Leo Walker 
Let’s face it, family holidays are equal parts excitement, stress and logistical chaos. Between the snacks, the passports, the random toy your kid must take, and the inevitable last-minute panic, there’s a lot to do. But here’s the good news: with a smart, dad-approved checklist, you can dodge the drama and roll into your break with your sanity intact.
There are many things that can go wrong and or be forgotten from the time the trip is planned and you reach your destination. Before you can mentally check out and enjoy those well-earned cold beers by the beach, there’s one last hurdle – actually getting the family out there without losing your mind. Let’s get into it.
@voximobile Protect airport Dads at all costs 🫡 #AirportDad #British #Travel #RelatableLaughs #FeedYourCurious ♬ original sound – VOXI Mobile
1. Sort Your Travel Documents Now, Not Later
You’d be surprised how many people drive up to the airport only to discover someone’s passport expired last month. Don’t be that guy.
- Check all passports are valid (and have at least 6 months left if you’re travelling abroad).
- Include travel insurance, boarding passes, hotel bookings and any confirmation emails in one go-to folder.
2. Pack the Essentials You’ll Actually Use
There’s always someone who brings a full toolkit, three hats and five pairs of walking shoes. Don’t fall into the trap.
Here’s what you’ll actually need:
- Phone charger (plus a spare if the kids nick yours)
- Travel adapters
- A sturdy pair of athletic shoes and flip-flops for the beach
- Sunscreen, hats and sunglasses if you are travelling somewhere warm. Winter gear and clothes if you are heading for the mountains.
- A small medical kit: paracetamol, plasters, antihistamines, indigestion tablets, and Calpol if you’ve got little ones.
- A decent book you’ll read three pages of before falling asleep
Dad Tip: Keep your essentials and liquids in a zip-up pouch or tech organiser and glide through airport security.
3. Prep the Kid’s Distraction Arsenal
Travelling with kids? Forget zen. You’re not going to meditate on this journey, if you are lucky you’ll get some quiet time and a beer. What you can do is keep the kids occupied enough to avoid a meltdown mid-trip.
- Download shows, games and audiobooks before you leave. Wi-Fi at airports is about as reliable as a toddler’s mood.
- Pack colouring books, activity packs, small toys and snacks – lots of snacks.
- Don’t underestimate the power of a surprise new activity book.
4. Print or Save Your Parking and Booking Confirmations
This one’s boring but important.
- Print out parking info, QR codes, check-in details and gate numbers.
- Keep them in a single folder.
- Bonus points if you tag luggage with something bold (like your kid’s old neon Peppa Pig keyring).
Dad Tip: Don’t rely on screenshots if you’ve got a new phone, save things on the cloud or multiple devices in case you don’t have data at your destination. Print and save or download things like passport copies, bookings and itinerary on your phone in case you lose something.
5. Give the House a Quick Once-Over
The pre-holiday panic clean is a British tradition, right up there with putting the bins out at 5am in your dressing gown.
Before you leave:
- Empty bins, fridge and dishwasher
- Unplug anything non-essential
- Set a couple of lights on timers (should ward away burglars)
- Double check the back door. Then check it again.
Dad Tip: Inform your neighbours or mates to keep an eye on the house.
6. Pack a “First Hour” Bag
This bag is your travel MVP. It contains everything you’ll need in the first hour of arriving or surviving a delay.
What to include:
- Baby wipes (even if you don’t have a baby)
- Phone charger
- Painkillers and plasters
- Toothbrush and deodorant (you never know)
- Spare shirt and clean undies
- Snacks you actually like (no rice cakes)
Dad Tip: Keep this bag at the top of your suitcase or in a cabin bag, so you can reach for it the moment something spills, leaks or screams. Use a sleek travel bag with charging ports that gets you through airport security with ease.
7. Share the Plan (Without a PowerPoint)
You don’t need to become the family CEO, but a shared note or WhatsApp message with the basics goes a long way.
Include:
- Flight or travel times
- Address of where you’re staying
- Contact numbers
- Daily rough plan (especially if someone in the family loves to know the plan)
Dad Tip: Don’t stress over the itinerary and plans. Keep some slots for fun time and date nights.
Source: https://pin.it/70GD3EbD8
8. Book Your Ride (and Start the Holiday Calm)
Let’s be real. The last thing anyone wants before a relaxing getaway is lugging kids and bags through a sketchy car park at 5am, praying a shuttle turns up.
Do yourself a favour and book an airport transfer in advance. Car services like A1 and Eden Cars offer executive-level comfort with none of the stress – no delays, no parking drama, and no “Dad, are we there yet?” before you even hit the terminal.
It’s one of the smartest ways to start the holiday in the right mood.
9. Lower the Bar And Enjoy Yourself
No trip will go perfectly. That’s not a failure, it’s just parenting on tour.
Someone will forget socks. Someone will get car sick. You might end up in a hotel with no Wi-Fi and mystery stains. But if you go into the trip knowing that chaos is part of the deal, you’ll enjoy the wins – the sunset, the ice cream, the quiet 20 minutes when no one’s shouting.
Dad Wisdom: You don’t have to be a superhero. Just be the guy who remembered the Calpol and booked the airport ride. That’s enough.
Conclusion
You don’t need to be a control freak to be a great travel dad. You just need a plan, a charger, a decent attitude and maybe a packet of Percy Pigs stashed in your carry-on.
This checklist isn’t about perfection, it’s about getting ahead of the chaos so you can actually enjoy your family holiday.
Now go on, get packed, stay calm and enjoy the holiday you’ve earned.
