There is no finer place, I believe than the British Isles, if its good weather to holiday as a family. Whether you are beachcombing in Devon, chartering a boat and learning to sail in Scotland, leaping across the giants causeway in Northern Ireland or kissing the Blarney Stone and having some Craic in the Emerald Isle. There is so much to see and do in this glorious place!
In this post I wanted to look at what we would recommend packing, for a family adventure discovering the castles, countryside and beaches of Wales.
Image thanks to the Visit Wales site.
1. Imagination!
When I think of Wales, I think of the exciting myths and legends, fire-breathing dragons, ladies of the lake, Twm Sion Cati the Welsh Robin Hood, as I herald from Nottingham this definitely piqued my interest when I last visited. So to that effect, I think that its most important when you are travelling to Wales, to bring your imagination. Who knows what you will encounter! Maybe throw in an imaginary sword or two, so that you can slay any of the infamous dragons that you might spot.
2. Rucksack
I can’t say I don’t get envious of other families organisation when it comes to packing for a trip with children. We always seem to forget to bring things, the main thing being a decent bag that is light but big enough to bring snacks, drinks, wipes, paper and pens and numerous other items. The added factor for us is that the bag is one that Tall Dad would be happy and able to carry, he’s not called Tall Dad for nothing! Well this Easter we have been using a Berghaus Remote 30 rucksack when we’ve been out for the day, and I’ve actually filled it with items and not unpacked it, apart from the perishables. Its been a complete godsend. The Remote 30 has so many pockets and a great external water bottle pocket, even a pocketed area for your tablet or laptop if you needed to bring one.
3.Camera
Wherever you are in Wales you are certainly going to want to record the special moments, and my camera goes everywhere with us when we go away together. Capturing the castles, mountains and beautiful countryside, as well as the family moments on the award-winning beaches, Wales really does have it all. I’ve just bought myself a smaller camera to my DSLR, a campact system camera, as I’m trying to keep things compact and light, perfect for travel! I’ll add to that remember to bring your phone too, oh and a portable charger!
4. All the Gear.
Other items that we’ve recently invested in is proper walking shoes, and Jackets that will keep us warm and dry. You can pick up both of these items for children really reasonably, but for adults it’s definitely worth the investment. I have been gifted the most amazing Uniqlo Ultra Light Down jacket, it packs away so small and is incredibly light, you would never expect the level of warmth it offers. This kind of jacket is great for the evening once the sun goes down behind those Welsh hills.
5. BBQ and a Bucket and Spade
Something we learnt of recently on our travels, is that some beaches are so good, they should be visited all day until dusk. So set up camp for the day with children, so they can make sand castles, play a game of beach cricket and a paddle in the sea. Then as it get chillier have a BBQ and the pleasure of eating a bun with your favourite burnt offering, together with a little added sand. Honestly there is something about eating outdoor especially on the beach, it just tastes so good!
So those are my ideas of items to pack for a trip to Wales, do you have any more to offer?
With thanks to Visit Wales, Berghaus and Uniqlo who provided me with a backpack full of goodies, so that we could have our very own adventure in Wales this Easter.
This makes me smile so much. I get to spend every day in Wales as it’s home 🙂
Oh you lucky thing you! It looks such a amazing place to live and bring up a family Rachel 🙂