JETTING across seas with the family is exciting, but the thought of packing and preparing can cause some serious stress for parents.
From making sure you’ve packed enough for the kids and yourself, to ensuring the baggage isn’t over weight.
Now, to make matters even worse, most airlines will charge customers extra for a checked-in bag.
This means that there are many people trying their hardest to pack as much as they can into hand luggage in the hope it saves some money.
But with that comes a limit on just how much you can take through security, and that includes the amount of liquids you have too.
However, former season two Love Island winner Cara Delahoyde-Massey has just the travel hack when it comes to liquids.
The 34 year old reality star spoke on Episode two of her podcast The School Runway – Packing light or packing right? Unravelling the holiday chaos – with her co-host Bronagh Meere.
And even her Bronagh, was stunned to hear Cara’s top tip, which came after a listener had written in to ask the pair for some packing advice.
The listener, who is a mum of two, is going on a two week holiday as a family of four, and they are only bringing a carry on.
Cara, who shares her two children Freddie-George and Delilah with former season two Love Island winner Nathan Massey, first suggested her clothes hack
This is where she prefers to roll her clothes rather than fold them, as the clothes don’t crease as much and more can be packed away.
She also suggested that if the family is going away to a villa, to only pack for one week.
This is because most villa’s will likely have washing machine there.
Cara then jokingly added: “You’ve not got to pay for the electric, so bring it all with you. Do it all.”
But for those who don’t have a washing machine where they are staying on holiday, fear not.
Cara and Bronagh suggested buying some handwash detergent and washing the clothes in the sink.
But it was Cara’s next travel hack which stunned her co-host the most.
The top tip is for those parents who would like to take more toiletries than allowed through security.
Cara suggested to do a Click and Collect from the Boots store at the airport.
She said: “Buy your toiletries at the airport. Depending on what airport you go to, you can do Click and Collect at Boots.
“For nappies and milk. You can find the Boots in the airport you are going to, and do Click and Collect.”
Cara said it has worked every time for her, as she has collected powdered milk from the Boots at the airports.
And for those who are travelling with a buggy, she said that this can be great for adding in any extra items that you need to pack but couldn’t fit.
The same goes for extra luggage including golf clubs.
Cara said: “Nathan also adds in extra luggage in his golf clubs.
“So will put shoes in his golf bag, and nappies. I don’t think they weigh the golf clubs, or pushchairs.”
Jemma Solomon, aka The Label Lady has got 5 packing tips to help you get organised for your next holiday.
1. Write a list
Think about all the essentials you need to take with you; suncream, medicine, a few games for the kids, beach towels, and write everything in one list, which you can tick off as you add it to your suitcase.
Or for complete ease, try Google’s AI app – Gemini – which will create a list for you and help you not over pack.
2. Involve your kids
Jemma said: “My girls are getting older, they’re 11 and nine, and they enjoy helping to pack. So I send them a list, and say ‘this is what you need’ and they follow the list.
“And then I give them a rucksack each – and say to them ‘you can have whatever you want in there as long as it’s not liquid’, and they can take that on the plane. And that’s their ‘home away from home’ items.”
3. Try a hack or two
She said: “I think they all work, but for different reasons – and you’ve just got to pick the right one for your trip.
“Rolling your clothes is really good to stop your clothes from getting creases. And if you’re trying to get a lot of items into your case, it’s a space saver.
“Packing cubes are great – for example, I’m going on holiday with my three kids and we’re all using the same suitcase for our clothes.
“These handy compartments let you separate your clothes, toiletries and tech into designated cubes, maximising luggage space by keeping your items compressed and neatly stacked.
“I love taking them abroad with the family and it means my kids can easily take charge of their own items once we’ve arrived.”
4. Decant beauty products
Do you really need to take full-size bottles of shampoo and conditioner with you? The beauty industry has evolved so much, you can now buy shampoo bars or sheets – which are much lighter and smaller.
Or, if you’ll be popping to the shops when you’re abroad, consider buying some items when you arrive.
5. Get organised before you come home
Jemma said: “When you repack on holiday [before coming home], the trick is to separate clean from dirty clothes.
“Also pack it in some form of order – so lights, darks, colours for items that need washing, or if you wash your clothes by person in the household, piles for each person.
“Then you can put it straight into the washing machine. Do it straight away, don’t leave it.”
