What to Take

Practicalities Getting Organised What to Take Clothing 

Planning what you need can save you a lot of wasted packing.

Do

• Aim to dress comfortably, in items which are easy to get off and on.



• Make sure you have seasonally appropriate outfits [see below].



• Allow for layering. Ski chalets for example are often hot so the child may need no more than a t-shirt indoors. The Mediterranean countries should be warm in summer but are not invariably so the odd cool weather and rain item is wise and whatever the temperature on arrival, it may be cold getting there.

• Buy new items specifically for the trip. They may prove uncomfortable and rub. This is particularly true of footwear.



• Take old-fashioned synthetic fabrics which may cause sweating or chafing, though newer fabrics can be useful if you know you are going to need items which dry quickly.



• Take anything which is going to require serious laundering/ironing (unless you enjoy it or don't mind significant laundry bills).



• Take anything too tight as it may well be uncomfortable when on the move and will probably be unsuitable if it is hot.

Basics Checklist

• At least two long sleeved and two short sleeved t-shirts and two pairs of trousers/skirts for general use. Making sure these all mix and match will limit arguments when getting dressed. So will leaving behind single favourite garments which you might have to wash again and again - not ideal when you are supposed to be enjoying yourself.



• Girls (and in certain countries boys) may find a sarong useful as it is so multi-purpose. (Nomad [Suppliers] sells a small one printed with gameboards for backgammon, chess or draughts and which comes supplied with counters, dice and chess transfers, plus a pouch to pack it away. It also doubles as a car window shade, head protection and more.)



• A fleece is comforting, warm and can be rolled up for cushioning the head. It is also lighter and easier to wash than wool or acrylic jumpers.



• At least one set of sweat shirts and trousers. Cold snaps can happen even in southern Europe.



• Rain gear. Rainstorms happen at intervals throughout the European summer for example. Most portable are nylon jackets which fold into a pocket, usually with trousers. However, breathable fabrics, though more expensive if lost, are pleasanter to use, and close on vital if you are planning on much serious walking. [Suppliers].



• A hat, ideally with wide brim or legionnaire's back flap to protect the neck. Long sleeves and tops in the new fabrics which protect against sun may also be useful. Even in the UK the sun can appear unexpectedly. [Suppliers]



• Conversely, if there is any chance of cold take hat and mittens, ideally attached to the coat in some way to avoid time-wasting searches for them or the need to seek replacements.



• Cotton socks are vital if you will be doing much walking in closed shoes. - around three pairs if the weather will be warm enough to wash and dry.



• A pair of comfortable shoes and/or sandals if it will be warm. If you are planning on much walking the right walking boots/sandals are vital if you want to keep children happy (not to mention protecting their feet as these are still at risk until the mid teens). Some suppliers offer these items mail order but we don't detail these as there is no substitute for trying shoes on the foot.



• At least five pairs of cotton knickers/underpants for a fortnight's holiday if it will be warm enough to wash and dry, otherwise more.



• Unless you are sure there won't be a mosquito problem or you know there will be mosquito netting, consider pyjamas for sleeping in rather than t-shirts or nighties which will leave exposed legs.



• Swimwear x 2 [Suppliers]

Special Clothing

Having the right equipment for your children's holiday activities will probably make you as well as them more comfortable. This is particularly important in bad weather and the right stuff can be hard to locate. Specialist shops and mail order may be more useful. [Suppliers]