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What are your packing tips when on UK holiday - Share with Parkdean Resorts

223 replies

YanaMumsnet · 24/06/2020 14:32

Packing days in advance or running on long to-do lists - we parents have our tricks to get everything we need when organising the family trip. From ensuring you pack waterproofs so you can get outside no matter the weather, to getting food and games to keep everyone happy and entertained throughout the journey, packing for a holiday in the UK could be an exhausting task.

That’s why Parkdean Resorts want to hear about your tips and tricks when packing for your family getaway in the UK.

Here’s what they have to say: “We are the UK’s largest Holiday Park operator with 67 locations in some of the most stunning coastal, countryside and lakeside locations, from the impressive Scottish Highlands to the sunny South Coast.

After over three months of lockdown, we are so excited to re-open our holiday parks this summer and show just how much the UK has to over for a family staycation, allowing you to enjoy these wide open spaces and time with your family.

Choose from a huge range of caravans and lodges, including extra wide accommodation, perfect for families and packed with everything for a stress-free holiday. Dog friendly options mean you can bring the whole family too! For a touch of adventure, you’ll find a variety of pitches whether you’re camping in a tent, or pitching up a touring caravan or motorhome.

For your peace of mind, we have made commitments to protecting our holidaymakers, people and local communities for a safe stay, whilst also introducing a booking guarantee, giving you the confidence to book a much deserved holiday.“

What are your family’s packing essentials and your must haves when travelling together in the UK? How do you keep your DC entertained while in the car on your journey? Are there any items you find you never or rarely use while away? What are your tips for ensuring you have everything you might need while travelling in the UK? Do you have a favourite time of the day to travel and get on with your journey, why is that?

Whatever the things that you pack when on family holiday in the UK, share on the thread below and you’ll be entered into a prize draw where one MNer will win a £200 voucher for the store of their choice (from a list).

Thanks and good luck!
MNHQ
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What are your packing tips when on UK holiday - Share with Parkdean Resorts
What are your packing tips when on UK holiday - Share with Parkdean Resorts
What are your packing tips when on UK holiday - Share with Parkdean Resorts
OP posts:
LITTLEMUTLEY23 · 12/07/2020 08:16

Always lots of activities to keep the children entertained from ipads, to books and colouring pencils to bats and balls

MojoJojo71 · 12/07/2020 10:52

Audiobooks for the journey.

Board games and a pack of playing cards for rainy days

Wellies for plodging in rock pools. DD likes to wear them even in the summer.

A stop at Aldi on the way for supplies as the shops onsite tend to be expensive and not have much choice

we always take is a pad of postcards of plain watercolour paper - and a small metal tin of watercolour paints - I get my 10 year old twins to paint a picture of where we are and send them back to friends and family

Definitely stealing this idea, genius!

Standrewsschool · 12/07/2020 18:05

When the kids were small, I always had a bag of toys which I kept solely for holidays - toy cars, car mat, books etc. Because the dc only saw them from one year to the next, they seemed fresh and new.

kennythekangaroo · 12/07/2020 22:35

My packing list has been saved on the computer for about 10 years now after a few weekends away when nobody had any socks. It includes initials by some things eg wellies so we don't forget anyone's.

Summer41 · 13/07/2020 12:14

Don't leave it until the last minute to pack the car, we fill ours floor to ceiling and it can take a few attempts to get everything in (then I take a few photos so I can quickly and easily pack it the same on the return journey, you're usually in a rush on the return when you have to leave the accommodation by 10 am).

We usually leave in the morning, drive for a couple of hours then stop somewhere for lunch. It gives the kids a good break and they're happier for the second leg if they've been fed.

I always make my son a goody bag for a long journey, a kids magazine with free stuff stuck on the front keeps him quiet for a couple of hours, plenty of snacks and drinks he doesn't usually have as a treat to keep him quiet.

SilveryWrath · 13/07/2020 14:52

Make a list, while you're on the holiday, of things you forgot/didn't know you needed etc. Keep this list and use when packing for future holidays, we do this and it's much more useful and complete than a list made at home.

IamPickleRick · 13/07/2020 17:22

We do a caravan holiday in the U.K. around 6 times a year. My mum used to own a caravan until recently. We have got our packing routine down to a T and can have it done in about 45 minutes. We are 2 adults and 3 children (two under 2 until recently).

I pack: clothes for each day, inc one pair of shorts for each day, one pair of warmer trousers for each day, one hoodie, one waterproof each. Long sleeved pjs incase the weather turns. Costumes if there is a pool.

Sheet and blanket for travel cot.

Trainers and beach shoes each.

I have a prepared vanity case of toiletries for holidays with shampoo, conditioner, soaps, deodorant, nail clippers, tweezers, sun lotion, body lotion, hair brush, nail polish, razors, toothbrushes and toothpastes for each age.

DH packs towels, tea, coffee, salt, pepper, little bit of oil, hot cross buns, coffee whitener, butter, bottles of ice water to keep it cool on the trip. Their own special cups and plates.

General stuff that stays in a bag under the stairs ready to be grabbed; buckets, spades, beach mat, beach ball.

Car snacks will be in another bag, raisins, mr Kipling snacks, bananas, muffins, lots of drinks, and for long ones the DVD player with dvds in a folder so they can have a flick through.

