If you’re heading off on a Eurocamp holiday this summer⌠firstly, I’m very jealous! đ
As a mum of three, I can honestly say some of our favourite family memories have been made on camping holidays. The freedom for the kids, the slower pace, evening BBQs and the excitement of exploring somewhere new… it really is the best.
Packing, on the other hand⌠can feel like a military operation!
The good news is you really don’t need to pack everything. But, a little planning goes a long way, so here’s my family packing list to help you feel organised, prepared and ready to enjoy your holiday.
The Travel Essentials
Before you even think about clothes, make sure you’ve got:
- Passports
- French toll tag (optional, but highly recommended if you’re driving through France!)
- Travel insurance
- Driving licence
- Booking confirmations
- Phone chargers
- European plug adapters
- High vis jackets incase of roadside break down
Clothes
The beauty of Eurocamp is that it’s wonderfully relaxed, so don’t overpack.
I’d recommend:
- T-shirts and shorts
- Swimwear (two sets each is always handy!)
- Sun hats
- A warm jumper or fleece for cooler evenings
- Waterproof jackets (you just never know!)
- Trainers
- Sandals or thongs (read flip-flips!)
- Plenty of socks and underwear
- Pyjamas
Kitchen Essentials
Most Eurocamp accommodations are well equipped, but there are a few little extras that can make life much easier.
I’d recommend packing:
- Kitchen roll
- Washing-up liquid
- Dishwasher tablets (if your accommodation has a dishwasher)
- Washing-up sponge or scourer
- Tea towels
- Bin bags
- Toilet roll
- Food storage bags or reusable containers
- Cling film or foil
- A few laundry pods (if you plan to use the campsite laundry)
- Salt, pepper and a small bottle of cooking oil (or buy these when you arrive)
- Coffee, tea and a few breakfast essentials for your first morning
- Reusable shopping bags
There’s nothing worse than arriving after a long journey and realising you need washing-up liquid before you can even wash a cup! We also like to pack a few breakfast bits and snacks, so there’s no rush to find a supermarket as soon as we arrive.
Pool & Beach Bag
Most days seem to revolve around water, so I always keep a bag packed with:
- Pool towels
- Goggles
- Swim nappies
- UV swimwear
- Beach toys
- Waterproof bag for wet clothes
- Sunscreen
- After-sun lotion
- Water shoes
- Beach towelsÂ
Mealtime Bits
If you’ve got little ones, these make life so much easier:
- Children’s water bottles
- Snack pots
- Plastic bowls and cutlery
- Bibs
- Lunch boxes for day trips
- Refillable water bottlesÂ
You’ll be surprised how often you’ll throw together a quick picnic before heading off for the day.
Entertainment
There’ll be loads to do, but it’s always worth having a few quiet-time activities for rainy afternoons or long journeys.
We usually pack:
- Colouring books
- Sticker books
- Card games
- Favourite cuddly toy
- Audiobooks
- Downloaded films
- Tennis balls/ racketsÂ
- Football
If there’s one thing I’d never travel without, it’s a family first aid kit.
Children have an amazing knack of finding adventures⌠and occasionally those adventures involve grazed knees, splinters, insect bites or little burns from BBQs!
That’s actually why Jennie and I created Ouch Pouch.
As two mums, we wanted a first aid kit that was compact enough to chuck into a beach bag or changing bag but packed with the things you genuinely reach for on holiday.
Our holiday essentials include:
- Plasters
- Sterile saline pods (brilliant for washing sandy eyes!)
- Wound wipes
- Blister plasters
- Tweezers
- Tick remover
- Instant cold pack
- Thermometer
- Children’s pain relief (where appropriate)
- Any regular medications your family needs
Hopefully you won’t need any of itâbut it’s always reassuring knowing it’s there.
A Few Things Families Often Forget
Every year, these seem to catch people out!
- Insect repellent
- Citronella patchesÂ
- Bite relief cream (try our WasUp pods)
- Hand sanitiser
- Rehydration sachets
- A torch for evening adventures
- Extra snacks (trust me… pack more than you think you’ll need!)
My Top Holiday Tip
Keep your first aid kit somewhere you can actually reach it.
It sounds obvious, but if it’s buried underneath everyone’s clothes in the suitcase, it’s not much use when someone falls over at the playground or gets sand in their eye!
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I really need a first aid kit for Eurocamp?
I’d definitely recommend taking one. It’s amazing how often you’ll use it for the little things, and it saves hunting for a pharmacy when you’d much rather be enjoying your holiday.
Is Eurocamp good for toddlers?
Absolutely! Most sites have fantastic pools, playgrounds, restaurants and loads of space for little ones to explore.
What do families most often forget to pack?
Plug adapters, chargers, insect repellent, reusable water bottles… and a first aid kit!
Have the Best Time!
Family holidays aren’t about getting everything perfectâthey’re about making memories.
I hope this packing list helps you feel that little bit more prepared so you can focus on the important things: swimming, ice creams, making sandcastles and enjoying time together.
And if your Ouch Pouch comes along on your adventures, don’t forget to tag us on Instagram! We absolutely love seeing where your pouches travel, and every holiday tag goes into our monthly draw to win a FREE refill pack.
Have an amazing trip! đ