Over the last 50+ years, we’ve perfected the art of active family holidays, we’re also quite good at packing for a family holiday. So, to help you make the most of your time away together, we’re sharing our ultimate packing list with you.
We’ve split the packing list into 5 groups: essentials for everyone, essentials for kids, essentials for babies and infants, essentials for the grown-ups, and any extras you might want or need. Remember to check our luggage allowance page for the most recent info about how much luggage you can take.
Essentials for everyone:
- Passports (in date, and valid for the correct amount of time)
- Travel visas (if necessary)
- Travel insurance documents
- Global Health Insurance Cards (GHIC)
- Holiday confirmation information
- First aid kit with any prescription medication and insect repellent
- Toiletries – e.g. Toothpaste, toothbrushes, deodorant, contact lenses and solution etc.
- Euros or Turkish Lira
- Travel plug adaptors
- Device charging cables
- Devices, e.g. phones, iPads, handheld games consoles, e-readers, etc.
- Headphones
- Sunscreen and after-sun
Essentials for kids
Remember to pack spares in case of emergencies!
- T-shirt/ tops including a long sleeve top
- Shorts
- Trousers/ jeans/ bottoms
- Skirts/ dresses
- Jumper/ cardigan/ jacket
- Pyjamas
- Underwear
- Socks
- Sandals
- Trainers
- Water shoes
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear – including goggles and armbands as needed
- Entertainment – toys, books, handheld gaming console, iPad etc.
- Refillable water bottle
- Rucksack with your child’s name on (for kids club)
- High factor sun cream (factor 30 +)
- UV rash vests
Essentials for babies and infants
Remember to pack spares in case of emergencies!
- Short-sleeve bodysuits
- Lightweight outfits/rompers
- Sleepsuits
- Lightweight sleeping bag (0.5–1 tog)
- Sunhat (with neck protection if possible)
- Cardigan/light layer for evenings
- Baby’s favourite comforter/blanket
- White noise machine app/device
- Nappies (bring enough for 2–3 days, there’ll be places you can buy more nearby)
- Swim nappies
- Wipes
- Nappy cream
- Foldable changing mat
- Baby suncream SPF 50
- Baby wash
- Medication: baby paracetamol/ibuprofen, thermometer, teething gel
- Baby carrier/ sling, car seat, or stroller – optional.
- Formula (enough for the week) or pumping gear
- 4–5 bottles
- Travel bottle brush + tiny washing liquid
- Bibs
- Snacks/pouches if weaning
- Muslins
Parents Kitchens are available in the Mark Warner resorts in Greece and Turkey except for Aeolian Village, where we have bottle sterilising facilities. Mark Warner also provide travel cots, highchairs, potties, bottle sterilising facilities, full fat milk (UHT) and purées.
You can find more information on which items to supply and which items are provided by Mark Warner on our Summer Childcare page.
Essentials for grown-ups:
- T-shirts/tops
- Shirts/blouses
- Shorts
- Trousers/jeans/bottoms
- Skirts
- Dresses
- Jumper/cardigan
- PJs
- Underwear including bras and sports bras
- Socks
- Shoes (sandals/flip flops/trainers/smart but comfortable shoes)
- Gym or sports kit
- Belt
- Sun hat
- Sunglasses
- Swimwear and goggles
- Beach towels
- Wash bag with shampoo, conditioner, shower gel, deodorant, toothbrush and toothpaste
- Watch and other jewellery
- Handbag/beach bag
- Driving licence and rental car documentation if using a rental service
- Mobile phone and chargers
- House and car keys
- Credit or debit card
Other items to consider packing for your family holiday:
- Evening clothes if you’re celebrating a special occasion or would like to dress up for dinner
- Travel sewing kit
- Eye mask/neck pillow
- Period products
- Reusable water bottle
- Mouthwash and floss
- Razor blades for shaving
- Make-up and hair products
- A Packet of tissues
- Nail file and scissors
There you have it, our fool-proof family holiday packing list. Don’t worry if you do forget something, there are shops at our resorts, stocked with essential items – and you’re never too far away from the closest town, so you won’t need to go without anything you’ve forgotten.
Family holiday packing FAQs
Still need help knowing what to take on holiday? We’ve put together the answers to some frequently asked questions to help you prepare for your holiday.
How do I pack for a family holiday with kids?
Knowing how to pack for a family holiday with kids can sometimes seem like an impossible task. However, as long as you ensure you pack essentials like we mentioned above, and keep within the weight limit of your flight, the most important thing your children will remember is the memories you make as a family and not a forgotten pair of socks!
What do people forget to pack for a holiday?
We’ve all been there - thinking we’ve remembered everything we need to pack for a holiday, but once we arrive at our destination, we realise that we’ve forgotten something. Things that people often forget to pack include underwear, toiletries, glasses or contact lenses, phone chargers, prescription medication, swimwear or a belt. Make sure you don’t forget them, too!
Book your next family holiday with Mark Warner
Mark Warner has been welcoming guests on family activity holidays since 1974, so we know a thing or two about what makes a perfect family holiday. From our signature kids activity clubs and childcare, to the over 20 sports and activities included at our beautiful beach clubs in Greece and Turkey, you’ll find something for all the family on a Mark Warner holiday.
