We have the same panicky conversation every time we’re about to set off on holiday. “Did you remember to pack the phone charger? What about the bedtime teddy? What was that really important thing we forgot last time?

So to help avoid such situations, we’ve pulled together a comprehensive checklist for parents preparing for a family holiday. We’ve tried to think of everything an average family might need, though obviously you’ll have your own specific requirements depending on your children’s ages.  And don’t forget PFS holidays nearly always provide all the obvious baby and child equipment you might need. Let us know if you spot any essentials we’ve missed!

BASICS

  • Wallet

  • Cash (GBP, Euros)

  • House and car keys

  • Credit and debit cards

  • Sunglasses

  • Handbag

  • Watch and other jewellery

BABIES AND TODDLERS

  • Nappies

  • Baby monitor

  • Milk bottles and powder

  • Baby food and snacks

  • Travel cot

  • High chair

  • Pushchair or pram

Entertaining the kids

  • Playing cards

  • Children’s tablets and chargers

  • Board games

  • Colouring pencils/crayons

  • Colouring/puzzle/sticker books

  • Bicycles and/or scooters

  • Football/tennis rackets and ball/badminton kit/swingball

  • Books and magazines

  • Other toys

CLOTHES

  • Sunny weather clothes (shorts, t-shirts, dresses)

  • Colder weather clothes (coats or waterproofs, gloves, hats, scarves)

  • Swimwear, towels, goggles, inflatable toys

  • Footwear (shoes, trainers, sandals, wellies or walking boots)

  • Spares of the most important items you know will get spilt on!

BEDTIME

  • Pyjamas/sleepwear

  • Bedtime teddy or snuggle blanket

  • Bedtime stories

  • Night light

TRAVEL ESSENTIALS

  • Passports (check they’re still in date!)

  • Travel insurance documents

  • EHIC cards

  • Driving licence

  • Breakdown cover documents

  • Boarding cards/tickets for flights

  • Hire car confirmation documents

ELECTRICALS

  • Mobile phones

  • Phone chargers

  • Tablet/laptop/travel DVD player and chargers

  • Plug adapter

  • Music player (iPod or similar), headphones, bluetooth speaker

  • Camera and case

  • Camera charger

  • Camera spares (batteries, memory cards)

  • Kindle or ebook reader, case and charger

  • Batteries

COSMETICS

  • Washbag

  • Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash

  • Make-up

  • Shower gel, shampoo, conditioner

  • Razor and blades

Health and medical

  • First aid kit

  • Plasters

  • Calpol and/or Neurofen

  • Other medicine (antihistimines, paracetamol,  hayfever tablets)

  • Any current prescriptions

  • Tampons and sanitary towels

  • Contraception

  • Anti-bacterial handgel

  • Wet wipes

  • Travel sewing kit

  • Contact lenses, case and solution

  • Glasses and case

  • Eye mask/neck pillow