Your Packing Checklist For The Perfect Holiday

[Agnes Riley]

Anyone who's ever travelled anywhere is aware of a little thing called Murphy's Law of Travelling. Murphy's Law of Travelling states that the longer the distance you have to travel, the higher the likelihood you'll forget to pack something essential. It works like clockwork. The best way to avoid it? Make lists, stick to the lists, double-check the lists, and never let go of the hand of your son if he happens to be named Kevin and resembles a young Macaulay Culkin. Here's a helpful list to help you get started.

1. Documentation. This includes your passport, driving license, health insurance documents, tickets, car hire voucher, credit cards, and anything else you can think of. Scan the whole lot of them and email them to yourself just in case.

2. Medication. A first aid kit always comes in handy, and it doesn't need to occupy a lot of space. Packing insect repellent might also be a good idea, depending on where you go. You might also consider taking some basic medicine, such as painkillers or any other medication you or your family regularly use. Make sure beforehand that everything you take is legal in the country you are travelling to.

3. Sunscreen. No matter where you go, regardless of the season, sunscreen and sunglasses are your friend. If you're spending long periods of time outdoors, sunscreen will protect your skin not only from the sun, but also from the wind. If you're driving, sunscreen will also help you from ending up bicolour.

4. Toiletries. Hairbrush, toothbrushes, shampoo and toothpastes.

5. Tech supplies. Remember to pack your phone, your camera, and your laptop if you are so inclined. Furthermore, remember to take chargers and spare batteries for all of those. If you are travelling to a foreign country, check whether or not outlets are the same as in your home country. For instance, outlets are different in Spain and in the UK. If necessary, take plug adapters.

6. Kid supplies. Depending on how old your kid is, this may mean a whole variety of things. However, two basics don't change until they are old enough to pack for themselves: something to keep them fed, and something to keep them busy. There's nothing worse than a cranky child on a trip.

7. Clothing. Pack light, and choose items you can dress in layers, to adjust to lower or higher temperatures. If you're headed for the beach, remember swimming suits.

[Agnes Riley]

Quite a good tip, I often seem to forget to carry one and only remember right when it would come in handy to have one...

[Beth Duppstadt]

I also find a small sewing kit can really come in handy while traveling!