I don’t know how it is for you, but from where I stand, one of the most challenging things since becoming a mother has been… packing for vacations!
Yes, I know — it might sound like a frivolous complaint (and honestly, it is). After all, what could be more delightful than the privilege of going on a holiday? A vacation is that special time of the year when we recharge, forget to check our phones, and most importantly, reconnect with our loved ones while creating precious memories that will last a lifetime.

To be completely honest, just thinking about everything going on in the world right now — I recently read that we are currently facing the highest number of armed conflicts in modern history — makes me deeply grateful for all the things I often take for granted. Even the day-to-day annoyances, like packing stress, fade in comparison. But since this blog is focused on parenting and personal development, I consciously choose to steer away from heavy topics — not because they aren’t important, but because I don’t feel equipped to approach them with the depth and nuance they deserve.

So, back to my pre-holiday packing struggle — my personal nemesis!

When we used to travel as a family of three, with my daughter’s father, I really appreciated that the entire weight of packing didn’t fall on my shoulders. He always remembered to bring along things I would have forgotten but turned out to be essential once we arrived.

In the early days, when my daughter was just a baby, forgetting something important was almost a given. I once left behind fever medication — of course, the one time she had a high fever while we were in a remote mountain village with no pharmacy around. Another time I forgot her food right after we had just started weaning. And I’ll never forget the road trip where I didn’t pack a change of clothes for the car ride — naturally, she got carsick and ended up vomiting like a little fountain (yes, everything was soaked — even the dashboard, but that’s another story!).

You get the idea — I’ve made many mistakes when it comes to packing, and each time I swore I’d get more organized.

Nowadays, I make a packing list well in advance, tailored to our destination and the season. This helps me stay on top of things and avoids the dreaded “Why did I bring this, and how did I forget that?” scenario. It also helps me travel lighter — no more dragging around half the house for a 5-day getaway.

Here’s a complete, categorized list of things to pack that I use on a summer holiday by the sea. You can save it, print it, or even turn it into a little ritual before each trip — I promise, it makes life so much easier!

Clothing (for 5–7 days)

Tip: Always pack one or two extras — kids get messy!

• 5–7 cotton t-shirts or tops

• 3–4 pairs of shorts

• 2–3 lightweight dresses or rompers (if applicable)

• 1–2 long-sleeve shirts for cooler evenings

• 2–3 pairs of trousers or leggings

• 2 sets of pajamas or nightwear

• 1 lightweight hoodie or cardigan

• 1 rain jacket or windbreaker

• 1 sunhat with wide brim / cap

• Sunglasses (UV protection)

• 1 set of “nicer” clothes for dinners or outings

Beachwear & Swim Essentials

• 2–3 swimsuits / swim trunks

• UV-protective rash guard (especially for fair skin)

• Water shoes or beach sandals

• Beach towel / poncho towel

• Arm floaties / swim vest (depending on age and swim level)

• Beach hat (quick-drying, ideally with neck protection)

• Goggles (optional)

• Lightweight beach cover-up

Footwear

• 1 pair of comfortable sandals

• 1 pair of sneakers / closed shoes

• 1 pair of flip-flops or crocs (easy to rinse)

Toiletries & Hygiene

• Toothbrush and toothpaste

• Hairbrush or comb

• Child-safe shampoo and body wash

• Moisturizer / after-sun lotion

• Sunscreen SPF 50+ (and reapply often!)

• Lip balm with SPF

• Wet wipes

• Tissues

• Hand sanitizer

• Nail scissors

• Swim diapers (if needed)

• Regular diapers (if needed)

• Small potty (if potty training)

Health & First Aid

Always double-check this one!

• Thermometer

• Fever medication (e.g., paracetamol or ibuprofen)

• Antihistamines (for allergies or insect bites)

• Rehydration salts

• Band-aids / plasters

• Antiseptic cream or spray

• Insect repellent

• Cooling gel for mosquito bites

• Prescription medication (if any)

• Vitamin supplements (optional)

Food & Feeding Essentials

• Water bottle or sippy cup

• Snacks for the trip and beach (non-perishable: crackers, fruit pouches, nuts)

• Cooler bag (if you’ll be storing food for the beach)

• Reusable cutlery, plates or snack boxes

• Bibs (if still messy with food)

• Small dish soap & sponge for cleaning on the go

Entertainment & Comfort Items

• Favorite stuffed animal or comfort item

• Bedtime book(s)

• Coloring book + crayons / markers

• Puzzle or small games

• Travel-friendly toys or figurines

• Tablet or phone with kids’ headphones + downloaded shows (optional)

• Beach toys: bucket, shovel, mold sets

• Inflatable toys / ball

• Night light (if your child uses one)

Documents & Extras

• Child’s ID/passport

• Health insurance card / travel insurance details

• Emergency contact numbers

• Copy of child’s vaccination card (just in case)

• Printed booking confirmations / travel tickets

• Travel stroller or baby carrier (if applicable)

• Laundry bag for dirty clothes

• Ziplock bags (for wet clothes or snacks)

• Small backpack for the child (they love carrying their things!)

Final Thought

Packing can feel overwhelming, but the more prepared I am, the more I can relax and enjoy the trip once we arrive. Over time, I’ve come to see packing as the beginning of the adventure — a way to ease into vacation mode mentally. And if you forget something? Chances are, you’ll be just fine. Still, in some cases, having the right essentials with you can mean the difference between a stressful holiday and a truly enjoyable one.

Would you like a printable version of this checklist? Let me know in the comments — I’d be happy to share one!

Happy travels and sun-filled memories,

The Red Fairy

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