Easy Guide to Packing.

As a seasoned traveller I like to think I have the packing perfected but even I can make a mistake. Like this April on our family break to Disneyland Paris I actually forgot to pack our travel plug adapters. Very annoying as I have about 20 of these in a bag at home, even more annoying as it cost us 20 euros to buy 1 of them in Paris.

So I thought I would create this handy packing guide for you all.

Essentials: Passport Travel Tickets/Documents (if you use our MYTC app you do not need to print these) Insurance Documents Foreign Money or Currency Card Bank Cards Driving License if you plan on driving abroad

TIP: Put your emergency medical number for your insurance in your phone with AAA at the start as this will mean it’s the first number in your contacts list.

TIP: Photograph your driving license and passport and email it to a family member or friend in case they get lost or stolen.

Clothing: Now this is very subjective for me and my family as I only allow 1 outfit per day and 1 outfit per evening. I am ruthless and will not allow extras. I do know some who take less and double up. But I find if you’re in a hot place you may not want to wear the same set of clothes twice. I do always allow extra swimwear as one set drying and one set wearing. Always take a cardigan or sweater for the evenings as it can sometimes get chilly. Don't forget nightwear (even if you normally don't wear it as you may be sharing a room with people or in case of an evening evacuation)

Toiletries/Medication: Now you can buy mini products, but I personally find these quite expensive and rarely are the brands that I use. Buy empty mini bottles and decant your own products. I have a small make up bag that I use for medication. It contains an emergency kit of plasters, painkillers, Calpol sachets as I have children, upset tummy treatment, meds in case you go the other way and can’t go, antihistamine, Insect repellent; it’s a godsend as some local pharmacies can be expensive.

Things to Check: Check if your hotel provides towels as this will save a lot of space in your case, some will also provide hairdryers but if your anything like me, you like your own.

Other things: Phone chargers, adapters hmmm yet I won’t forget that again, sunglasses, beach bag/day bag or carry it as hand luggage, camera although most people use their phones nowadays, pen and paper...this does come in handy.

Travelling with Kids: Toys Sunhat Pool Shoes Snacks....this is a big one as small kids are always snacking and it helps keep them occupied on a flight.

On The flight with Kids: Now this is my big tip, go to a local shop like B+M or Poundstretcher and buy lots of little toys, they don't need to cost a lot, but get as many as you can and then gift wrap them, now this may seem a lot of work, but believe me you will thank me. On the flight when your little one starts getting restless, grab a little gift and let them open it and play with it, it should pass some time, then repeat as many times as needed through the journey.

I hope this helps and if you have any questions please let me know Happy Travelling Paula