The day of departure is approaching. Do you still need to pack the cases, and are you worried you might have forgotten something for the children? Before you leave it is always a good idea to make a list of essentials to take with you.

If you have decided to go to the seaside, your suitcase should contain a selection of clothes for the kids, such as tights, pants, cotton vests and T-shirts, cotton socks, light trousers or dresses, cotton shorts, light pyjamas, and a sweater or hooded top for the evening.

Obviously, you need to pack the swimming costumes (at least 4 to take care of changes), and a wrap, a swimming-towel and bathing-robe, a sunhat or bandana, protective sunglasses and high-factor sun-cream, as well as insect repellent, flip-flops and summer sandals, but also trainers or shoes for wearing on trips. If your hotel has a swimming-pool, you are advised to take swimming caps. You clearly should not forget the beach toys, like buckets and spades and various sand-castle moulds.

If your children have their own suitcases, you should decide together what clothes to take; and if they are able to, let them do their own packing, offering them some advice about how to fold and arrange their clothes.

If you have very young children, the best thing is to choose a hotel which caters especially for families with children, where you will be provided with bottles and bottle-warmers, nappies and creams, first aid medicines, pushchairs and baby-baths, and special detergents for washing baby clothes. Finally, when you are travelling, always remember to take plenty of cold water, ideally packed in a cooler box with other refreshing drinks and a few light snacks.