Family travel tips: our French holiday checklist
A few years back I flew off to France with the Tin Box girls. It was the first time I’ve gone abroad with them on my own as Mr Tin Box couldn’t get the time off work – boo hiss to the Royal Navy! However, the chance of a bit of sun, French wine and relaxing after moving house was too good an opportunity to refuse. Flying solo – quite literally – spurred me to be super organised ahead of this trip.
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Our French holiday checklist
I put together a French holiday checklist with help from M&S Bank* and stuck to it rigorously. If you’re planning a family break in France, or looking for a family holiday checklist, this might help you tick off those all important pre-trip tasks. You might also like to chekc out my huge guide to packing for family holidays with tips for all kinds of adventures.
Contents - jump to what you'd like to know
Buying travel money
It’s always useful to have some local currency on you when you travel. So buying Euros was high on my holiday checklist, as was getting it from a place I trust. We’ve got three M&S Bank bureau de change within an hour’s drive of us in deepest South Devon.
I decided to pop to the Plymouth branch so I could combine picking up Euros with shopping for other holiday essentials and some sightseeing.
The whole process was simple and quick – just don’t forget your ID like someone did ahead of me in the queue. Another good thing about M&S Bank’s exchange rates are they’re set all day, so you can check online before you visit and know you’ll get the same deal in store.
Getting family travel cover
Next on my list was travel insurance. Our last annual policy has just expired. As we know we have no other plans to go abroad this year I opted for a single trip policy. Make sure you read all the options when you are applying for your insurance. It’s important you’re covered for the activities you plan to do and all the belongings you want to take.
Last year we had to pay a little extra to cover our cruise and the possibility that Mr Tin Box’s job in the military might mean he was unable to travel. Top tip: if you get your currency from M&S Bank they have a 15% off travel insurance offer online for new policies.
What you need for driving in France
We hired a car so my hire company provided the necessary driving kit needed in France.
If you are taking your own car to Europe then the AA have a handy download about what’s compulsory or recommended, such as high visability vests, warning triangles and breathalysers, all of which you will need in France.
Check what’s included with your accommodation
We stayed in an Al Fresco Holidays mobile home in the Vendee region, which means we were self-catering. I have a trusty self-catering packing list that I always refer to before this kind of trip but as we’re flying I’ll have to rationalise a bit.
Thankfully the Al Fresco website has an inventory of what’s included in its caravans too. This means I knew what extra creature comforts I needed to pack, like a hairdryer. Doing a bit of research and getting in touch with your holiday provider ahead of your trip will save packing any unnecessary items.
Double check your paperwork
I always sweat about passports being in date. Check these as soon as you book your holiday. Some destinations require your passports to be in date beyond your planned trip.
Once I have all our personal documents, insurance details and travel itinerary, I take digital photos of them as a backup.
First aid and sun protection
We travel with first aid kits of varying sizes depending on whether we’re in the caravan, car or holidaying out of a suitcase. It’s surprising the amount of medical basics you can fit into something the size of a small makeup bag.
On top of those basics, I like to pack a few other things I know will be useful when holidaying abroad. Sun cream and insect repellant are among these.
Tin Box Baby has eczema prone skin so I packed Child’s Farm 50+ sun cream and Jungle Formula Kids. These are designed for children’s sensitive skin.
Learn some French!
Or, in my case, relearn it. I’ve never had an flare for languages but the French are a proud bunch (a bit like us Brits). I know having a stab at speaking the native tongue will make all the difference.
I bought the girls, OK me, a Usborne First 100 words in French to remind myself of the basics. There was also a rather amusing conversation on my Facebook page about some the phrases I might need during our week. I think my favourite was: “Avez vous wifi?”.
What’s on your family holiday checklist? And what tips do you have for me for travelling to France?
Disclosure: this post was written in collaboration with M&S Bank.
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There is so much to think of isn’t there? We have just updated all our passports except for Joe who has another year and we have annual insurance to save worrying and always be prepared x
Sarah Christie recently posted…Why Blogtacular 2017 Totally Blew My Mind, And A Few Blogging Lessons Learnt!
A great list – I have the waterproof phone case! Invaluable! #mondayescapes
tracy collins recently posted…A view from the past – 10 cities as you have never seen them before!
It does get complicated sometimes doesn’t it! Good work on getting so much sorted before. I love that waterproof phone case in the pic – is it easy to use? #Mondayescapes
Erin Gustafson recently posted…Faraway Files #32
Yes. It only cost £5 on Amazon and you can use your phone screen through it.
