Please tell us your summer holiday survival tips

[HelenMumsnet]

Hello. Soltan have asked us to ask you for your summer holiday survival tips.

We're looking for everything from the things you mustn't forget to pack, to tips on making travelling with children (slightly) more bearable, to suggestions for creating all-round family fun once you get there. Basically, all the things you've learnt from those holiday-with-kids experiences and wish someone had told you about before you upped suitcases and headed off somewhere summery en famille.

Please note that Soltan will be using some of your tips, comments and suggestions on a new Soltan microsite that is set to go live on Mumsnet at the start of May.

Thank you - and looking forward to reading them.

MNHQ

SoMuchToBits I can't believe you abandoned Norman - I bet much tutting over cups of tea ensued when he finally got home.

We limit our DC (who each sleep in a pile of cuddly animals at home) to 4 animals and daily parades and headcounts are required to ensure we have them all - they all also have to get out of bed every morning in hotels, as I have no desire to be rescuing teddy from the hotel laundry.

I couldn't believe we had abandoned Norman either - he had fallen on the floor and landed under a coffee table, and when we packed up the Playmobil everyone just assumed he was in his office. It was only when we looked for him on the way home to offer him a cup of tea from the flask, we realised he had gone AWOL!

Big Teddy has just nearly fainted at the idea of ending up in the hotel laundry. Think he will be a bit more eager to get up when on holiday now....

Talcum powder to help dry off/get the sand off. The only time I ever use talcum powder is when I am on holiday.

When flying and you want to keep things cool but cool packs too big to take through security, take a couple of zip lock bags and then ask one of the concessions to fill up with ice. Worked for us last year to Greece - not so sure how it will work this year to Florida though!

"Light" sun tan lotion (Soltan don't make it though as far as I can find) - it is wonderful as the sand doesn't stick to it and you don't get that "icky" feeling. I think Ambre Solaire and Bananna Boat make it.

A couple of stick on/suction hooks for the bathroom - there is usually not enough hanging space.

Wet wipes in handluggage/hand bag/about your person. Never go anywhere without them. EVER.

Do not let your dh go swimming with the hired car keys in the pocket of the swimming trunks. The keys do not work after a good soaking in sea-water.