They pick a board game each, a toy each and now they are bigger, they choose between their scooter or bike, and we have a colouring pack for the car.

So essentially I only pack clothes because the rest is in prepared travel bags under the stairs and everyone else has their own “thing” to pack. It’s a mixture of preparedness and delegation! Grin

IamPickleRick · 13/07/2020 17:23

Meds also in the vanity case too. And indigestion tabs Wink

Forsythe88 · 13/07/2020 17:29

Iron everything, I never iron normally, but it makes everything fit that bit better. Anything delicate or valuable I put in a sock for protection.

flowersfromheaven · 13/07/2020 17:53

I put all the clothes in piles starting with the kids piles first making sure they have got everything , if we are going for 7 days I put 7 pairs of socks in and 2 pairs extra just in case. I always think over pack with clothes and then you know you will have enough, Flip flops, shoe,s and boots go in the case, I use a case for each one of us because it makes unpacking a lot easier as they can unpack their own once we are there, I also place a carrier bag in each case for their mucky washing.

whatnow41 · 13/07/2020 18:55

I take my handheld Dyson with me when we go on UK breaks. The caravans or lodges will have dustpan and brush but having my vacuum with me makes keeping a small space tidy so much easier. Was especially important when we were weaning and more food went on the floor than in his mouth.

LimedTimbers · 13/07/2020 19:48

My top tip after losing suitcases on the way to Patagonia (think icebergs and the right kit needed) is to ensure that anything you absolutely cannot lose should go in the plane with you....

claza93 · 13/07/2020 20:45

We rarely go abroad (too pricey with five children) so holidays for us are in our caravan. I live by lists! I have a full holiday list that is split by child and I tick it off as I pack. I also have a food list, toiletries and medicine list!
It works wonders for us

kitschplease · 14/07/2020 08:29

Take an extension cable in case where you are staying doesn't have many sockets.

pushchairprincess · 14/07/2020 11:33

Check the weather forecast, and pack for the conditions - take an umbrella, and a few thin raincoats - there's nothing worse than being on holiday and expecting sun - and not being prepared for a 'British summer' of sunshine and showers.
For essentials - write a list (plasters, medicines, nail cutters and toothbrushes)

CraftyMum18 · 14/07/2020 11:54

It doesn't matter where I'm going, I'm never without my Day Dreamer Blind! My children can't sleep without it, it's such a great portable solution www.daydreamerblinds.co.uk

30not13 · 14/07/2020 18:35

We are going camping to a parkdean site in Scotland shortly. So my top packing tip is be prepared for any and all weather with lots if thin layers. Oh and midgie spray!!

KarenCBC · 14/07/2020 23:25

If staying in self catering make a couple of freezer meals ahead of time. These can then double up as ice packs when you’re travelling to the holiday.

EvilHerbivore · 15/07/2020 00:06

Mentally pack clothing for each day and then add a spare 1 of everything!

Anything hugely important (medication etc) goes in handbag/rucksack

Child's favourite cuddly toy does not come on holiday - we buy a cheap (usually won at an arcade/fairground type place) holiday teddy at each place we go to for them to sleep with but it's not worth the stress of beloved irreplaceable had-since-birth teddy being left somewhere

elizaco · 15/07/2020 12:56

Rather than take suitcases we take those large foldable shopping bags - much easier to fit/squeeze into the car, and to store in your accommodation.

BraayTigger · 15/07/2020 13:38

Definitely write a list for everyone going and tick off before leave for your holiday.

Don't take too many fancy clothes/heeled shoes - think "will I really wear this?" before put in the bag. Think casual and comfortable - a few well thought about accessories will help jazz up a day floaty dress or denim shorts. Make sure you think in "whole outfits" - not just random tops and bottoms - pack outfits you know you'll actually wear.

Take minimum toys for the kids - tablet (for the journey), couple of books, sticker book, ball and bucket and spade. They don't need all their toys they wont play with them!

Forget your stresses - go with the flow and enjoy!

ailsasheldon · 15/07/2020 14:36

We pack as light as possible. Went to Thailand for 2 weeks with 3 kids and just took hand luggage. Much easier not having to wait for our luggage after each flight

icedaisy · 15/07/2020 14:59

We have a holiday box. It sits in the spare room and I add treats and bits to it all year.

We do two uk holidays a year, so six months to fill box.

Nice chocolate, snacks, gin, beers. Colouring book, pens, ball, sweets.

Bits for dogs, treats, new ball.

Everyone loves the holiday box. Just means loads of nice bits to hand as soon as we arrive. I always forget what's in there as well. Just pick bits up as I see them.

anitagreen · 15/07/2020 16:51

Swimming stuff gets rolled up in towels.
Take my own teabags milks etc and easy food to cook,
Kids stuff all in one bag and organised.
Adult stuff in one bag.
Train tickets and important stuff go in my handbag.
Also write a list and make a kids pack for the train include small picnic type food to snack on, magazines. Tablets etc Grin

TheQueenOfTheNight · 15/07/2020 17:38

Mentally think about your day from waking to sleeping, that helps you remember the hair bobble you use when washing your face, and all the other little things that make a difference to your day.