Joanna James
A beach vacation is welcome by the entire family, and while getting there, working on a suntan and having loads of fun is looked forward to by all; only this is you may be stuck with all the packing. So, what do you pack first? The bare essentials of course! Here's a list of what not to miss.
Booking yourself into a hotel, resort or one of the fab Phuket luxury villas Thailand has to offer means, you need to take along personal items, with regards to the entire family, which will help you out in any situation. And while, making sure those airline tickets, or copies of your e-tickets, passports of all family members and any travel insurance documents etc. are packed with easy access is essential, you need to make sure you take along health insurance cards, credit cards, your international driver's license and hotel confirmations or booking details. If you have chosen a kid-friendly beach resort like Kata Rocks, you will probably have loads of help in keeping the kids entertained (phew!) and will not have to take along too many personal play items.
Bathing suits, cannot be forgotten, of course, take along two for each member of the family, together with a good swim cover-up for when the sun gets too hot, or you decide to head out on an excursion from the beach. Pack plenty of underwear for all, at least 2 pairs of socks and cotton t-shirts with shorts. Sundresses are cute and comfy for the 'girls' in the clan, while jeans or capri pants will do just as well. Make sure to pack at least two dinner outfits for enjoying warm balmy nights in places like Phuket resorts, in style. Last but not least, two sets of pyjamas for all.
Sandals are great; they can be dressy, airy and casual at the same time. Flip flops will be very comfortable and convenient on the beach and for exploring tropical environs, while water shoes are best for kids and adults who like to explore beaches, coral reefs and surroundings without injuring the feet. A good pair of sneakers for each member of your family will prove to be handy in case you decide to explore the backwoods of any beachside resort in Phuket or any other destination.
Take along plenty of sun-screen, your destination may not have the brand you like, and if you are travelling as a family, take along enough shampoo, soap, toothpaste and lotion; while hotels supply most of these basics, a large family can easily run-through those miniature bottles. Don't forget the toothbrushes, heading to the nearest 7/11 after a late night arrival is not fun, even if 'dad' is the selected runner. You may benefit from packing some good quality aloe-vera lotion or gel, ideal for battling sun-burn or for skin that has been exposed to salt water and sun all day. Bug spray too will turn out to be a handy essential.
You will need, hats, sunglasses and scarves, as well as, a good camera for capturing all those fabulous family moments in the tropics. Brushes, hair clips, tie-backs, some medication for sudden fevers or stomach upsets too will turn out to be a blessing when travelling with the family. Enjoy your time in the sun!
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