Great list! It sounds like you are well prepared for your trip to France. Can’t wait to hear about your adventures there! #MondayEscapes
The first instalment is on the blog now 🙂
Such a great list! It even applies to people without kids!
Yep, hopefully it’s handy for all travellers heading to France 🙂
Good list, I always fret about the EHICs and passports too #MondayEscapes
Catherine’s Cultural Wednesdays recently posted…BRICK LANE FOOD TOUR
I check and check again even when I know it’s all in date 🙂
This is a great checklist even though I don’t really travel with a family. Trying to learn French though is always difficult for me, but i ate least know the basics which I always find can go a long way. But thanks for the wifi saying, definitely need to remember that one! 🙂
Yvonne @ Lost with Yvonne recently posted…A Snowy Grand Canyon VIDEO
LOL! I never used it in the end but I’ll be remembering it for next time 🙂
Wonderful tips here. Out really does make life easier to be super organised #MondayEscapes
Totally agree. I’m not always this organised, especially at home 🙂
Great tips Claire. I hope you had a lovely holiday in France. I will search out your posts. #MondayEscapes
Thank you! The first one is live on the blog now 🙂
we always have enough local currency to get from the airport to our lodging in a cab and immediate incidentals like a snack, some groceries, etc. Otherwise i think it’s better to get currency locally.
I definitely wouldn’t take out all the money I intend to use. I did the same as you. Pocket money for times when a credit card might not be accepted 🙂
Great list and helpful tips! We always buy our travel money in advance after too many times getting a terrible rate once at our destination or having to hunt down a cash machine. So helpful to check out what’s provided at the accommodation too #MondayEscapes
Cindy recently posted…Review: Disney’s Animal Kingdom Lodge, Orlando
Yes, it’s good to research rates and know you’re getting a good deal before you travel. I’ve been stung by cash machines abroad in the past. Luckily the bank I’m wth now doesn’t charge extra.
We’re right in the midst of packing for a trip this week so this is spot on! Thank you 🙂 #MondayEscapes
I’m so glad you’ve found it helpful. Have a great trip!
I’m impressed by your attempts to learn the language before you go! Good tip about the EHIC cards. A couple of trips ago, I realised ours were all out of date – and my daughter didn’t even have one! They arrived within a couple of days, though. I was impressed by the efficiency. #MondayEscapes
Yes, the EHIC come so fast. I’ve been really impressed too. It’s a shame you can’t rely on passports coming as fast. However, the last time we got one for Baby it came in under two weeks.
Great checklist! I always check I have my passport, travel insurance and money done before I travel!
elizabeth allcock recently posted…A Gluten Free Guide to Cornwall
Yes, those are the absolute essentials!
My A Level French is rather rusty so I too find myself relearning it especially when it comes to seeing the relatives who can’t be bothered to speak English. #MondayEscapes
Helena recently posted…Down by the River: Abingdon on Thames
It’s so useful to have a few basics phrases in mind and is really appreciated, especially as English is such a common language – it’s nice to see people making an effort.
I do love a good list! What a helpful one.. I haven’t been to France yet (never!) but would love to take the kids soon!
Erin Ek Rush recently posted…5 reasons your family will love camping at Masons Campsite near Appletreewick
It’s fabulous. I can recommend Paris, the west coast, the Ardeche, the south…pretty much everywhere!
I’d definitely recommend it. We loved out trip
A perfect list #mondayescapes
Wandermust mummy recently posted…Fearless family travel #5
Thank you 🙂
Nothing beats a good checklist for getting organised for travel with kids. I can’t believe that i used to head off with no planning at all… now, checklists rule the day. This is a beauty. #mondayEscapes
Ariana recently posted…Tips for the best photos of Machu Picchu
Ah, those are the days 🙂
I am sure you will have an awesome trip! Can’t wait to see your trip recap and photos. Enjoy!
Ruth | Tanama Tales recently posted…How to Make the Most of a Day Trip to Neuschwanstein
Thank you! The first post is on the blog now 🙂
I’m a huge fan of checking all the facilities and amenities that are included at our accommodation before we travel. I hate packing any unnecessary items.
Sally’s Tips 4 Trips recently posted…The Girls Bling It Up at Watermark Restaurant
Yes, checking ahead is so worth it. I always get frustrated when my bag is full of things I don’t need.
Its funny how when you are gathering all the kids up you for get so many simple things. I love this list. Thanks for sharing. #MondayEscapes
Yes! Last time I forgot my own underwear!!
