Kelinton Felder
Family vacations can quickly spiral into chaos if you do not read up on the destination before hand and come prepared. Here are a few pointers for packing the necessities.
Beach holidays are the most popular type of family holiday because kids love to swim, paddle, frolic in the waves and build sandcastles. Swimwear is an obvious first choice, when it comes to packing. Make sure all the family members have packed swimwear along with the additional accessories like flip flops and a beach towel. Sunscreen is essential, even for a short visit to the beach and if there are several kids, make sure there is plenty to go around. Sun hats, shawls and sunglasses will give the adults added protection, while they sit on the beach for a few hours supervising the kids. For added fun take along buckets and spades; smaller kids should also be given floaters to wear on their arms for safety. It may also be advisable to pack a couple of DVDs and indoor games in case you encounter an unexpected rainy day.
If you are planning an exotic adventure to a desert resort, Abu Dhabi is an interesting choice. The new and impressive capital of the United Arab Emirate has some truly unique experiences to offer. Uncover the mysteries of the Empty Quarter from the luxurious Qasr Al Sarab Desert Resort by Anantara. Enjoy some time in the swimming pool or head out into the dessert to race quad bikes over the dunes. Pack casual clothing for excursions but remember conservative clothing is recommended. Ankle length pants or skirts are a must and long sleeved tops. Ladies should carry a shawl and cardigan to visit religious sites. Sun hats, sun glasses and sunscreen are also good to have handy as it can get quite hot in the dessert.
If your family is the nature loving type and hiking or trekking is more your style, comfortable clothing and sturdy shoes are what will be most useful. Cargo pants are a convenient way of carrying essential items on your person, while keeping your hands free. Pack a small flashlight, water carrier and hat that are not cumbersome to carry. Hiking with children needs to be done with care: you may opt to take a map, a compass and a watch to be able to know your bearings at all times. A first aid kid should also be on your checklist of items to take along with you.
Taking a flight with toddlers and small children can be tremendously challenging for parents as well as other passengers on the plane. A handy diaper bag that is fully stocked should be first on your list. When packing, keep in mind there is limited space onboard and arrange the bag's contents accordingly. Be prepared for accidents and keep plenty of wipes and tissues in easily accessible places. Always remember to take plenty of toys and items to keep kids engaged and distracted for as long as possible.
