Packing for a family summer holiday can feel like preparing for a small military operation. Between sun cream, swimsuits, snacks, and the inevitable “I can’t find my favourite teddy” meltdown at 5am, it’s easy to forget something essential.
At DM Airport Transfers, we’ve heard every packing horror story going — from forgotten passports to suitcases that wouldn’t close. So we’ve put together the ultimate family packing checklist to make sure your summer holiday starts with everything you need and nothing you don’t.
Save this guide, print it off, or stick it on the fridge — you’ll thank yourself when packing day rolls around.
Essential documents (don’t fly without these!)
These are the absolute must-haves. Without them, you’re not going anywhere.
Passports for every family member (check expiry dates — many countries require 6 months validity).
Boarding passes (printed and digital backups).
Travel insurance documents.
EHIC or GHIC cards for European travel.
Hotel booking confirmations.
Car hire documents and driving licence.
Vaccination certificates if required.
Emergency contact list (written down, not just on your phone).
Photocopies of all documents stored separately.
Money and cards
Sort your money out before you fly — exchange rates at the airport are rarely the best.
Local currency for the first day or two.
Debit and credit cards (let your bank know you’re travelling).
A backup card kept separately in case of loss.
A small amount of GBP for when you return to the UK.
Travel money card if you use one (like Revolut or Wise).
Clothes for the kids
The trick with kids’ clothes is to pack practical, light, and easy-to-wash items. Most family-friendly hotels have laundry facilities, so you don’t need to overpack.
T-shirts and vests (one per day, plus a couple of spares).
Shorts, skirts, and lightweight trousers.
At least two swimming costumes or trunks per child.
Pyjamas (lightweight for warm climates).
Underwear and socks (always pack a few extra).
A light jumper or cardigan for cool evenings.
A waterproof jacket just in case.
Sandals, trainers, and a pair of water shoes for rocky beaches or pools.
Sunhats with neck coverage for younger kids.
A smart outfit for any nice dinners or photos.
Clothes for the adults
Keep it simple — you’ll wear less than you think.
Lightweight tops and t-shirts.
Shorts, skirts, and dresses.
One or two evening outfits.
Swimwear (at least two sets).
A cover-up or sarong.
Comfortable walking sandals.
Flip flops for the pool or beach.
A light cardigan or jumper for air-conditioned restaurants.
Underwear and socks.
Pyjamas or sleepwear.
Toiletries and medications
Remember the 100ml liquid rule for hand luggage — anything over goes in the hold.
Sun cream (high SPF for kids — SPF 50 minimum).
After-sun lotion.
Insect repellent.
Antiseptic cream and plasters.
Children’s paracetamol and ibuprofen.
Adult painkillers and any prescription medications.
Anti-sickness tablets for travel.
Rehydration sachets.
Toothbrushes, toothpaste, and floss.
Shampoo, conditioner, and body wash (or buy at destination).
Deodorant.
Razors and shaving cream.
Hairbrush and hair ties.
Contact lenses, solution, and glasses.
Tissues, wet wipes, and hand sanitiser.
For babies and toddlers
Travelling with little ones means a few extra essentials.
Nappies (pack enough for the journey plus a day or two — buy more at your destination).
Baby wipes (lots of them).
Changing mat.
Baby formula or breastfeeding supplies.
Bottles, sippy cups, and bibs.
Pre-prepared baby food or pouches for the journey.
Dummies and comforters (always pack spares!).
Baby sun cream (specifically formulated for sensitive skin).
Sun-protective clothing or UV swimsuit.
Lightweight travel buggy.
Baby carrier or sling for crowded areas.
Calpol sachets for emergencies.
Tech and entertainment
A few key gadgets can save your sanity on a long journey.
Mobile phones and chargers.
Universal travel adaptor (especially for European trips).
Portable battery pack.
Tablets pre-loaded with films, games, and shows.
Kids’ headphones (look for volume-limiting ones for safety).
A book or Kindle for the adults.
Camera (if not using your phone).
Earphones or noise-cancelling headphones for the flight.
Beach and pool essentials
Pack these in your hand luggage so the fun can start the moment you arrive.
Goggles and armbands.
Beach towels (microfibre towels save loads of space).
Inflatable toys (deflate them for packing!).
Bucket and spade.
Snorkels and masks.
A waterproof phone pouch.
A small cooler bag for drinks.
Hand luggage must-haves
Your carry-on is your lifeline during the flight. Pack smart.
All documents and money.
Medications and a basic first-aid kit.
A change of clothes for each child (and yourself if possible).
Snacks (lots of them — quiet snacks like raisins, breadsticks, and biscuits work best).
Empty water bottles to fill after security.
Wipes, tissues, and hand sanitiser.
Tablets, headphones, and chargers.
Small toys, colouring books, and crayons.
A spare dummy or comforter.
Light jumpers for the plane (it gets cold!).
Last-minute checks before you leave
The night before you fly, do a final sweep:
Are the passports together in one safe place?
Is your phone fully charged?
Have you checked in online?
Have you confirmed your airport transfer with DM Airport Transfers?
Is the hold luggage weighed and within the airline’s limit?
Have you set the timer on the heating, locked the windows, and unplugged appliances?
Has someone been arranged to check the house, water the plants, or feed the pets?
Have you packed the kids’ favourite comforters where you can easily reach them?
The smartest packing tip of all
Here’s the one thing that will save you more stress than anything else on your packing list: pre-book a reliable airport transfer.
Trying to load multiple suitcases, three kids, and a folded buggy into a car that’s too small at 4am is a recipe for disaster. With DM Airport Transfers, you get a clean, spacious vehicle big enough for your whole family and every last bag — so you can focus on the holiday, not the logistics.
We offer:
UK-wide pick-ups: From your doorstep to any airport in the UK.
Family-friendly vehicles: Saloons from £60, MPVs from £90, and 8-seater minibuses for the bigger broods.
Child seats on request: Just let us know what you need.
Flight tracking: We monitor your flight so we’re always there when you need us.
Meet and greet on return: A friendly driver waiting at arrivals after a long flight.
Fixed pricing: No surge fees, no surprises.
Book your family airport transfer today
Now you’ve got the packing covered, let us handle the journey. Book your summer family transfer with DM Airport Transfers and start your holiday the moment you close the front door.
