Holiday packing can be a pain, especially if you must pack for the whole family, but it doesn’t have to be. Get out all the clothes, shoes, swimsuits, hats, and other things you might need a few days before you leave. So, you’ll have time to get any last-minute things you need. It also means that you can pack only the things you really need. Putting clothes straight from the closet into your suitcase can be a disaster and will almost certainly cause you to pack too much.
Taking a flight to go on holiday? Check at the time of booking to see if you need anything special so you can be ready and weigh your suitcase before you leave to make sure it doesn’t go over the weight limit for your airline. If you must pay extra because your bags are too heavy, it won’t be a good start to your trip.
Here are our best suggestions for what to bring on vacation:
Sun protection
The sun is great for summer vacations, but it can cause painful sunburns and make you more likely to get skin cancer. So, sun protection should be at the top of your list of things to bring on vacation. This means sun cream and lip balm with at least SPF30, as well as sun hats and protective clothing for your kids if you have them. Make sure you’re not out in the sun between noon and 3 p.m., when it’s the hottest, and cover up if you do get burned.
Lightweight clothing and shoes
No matter what the weather is like at home, make sure to pack light clothes that is easy to pack and don’t need ironing. You may need something to wrap around your shoulders in the evenings and a light jacket or cardigan. Check the weather forecast before your summer vacation to make sure you’re ready, but don’t pack too much warm clothing.
First-aid kit
There is a small chance that you could get sick or be bitten by an insect on your summer vacation, so it’s best to be ready. So, your list of things to bring on vacation should include painkillers, Immodium or something to settle an upset stomach, a remedy for dehydration in case you get sick, insect repellent, an 
antihistamine in case you get bitten, and antiseptic cream. Depending on where you’re going, the pharmacist in your area will be able to tell you what else you should bring.
If you take medicine, make sure you have enough for the whole trip.
Make a holiday to-do list.
During your summer vacation, you will probably not use or wear some of the clothes or shoes you brought with you. So, when you get back from your trip and are unpacking, make a holiday checklist of everything you used. This will make packing for your next trip much easier.
Holiday checklist items that you should always include:
Shorts
Sun hat
Sundress
Sunglasses
Flip flops
Tekkies
Beach towels
Beach bag
Sun cream
Swimming costumes
Evening clothes and shoes
Cardigan/jumper for the odd chilly evening
Sports kit
Basic first aid kit (antihistamine, rehydration powders, painkillers, etc)
Copies of important documents such as insurance cover, ID, passport and driving license
Plug adaptors
Insect repellent
Plenty of toys and games to entertain the kids
