DH more than me & DD put together?

Quite, KatyMac.

I have been known to go on a 2 week holiday with a glorified handbag. I think taking lots of luggage is essentially uncool and makes you look touristy.

My routine packing list for most holidays (some of which I will wear to travel):

3 t-shirts (black, white, red)
2 pairs trousers (black linen, light jeans)
1 little flippy skirt (black)
1 cardigan (black)
1 long sleeved white shirt (linen/cotton mix)
1 white vest top
1 pair shorts (black)
2 swimsuits
Skeleton toiletry kit in sample sizes - buy more out there
A few random accessories - scarves, beads, etc.
Pashmina
Sunglasses
Flip flops
1 pr leather shoes
Pacamac thing
Nightshirt
Paperback book
Pen and paper
3 changes of underwear

Extras for mountain hiking (when I don't have SPD!):
Walking trousers and/or shorts
Sporty t-shirt
Rohan jacket with fleece
Hiking boots and socks

Extras for cold weather (eg Alps);
Silk/wool long johns and long sleeved vest
2 cashmere/wool jumpers, one with polo neck
Ankle boots
Loden coat instead of Pacamac thing
Hat, gloves
No sunglasses or shorts, only 1 swimsuit
Wool trousers or warm jeans instead of linen/cotton
Black opaque tights