April 16, 2026, by Romy Schouten

On a sunny holiday with the kids: the packing list

By the sea, Beach, Holidays
April 16, 2026, by Romy Schouten

On a sunny holiday with the kids: the packing list

Oh, the sunny months, it is almost that time again: the summer holidays are coming. And for the lucky onesThe May holidays are here! The kids are off for weeks again – what fun! Still, those Dutch summers and early summers are always a bit fickle, so hopefully you’ve already booked your ticket to a sunny destination. But what do you pack in that suitcase? Well, we at Barts Boekje happen to have experience with that.

 

Here is the nicest - and most useful - packing list for a sunny holiday with the kids:

The Mom Bag

The Mom Bag

Every mom needs one: that bag that is (almost) endlessly large. Studio Noos has some really nice examples in various colors and fabrics… well, we could go on and on. As a mom or dad, you have your hands full with those kids. It is a very lively time, of course, and you need to capture that in the most beautiful vacation snapshots. For this (and many other things), such a bag is telephone cord ideal.

Then, what are you putting in that bag?

  • Baby wipes: those of Naif are all time favoriteNot just for the kids, it also keeps your table clean.
  • Sunscreen: Read our sunscreen tips here.
  • Band-aids: accidents can happen very easily.
  • Entertainment: we'll come back to that in a moment!
  • A few favorite snacks.
  • And don't forget the hug!
Of course, don't forget the basics such as your passport, wallet, etc. You can find that checklist in this list!

With the plane

With the plane

Of course, it is always a bit exciting flying with the kids: did they show their good behavior, or did they get out of bed on the wrong side? Let's hype things up a bit. And how nice if they can bring their own suitcase? This children's suitcase from Konges Slojd  is super cute, so cute that we are a little jealous of the little one.

This suitcase can be taken as carry-on luggage and is the perfect place for all the toys that need to come along. Handy, right! More room for all the summer outfits that need to come along for the whole family.

Skip the stress

Skip the stress

If we got a euro for every person we know who invariably finds the start of the holidays stressful, we might not be rich, but we would certainly be a lot wealthier than we are now. What a waste! Our theory is always (always always always!): the holiday really starts with packing your suitcase. And every action that follows must (must must must!) holiday vibes all over be. Really. Allow yourself that. Easier said than done? Not at all. It is a mindset And with a few simple tips, you'll get there.

Create a corner in your home where you gather your belongings more than a week before departure. That way, packing your suitcase on the day before departure will be a breeze. After that, the most important tip is: make your departure from Schiphol Airport A mini-vacation. Because that is what it is. A real treat. Do you travel regularly? Then a Privium membership is also worthwhile. We’ll come back to that in a moment, but above all: take the time for your last minute not so last minuteshopping at Schiphol and for the excellent food and beverage selection. And thank us later.

See the complete anti-stress Schiphol guide here

Have fun splashing around 

Have fun splashing around 

For water fun you have to go Liewood are. They have the cutest swimming goggles, snorkel sets, floaties shaped like crazy inflatable animals, rings, and beds. It's just like an inflatable zoo!

Another slipper brand that is always a winner: REEF. Also for the little ones! This surf brand has been around for years and therefore knows exactly what they are doing. From colorful slides to leather look-alikes (ideal for all that splashing), comfortable loafers and sandals for longer distances – REEF has it all.

Entertainment for days

Entertainment for days

Now you're in the right place for the beach and swimming pool! But don't forget to bring a good book or magazine. Because you can't hear those children!

At the end of the day you move from the sun to dinner. Hopefully the children have been counted out, if not then provide a dose of entertainment. Can the kids play off the table and in the surroundings, For example, these fun games. For the evening, a number of storybooks are indispensable. 

It is always a bit dangerous at the table with those markers on a white tablecloth. That's what it is for this scratch book the solution. For the little ones; these booklets aka small library from the Trixie brand to learn words, handy and small to take with you the mom bag. Or this illustrated sliding booklet in a camping or beach theme. It couldn't be more appropriate.

More tips