Always good to have a detailed checklist! I’m sure you will have a great time with the girls! It always seems more daunting then it really is. Good Luck! #mondayescampes
Thanks you. We had a great time despite a few tantrums – them and me 🙂
Remembering to check what comes with the accommodation is a great tip. I rarely bother to look, possibly as I don’t always trust them to actually provide everything they say they will, but it would certainly save a lot of space in our luggage!
I’m a bit the same. Luckily our accommodation did have everything it promised and not anything unexpected that we had brought with us.
I’m impressed you’re driving solo with the kids! We’ve rented cars in Italy before, but my husband was doing the driving, can’t really imagine solo with the kids, and the language barrier. Need to work on that! #mondayescapes
The driving was a bit of a challenge. I did have to explain that mummy had to concentrate quite a few times. By the end of the week it seemed to have sunk in 🙂
All great tips! Sounds like you are very organized and prepared for this holiday!
Thank you. I don’t think yo can ever be fully organised but I like to try 🙂
I like that the caravan park gives you a list of what’s included so that you’re not surprised when you get there and your plans are thrown out of whack. Sounds like you’re well prepared for the trip! #MondayEscapes
Katherine recently posted…Ice Cream Museum : sugary fun for adults and kids
It’s super handy and the list was accurate when we got there 🙂
My tip – leave a bit of space for all the wine you will be bringing home! 😉
Cerys {mascara & mud} recently posted…Brenig Way {Melin-y-wig}
LOL! We were flying so sadly my bags didn’t clink too much as we checked them in 😉
A good old checklist! especially for travels not too far from home i tend to forget things and when its self-catered even more so we forget what little extras might be needed so what a good idea #MondayEscapes
Yep, when it’s close to home you always let you guard down a bit. I know I do!
So lovely to be able to have that time with your girls. Organisation is definitely the key when your travelling solo with little ones. Great tips, particularly ‘Learn French’! #mondayescapes
Yes! And some of it came in useful – Mer and La Plages in particular 🙂
Nice list. You’re brave to fly solo with two kids. I still haven’t done it and don’t have any desire to. #MondayEscapes
Allison recently posted…Day Trip to the Island of Vieques, Puerto Rico
It was only an hour flight so I had it easy. I wouldn’t want to do it for too much longer until they’re older
I love a good list and I make one from scratch every time we go away. I’m not even sure why, it’s mostly the same stuff isn’t it? Have a wonderful time on holiday!!
Notmyyearoff recently posted…The ancient harbour of Side, Antalya – Turkey
I always put together slight variations on the same list too. My self-catering list comes in every time we go away though
Great little checklist – I’m a planner so always like things like this! Agree it’s good to get some language basics under your belt when travelling… #MondayEscapes
Keri | Ladies What Travel recently posted…The Ladies What Travel Guide to Budapest
I agree, just the basics go a long way. Some of my French classes from secondary school started to kick in after a few days as well 🙂
I run a holiday rental (in France!) and always encourage my guests to get insurance, such a sensible precaution. I also think it’s a great idea to check ahead what is and isn’t provided. No need to waste precious baggage allowance with things like hairdryers if they are provided (like at my place!) I hope you had a lovely time in France, even without your husband.#mondayescapes
Phoebe | Lou Messugo recently posted…Afternoon at the pool
We did! I have a lot to write about it very soon. Hair dryers are such a faff to lug around. I shared mine with my friend so we only had one between two caravans.
Great tips here! We drive through France often and I agree with all of these!
Mrs Lighty recently posted…When No Fear becomes Fear
I picked up some more tips about driving in France too. I’ll have to duo a separate post 🙂
that’s a perfect travel list! All the essentials one must not forget for the trip! I would add mosquito repellent there with the sunscreen as well! #mondayescapes
We packed it but luckily didn’t need it. We almost ran out of sun cream though! I’ll be packing more next time as it can be quite costly to buy it on holiday
What a wonderful thing to do with the kids! I’m sure you’ll have a great time and this is such an informative post! Thanks for all the great tips 🙂
Thank you. I’m glad you found it useful 🙂
I’m also flying solo with my toddler in the next couple of weeks – really need to follow your tip of finding out what is included at our accommodation and figure out what we need to take – I’m hoping to go hand luggage only – eek!
I took sooooo much stuff, much more than I expected to. But it was all personal items like clothes and toiletries. There was even a lot provided for the kids in our accommodation – travel cot, baby bath, stair gate on the decking…