Ever driven all the way to Chessington World of Adventures from Cornwall and forgotten your tickets? Well I have and it wasn’t fun.
A little organisation goes a long way and as a result I’ve tapped out this helpful guide to make sure that your family trips are vastly improved this summer.
Clothing
Two things should be accounted for when packing clothing; the weather and emergencies.
As the weather is ever-changing in these days of global warming, my advice is to take an assortment of weather-protecting gear including: raincoats, jumpers, shorts etc.
With regards to handling emergencies extra underwear is the key. Pants, socks, tights… bring extra of everything. After all, you never know.
Essentials
It is more often than not the simplest yet most essential of possessions that are left at home, subsequently causing massive hassle. I’m arming you with an essentials check list to ensure that you don’t end up dragging yourself all around the world on a mad hunt for a toothbrush, which eventually ends up costing £300 and tasting mildly of badgers.
The List:
Tickets, discount vouchers, toothbrush, toothpaste, deodorant, toilet paper, medications, sun block, clothes, identification, entertainment box, snacks, bottled water.
Security
Packing for security is the same thing as packing for emergencies – ensure that everyone has their own little emergency pack that they carry with them at all times. A bumbag or backpack should do the trick nicely and should contain:
1) Communication device. It doesn’t matter which, either a mobile phone or walkie talkie should do the trick nicely.
2) Emergency cash stash.
3) Identification – I’m not suggesting you hand your kid their passport and then allow them to roam free but I do recommend a youth ID card or simply a self-made photocard with information such as your name, their name, address etc just in case they should become separated from you.
I once read an amazing story where this lady lost her child at Disneyland, but was able to find him quickly because they had a system. He wore an id bracelet with his name on one side and her name and contact information on the other side and he was able to go to a store and have the shop assistant contact his mother promptly. Proof that these systems help and work.
Entertainment
I mentioned this in the essentials list simply because trips aren’t really interesting if you are not driving. Fact: There are only so many times “Are we there yet?” can be asked before your sanity reaches breaking point. And scenery doesn’t change often enough as a general rule to make trips more interesting.
That being said I suggest making up a portable entertainment centre complete with toys, games and books that are appropriate for car, train and plane journeys.
