Holiday packing checklist for families
Packing your suitcase and heading off for an adventure sounds like fun, but packing for the whole family, deciding what - and not - to bring can be a bit of a headache. To give you some help for your stay at Bluestone, our friends at Twins, Tantrums, and Cold Coffee have put together this guide for getting ready for your break at Bluestone
Holiday packing guide
Whether you barely pack the travel essentials or attempt to transfer your entire wardrobe into five suitcases, this guide is for you. Because for those who don’t pack enough, how many times have you had to fork out for that vital item while you’re away?
Top tips: Pack simple, quick, and bring the essentials only
1. Get a decent lightweight suitcase or bag. We can’t overstate this enough. Get one that’s light enough that it allows you to pack a bit more in there and is easy to drag along with wheels, together with handles in the right places. When you arrive at Bluestone you can drive to your lodge to unpack so it's not far to carry but it's always a good thing to invest in!
2. Think about where you are staying. Are they likely to provide the bathroom essentials? Don’t take them then. Leave the hairdryer at home - it takes up way too much space. All of Bluestone’s lodges come with hairdryers, towels, and linen - so there’s no need to be forcing that in there.
3. Don’t pack clothes 'just in case'. Chances are you will never wear them. Are you going somewhere with the kids that’s informal and relaxed? In which case you probably won’t need that designer evening gown and matching shoes, even if you are desperate to get more wear out of it.
4. Be ruthless. Once you’ve packed, take a third out and pack again. Especially the kids! They’ll probably just spend the whole time in either shorts or swimwear.
5. Wear your coat, jeans, a sweater while you travel. It’s easier that way - keep your heavy gear out of your luggage if you can. If it’s too hot to wear while you travel you probably shouldn’t be taking it in the first place.
6. Don’t ignore the essentials in your mission to travel light. You will need flip flops, a phone charger and a day bag of some kind.
7. Roll your clothes rather than fold if you’re tight for space - it’s a lot easier to cram it all in that way.
The 'don't forget' checklist
Avoid that horrible moment you realise, you've forgotten the phone charger and tick off this list of common things you might forget:
Wallet, with the cards you need
Camera, if it’s not on your phone
Phone charger
Driving license - A must if you've hired a buggy at Bluestone!
Day bag - a small backpack, something easy to carry in the day
Medication - especially Calpol
First aid kit
Wet wipes
Nappies
Shampoo and shower gel
Glasses and contact lens if you wear them
Toothbrush and toothpaste, the most forgotten item ever
Hairbrush
Drinks bottle
Sunglasses
Hats
Coats/rain jackets (one each if you must)
Swimming towels
Re-usable water bottle
Re-usable shopping bag
Toddlers and Babies
Any parent knows, the smaller the person, the more packing, so make sure you have all these with you for your break:
Plenty of changes of clothes and vests
Bibs
Snacks
Baby monitor
Sippy cups and cutlery
Formula
Bottles
Buggy
Sling
- Remember, each cottage and lodge has a highchair, travel cot, and child's cutlery included, so you can leave them at home. There are also toddler packs you can request to be left in your accommodation before your arrival at no extra cost.
For the Beach and Pool
Don't get caught out, make sure these are all in the beach bag:
Swimming towels
Swimming costumes
Goggles
Beach umbrella or windbreak
Bucket and spade
Suntan lotion
Swim nappies
Talcum Powder (helps get rid of sand)
Don’t worry so much about beach games - it’s often cheaper to buy there
Just In Case
Those things you may need, but probably wouldn't forget:
Toiletries
Hand sanitiser
Nail clippers
Tweezers
Discover More
Now that’s done you can get on with having the time of your life. Not booked yet but feeling inspired? Head over to our family breaks page and start planning your much-deserved break.