Holiday heaven....or hell?

“Those that say you can't take it with you never saw a car packed for a holiday trip” ~ unknown


Top ten tips for an enjoyable holiday

1. If possible, get your parents or other family to join you on holiday so that you can have some time off on your own and as a couple

2. In the week before you go away on holiday, don't put clothes away that you intend to take with you. Start piles for each member of the family which can then be quickly piled into suitcases

3. Use plastic bags as "drawers" when you pack to keep things organised, and have a light and dark washing bag to fill up during the holiday (extra tip - have dark and light washing bags in your washing basket so stuff gets sorted as it goes in!)

4. Create an electronic "to take" list for holidays with additional sub-lists for self catering or camping - just print it off each time and make any subtle changes required and similarly, create an electronic "to do" list as well which reminds you to take the bin out, sort out the pets, cancel the cleaner etc.

5. Buy a couple of new Cds, books or Dvds (or save from Christmas) for the journey and make sure you have a rainy day kit with a few fun things to bring out if necessary

6. For very young children, a drink is a good idea for flights at take off and descent, and for older children lollipops are always popular, as they can find it hard to swallow on demand

7. Book your kids into some activities (in your home town or when away) to buy yourself some "me time"

8. Discuss with all members of your family what they would like to get out of their holiday, and the key activity/visit they would like to do. Make sure everyone gets their number 1 request, assuming their request is practical (imaginations need to be tempered sometimes!)

9. Although the priority is to relax, kids especially still need some routine so make sure you still have enough structure to each day to keep things calm, even if it is only regular meal times.

10. Try and see the fun in every situation, relax and take loads of photos to keep you going through the winter months!

Thanks to Fiona from Manic Mums for the topic idea.

Do you have any tips which you would like to add? Please let us know so that others can benefit too...