What to pack for a family holiday (and what you can leave at home)
Pack less. Enjoy more.
Date
06 / 07/ 2026
Category
Family experiences, Uncategorised
Family holidays should feel easy from the moment you arrive.
From cots and fresh purées to Yoto players, books and games, we’ve thought about the little things that make family travel feel lighter. So before you start making space in the car, here’s what to pack for a family holiday, what you can leave at home, and how we help make stays feel wonderfully easy.
Family Holiday Packing List
What to bring on a family holiday
Some things will always make the journey with you. We recommend packing:
- Clothes for days out and relaxed evenings
- Swimwear for the pool
- Sun cream and sun hats
- Comfortable shoes, sandals or trainers
- Layers for cooler evenings
- Waterproofs for British weather
- Favourite comforters, teddies or bedtime items
- Medicines and personal toiletries
- Chargers
- Any must-have items for your child’s daily routine
Bring the things that make your family feel at home. We’ll help with the rest.
What you can leave at home
One of the great luxuries of a family holiday is travelling a little lighter. Instead of filling the car with every piece of baby equipment you own, many practical essentials are already waiting for you:
- Bugaboo cots and highchairs
- Baby monitors
- Baby baths
- Changing mats
- Sterilisers
- Bottle warming facilities
- Step stools
- Toilet seats
- Fresh baby purées
- Yoto player
- Books and libraries
- Toys and games, including family favourites like UNO and Dobble
- Buckets and spades
That means less to squeeze into the car, fewer things to remember, and a smoother start to your family escape.
Packing for Babies and Toddlers
Travelling with little ones often comes with the bulkiest bags, which is why our hotels are set up to help before you arrive.
Baby and toddler essentials can be waiting in your room, and our teams can support with fresh purées, bottle warming and sterilising facilities during your stay. Our hotels also have a small number of Bugaboo pushchairs are also available to borrow, giving you one less thing to squeeze into the car.
Packing for Children
For curious children, the little extras can make a stay feel instantly familiar. Think stories with a Yoto Player, a round of UNO or Dobble, books for quiet moments, and wellies or buckets and spades for outdoor adventures.
You may still want to bring a favourite toy, bedtime book or comforter from home, but there is no need to pack entertainment for every hour of the day.
Frequently asked questions
What should I pack for a family holiday?
For a family holiday, pack clothes, swimwear, sun cream, hats, comfortable shoes, waterproofs, medicines, toiletries, chargers and any favourite comfort items your child needs for sleep or routine.
What can I leave at home when staying at Luxury Family Hotels?
You can leave many bulky family essentials at home, including cots, highchairs, baby monitors, baby baths, changing mats, sterilisers, step stools, toilet seats, toys, games, books, Yoto Players, wellies, buckets and spades and pushchairs.
Do family hotels provide baby equipment?
Yes. Luxury Family Hotels can provide a range of baby and toddler essentials, including Bugaboo Stardust cots, Bugaboo Giraffe highchairs, baby monitors, baby baths, changing mats and sterilising facilities. Our hotels also offer a small number of Bugaboo Butterfly pushchairs to borrow during your stay.
Do I need to bring a travel cot?
No. Bugaboo Stardust Cots can be provided when you stay with Luxury Family Hotels. It is best to request one before arrival so it can be ready for your room.
Do I need to bring toys and games?
You may want to bring a favourite toy or comforter, but you do not need to pack lots of entertainment. Luxury Family Hotels provide books, toys, games, Yoto Players and family favourites such as UNO and Dobble to help keep children happy during their stay.
Are Yoto Players available?
Yes. Yoto Players are available to help bring stories, music and quiet moments into your family stay. A refundable deposit is required.
Are Bugaboo pushchairs available?
Bugaboo pushchairs are available to borrow at all our Hotels. We recommend checking with your chosen hotel before you arrive so the team can let you know what is available during your stay.
Are fresh baby purées available?
Yes. Fresh baby purées can be prepared for little ones, with bottle warming and sterilising facilities also available.
What should I pack for a UK family holiday?
For a UK family holiday, pack layers, waterproofs, comfortable shoes, swimwear, sun cream, hats and a few familiar items from home. British weather can change quickly, so flexible clothing is always useful.