5 essentials to include on your family pre-holiday checklist

If there’s one thing I’ve learnt since becoming a mum it’s that a pre-holiday checklist is a must – especially if you’re packing bags for other people too.

With more than two thirds of Brits heading on holiday each year that’s a lot of mums (and dads!) packing a lot of bags – so what can we do to help make the process as smooth as possible?

Aside from the obvious such as sun cream and sun glasses, there are several important tasks it’s best to include on a pre-holiday checklist rather than leaving it to the last minute on your phone on the way to the airport.

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If, like me, you’d prefer to avoid panicky conversations with your other half the night before you’re due to leave about who’s remembered to do what, here’s what to include on your pre-holiday checklist this summer.

5 essentials to include on your family pre-holiday checklist

1. Check everyone’s passports

It might sound obvious but check the expiry date on everyone’s passports in plenty of time before your holiday. With four children born over the course of ten years, I know how easy it is to suddenly discover one child’s passport has expired, and no-one needs the stress of a trip to the passport office when you should be at home packing. Some countries also require a passport to be at least six months outside of its expiry date, so make sure you check before you travel.

2. Buy travel insurance

If the pandemic has taught us anything, it’s to make sure we’re covered in the event of the unexpected. Travel insurance costs less than you might think, even for those with pre-existing medical conditions. With a type 1 diabetic in our house cover when we go away is a must, but it doesn’t have to be a headache when you can compare travel insurance with pre-existing medical conditions uk and find the best deal quickly and easily.

3. Arrange pet sitters

Just like checking everyone’s passports, book pet sitters in good time before your holiday so you’re not left with a last-minute problem to sort out. With many of us only able to travel in the school holidays pet sitters can get booked up at peak times, so give yourself peace of mind by booking early.

4. Pack electricals

Think phone chargers, tablet and laptop chargers, plug adaptors, batteries and anything that helps keep little ones happy! Packing chargers and electricals means you won’t be caught short with devices that have run out of battery, and making sure everything is fully charged before you leave the house will also help ensure your journey goes smoothly.

5. Don’t forget the little things

It’s easy to tick important things like passports and travel insurance off your pre-holiday checklist, but don’t forget the little things like baby wipes or your toddler’s preferred brand of snack which may not be readily available where you’re going. Formula might also be something to think about taking – and don’t forget an all-important pack of crayons, because they’re guaranteed to come in handy at some point!