The Night Before: Your Pre-Holiday Checklist

Going on holiday is something we all look forward to. A time to spend time with loved ones, relax and explore new cultures, holidays create unforgettable memories for the whole family. However getting ready for a holiday can become somewhat stressful – especially as it creeps ever closer. But in order to make the most of the time you have together, follow these simply tips to ensure your holiday goes swimmingly and you get a good night’s sleep the day before you jet off.

Check all your holiday documents are together and pack them at the top of your hand luggage

The last thing you want to be doing is searching for a passport 10 minutes before you leave your house, so make sure you have all your documents together in a wallet before you go to bed. That way, you can minimise the stress the next day and ensure you’re in full ‘holiday mode’. By putting them at the top of your hand luggage, you’ll be on track to hand them over to the desk straight away, meaning you can head through security quickly and sit back and relax while waiting for your flight.

Make a list of the last-minute items you still need to pack.

You can be as prepared as you like, but there are some things that you just cannot pack until the morning. Items such as toothbrushes, toothpaste and other toiletries are prime examples of this. Making a list of the things you need to pop into your suitcases before you leave will help to minimise the 3am wake ups.

Confirm which toys will be making the trip.

There’s nothing more heart-breaking – or frustrating – than having to explain that not every toy can go with you on holiday. However doing it the day before will help to minimise tantrums and avoid early morning meltdowns.

Double check the luggage allowance and weigh it.

Over packing and being stuck with hefty fines at the checkout desk can really kick your holiday off to a bad start. Luggage allowance can vary greatly between airlines, so it’s always worth double checking before you go – even if you have flown recently. Investing in a portable suitcase scale is wise as you can take it with you and weigh your cases on the way back too – perfect for families who like bringing back souvenirs and memorabilia.

Check what facilities your hotel offers.

You’ll probably have checked this when you booked, but it’s always worth checking again to put your mind at rest – particularly when travelling with babies or very small children. If there’s not a shop nearby that sells nappies for example, you may need to think about taking enough to last you – at least for a couple of days.
We appreciate that going on holiday, particularly abroad can be stressful, however by following these simple ‘night before’ steps, you can rest assured that you will be prepared for any eventuality, leaving you ready to make the most of your time away together.

Do you have any tips for families about to jet off?