If you and your partner are prepared to stretch your abilities by taking the kids on holiday to Thailand, we salute you! It can be a nightmare when you have a couple of young children who want to see, touch, and taste everything!
We thought we’d present our essential checklist for a family trip to Thailand.
Sunscreen
Buy a couple of big bottles, and that should see you through the entire holiday; make sure you apply sunscreen on the kids prior to hitting the beach or the pool. In fact, going anywhere exposes you to the sun, and coastal areas are particular places to apply sunscreen.
Caps
Baseball caps are a must, as they shade the eyes and protect the face. You and your partner might also want to consider wearing hats of some sort.
Wipes
Yes, you can buy them locally, but antiseptic wipes are a must for travel; keep one pack in your carry-on when flying or traveling by boat or road. After a morning of water sports at one of the family friendly hotels in Patong Phuket, you can refresh the kids with a cool wipe (store in the fridge) and use them for spills.
Comprehensive Health Insurance
Take out a family policy that covers medical costs and loss of personal possessions. Google can take you to the website of a leading Thai insurance company, and you can compare policies and secure online payment to see the policy activated. Keep the documentation with passports and tickets, as it is important.
Universal Power Adapter
Thailand uses 220v, and you will probably need adapters; invest in a complete power adapter kit, and wherever you go in the world, you are good to go. You probably have 3-4 digital devices that will accompany you, and we advise you to take a power bank for the long day trips.
Medication
If any member of the family is currently on medication, make sure it is readily available in Thailand. If not, you should take ample time for the trip.
Travel First Aid Kit
Include some motion sickness medication, as you will probably travel on the water at some point; stock up with plasters, antiseptic cream, elastic bandages, a small bottle of iodine, and don’t forget cotton earbuds. Click here for a few tips when holidaying as a family.
Mozzie Spray
Either spray or cream, which should be applied at dawn and dusk when outside. While malaria is extremely rare, dengue fever is transmitted by mozzies, so always protect yourself and your kids.
Eyecare
The whole family should wear polarised sunglasses with a UV rating of 400, especially if you are going in March, April, or May, which are the hottest months.
Footwear
Make sure the kids take a pair of trainers (sneakers), and you will need good footwear when you go exploring.
There is much to see and do in the colourful country of Thailand, and with a little planning and forethought, your family holiday will be a memorable one.
