Things to Take On Holiday to France

Going on holiday always seems to be such a rush, getting work in order, packing, sorting out the pets to say the least! Here is a list to help you get organised for your holiday to France.

1. Passports, Tickets, Driving License and Documents - Always pack these in my hand luggage or your handbag. Double check, the night before, before you leave the house, in the car and at the airport, ferry port or Eurotunnel. You can't be too safe and it is everyone's worst nightmare to turn up without your passport! And don't forget your travel insurance and European Health Insurance Card, it might be worth taking photocopies of your documents and keeping them separate just in case.

2. Euros, credit card and some loose change - always handy for the tolls.

3. Sun protection - a nice big floppy sun hat, high factor sun cream, sunglasses and lip balm are essential in order to be comfortable and safe.

4. Digital cameras - a wonderful invention, you can snap away and check your photos as you go. Also if the kids have a cheap one it's quite handy to keep them occupied as you travel or when you're out and about.

5. A good book or reading material and that includes a handy French phrase book. What do the majority of people do on a beach? Read a book. What do you do when stuck in a delay? Read a book. Even if you don't sunbathe and are on the go all the time whilst away, if you have something to read for those unexpected times it will make the time pass so much quicker!

6. Carrier bags - France are well ahead of the UK, they have been using the big recycle bags in shops for years. So it's worth either taking yours with you or bearing in mind you'll have to buy them out there. General carrier bags are always handy for dirty washing, rubbish in the car and isolating wet clothes etc.

7. First aid kit - including paracetamol, loperamide and plasters. Although most things can be purchased in France, sometimes the brand names are different and you never know where the nearest pharmacy will be.

8. Lots of toys - If you want to keep them quiet on the plane, ferry or car journey, hide their favourite toys the week before you go and then buy them a new one to give to them when you travel. Don't give them all at once or they will get bored.

9. Travel Adaptors and chargers - for the various electrical equipment such as phone, MP3 player, camera etc

10. Friends or family - no matter how much they might drive you bonkers the holiday just wouldn't be the same without them! And to help ease any stress don't forget to take your favourite tea bags, you just can't beat a nice cup of tea and a biscuit or French Patisserie!

If you have any suggestions that may be useful please do contact us at info@ourhouseabroadfrance.com