You know it’s true; you wait all year for your big summer break, planning and meticulouslydrawing up schedules, and as the date approaches and you start to pack, you often take far too many items away with you. Overpacking, and subsequently struggling with heavy luggage can make for a stressful start to timeaway, so take what you need and resist squeezing everything but the kitchen sink into your suitcases. As the date of your holiday comes ever closer, set some time aside to make a detailed list, and then to try and half that list to only include the essentials. If you’re travellingwith young children, then it’s vital to keep them happy and entertained when waiting in queues, to board flights, and when out for food, for example. What are the best ways of making sure your holiday goes smoothly? Below are four top tips to ensure you have a stressfree time away.

Get Started Early

Although planning your holiday in minute detail isn’t appealing at first, it’s going to have to be done at some point so you might as well start it as early as you can. Write down how you’re going to get from A to B, and the cost of each route you plan to take. Calculate how you’re going to get to the airport using either your owncar and parking it onsite or a taxi. Then decide if you could benefit from the freedom of hiring rental cars once you’ve landed at your destination. Once the transportis sorted, ensure that accommodation is booked, and any excursions you wish to get involved in have been arrangedand signed up for.

Simplify Your List

Try to keep packing to a bare minimum. Remember that you can purchase toiletries once you’re there, so refrain from cramming your bags full of creams and lotions. To ensure you and your family stay healthy and safe in the sunshine, includesun cream in your luggage, and buy more once you reach your destination. Be realistic about how many pieces of clothing you’re going to wear. Try to pack light, and bear in mind that you can wash the contents of your wardrobe when you’re away. Select your favouriteclothes, and the items you use every dayat home.

Keep The Kids Entertained

Accept the fact that travel delays do happen, so prepare for them. There’s nothing you can do to prevent methods of transport suffering delays, but you can limit how much of an impact they have on you, your stresslevels, and how bored your kids will be without some form of entertainment to pass the time. Luckily, for the most part,smartphones have got you covered, as they have a range of games and fun activities. As well as providing your phone, consider taking an iPad as well as some board games such as puzzles, scrabble, snakes and ladders, and battleships.

Be Kind To Your Feet

Make the very sensible decision of packing a pair of lightweight and comfortable shoes to wear whileyou’re walking about and exploring. Consider looking into getting shoes or boots recommended by a chiropodist anda chiropractor, and finding some supportive ones that fit you perfectly and keep your arches in a naturally high position. Look further into the likes of Birkenstocks if you’re looking for sandals to wear in a hot country.

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Last Update: Tuesday, 17th July 2018