This year we have booked a holiday abroad. I can’t believe it. After all this time we are getting to go on holiday. We decided not to book anything during the lockdown restrictions as it wasn’t something we wanted to do – travel with testing and wearing masks etc., wasn’t for us. So we waited, knowing it would be even better by the time we finally managed to getaway.

This summer we are holidaying in Spain again in an area we have visited before with friends. With working from home, having the boys and Mr H here too, it has felt like we have been on top of each other at times so I am really looking forward to getting away.

I thought I would put together a little post about preparing for a holiday abroad, a packing checklist that hopefully helps you out.

Clothing

Of course, what you are wearing is something everyone needs to think about when packing for a holiday. For beach holidays, you will need to think about swimming costumes, beachwear, sandals, T-shirts and shorts and so on.

There will definitely be many pairs of shorts and T-shirts for the boys to keep them covered from the sun in Spain as well swimming trunks – the same for Mr H. I will be looking for some new dresses for women and some new women’s clothing to take with me.

We could all do with some sandals, so I will be looking at some comfy styles for us all and lightweight shoes.

Essentials

You always forget something, right? It is inevitable. Even with the best checklist and attention to detail, there will always be something you forget. It isn’t a significant issue in most cases, as you will likely be heading somewhere with stores to pick up your missing toothbrush or sunglasses. But just in case you need help with what to add to your packing list, here are a few things we regularly take with us:

• Toothbrush
• Toothpaste
• Toiletries (shampoo, body wash, hairspray, deodorant etc.)
• Underwear
• Mosquito repellant
• Sunglasses
• Hats
• Makeup
• Face wash
• Glasses/Contact lenses and cleaning fluid
• Phone chargers
• Spare plugs
• Plug adaptors
• Rash vests
• Hairdryer
• Insect Repellant
• Camera
• Spare batteries

Suncream

You go to Spain for the sun – and you do get a lot of sun in Spain, over 300 days per year in fact. As you all probably know, that is something we are not blessed with in the UK, so I always make sure to take good sunscreen to avoid getting burnt.

As the boys are so active and can often be found in the pool or playing sports, I need an excellent kids’ sunscreen that is UVA and UVB safe. It also needs to be hypoallergenic too.

I have worked with Nivea in the past to share some sun-safe tips to protect yourself from the sun. We always use higher factors and cover-up when the sun is at its strongest.

Documents

I can find it helpful to have more than one copy of the essential documents you will need. This includes flight information, accommodation, transfer or car hire details, copies of your passport, or another id. While you can do most of this digitally, you can’t always rely on the internet to support you when you need it.

So take physical copies or have screenshots, especially for booking codes or login details you might need for Airbnb. Put them into a folder to have everything you need to hand in and save you from scrolling through your phone at the last minute.

Covid Passport

It seems like the rules are changing all the time but both Mr H and I have had our covid vaccinations so we know whatever the requirements, we should be ok to travel. With countries changing their guidelines regarding international travel, we will be making sure to keep a close eye on any updates so we know what to expect and what type of documentation we will need to be able to travel.

At the moment you need proof of two covid vaccinations or proof of recovery within the previous 6 months. This is different for children under 17.

What are your top packing tips and have you booked a summer holiday abroad this year?

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