Question:           What are your best tips for packing?

• Pack essential items like documents, medication, chargers, snacks, a change of clothes, kids favourite teddies in your hand luggage in case of delays or lost baggage
• Cross pack your suitcases so if one was to get lost, you still have some clothes for everyone
• Place an AirTag or similar in your case to track it in transit – this has saved me when I have been told may case was still in Dublin but I could see it was in our arrival airport
• Remember that although Dublin Airport no longer has the 100ml liquid limit, not all airports do – so mind you don’t get caught coming home and have to leave behind new perfume or expensive cosmetics that you had in your carry on luggage

Question:           What documents do I need for my holidays?

• Passport: Make sure you pack the right one and that it is in date with at least 6 months’ validity remaining, depending on your destination’s rules.
• Travel Insurance: This is essential, even if you have private health insurance or an EHIC card for Europe. They all do different things, so you need a proper travel insurance policy too.
• Visas: If you need a visa, bring a printed copy of your confirmation if it is not stamped into your passport. It can be handy at check‑in and immigration.
• EHIC: If you are travelling in Europe, make sure you have an EHIC (E111) card for reciprocal health cover. They are free and easy to apply for, full details are on the HSE website.
• Car Hire: If you are hiring a car, you will need your driving licence and, in most cases, a credit card in the main driver’s name.

Question:           Do I really need travel insurance?

Yes, yes and yes! Good comprehensive travel insurance gives real peace of mind so you can relax and enjoy your holiday, knowing you have a safety net if something goes wrong.

• Comprehensive travel insurance does not just cover the cost of your holiday if you have to cancel. It also covers medical expenses abroad, your belongings, personal liability and much more. This is particularly important outside Europe where healthcare costs can be very high.
• Having insurance in place from the day you book means you are protected if something happens before you travel, not just while you are away. Even with a single‑trip policy, the price is the same whether you buy it on booking or the day before you leave, but buying early gives you much more protection.
• Always read the policy carefully so you understand what is and is not covered, and check it fits your trip and any existing health conditions. Not all policies are created equal and sometimes the policy that is €20 more could save you €1,000’s in the long run.
• Check your policy has Travel Disruption to cover airline strikes, you would be surprised how many don’t!

Questions:         What are your top tips for keeping everyone entertained on a flight?  

• Don’t forget to download favourite programmes, films or playlists at home while you have good Wi‑Fi so you are not relying on airport or aircraft connections.
• Bring ear pods or headphones so everyone can enjoy watching or listening, or just block out the background noise on the plane.
• Pack a good book or magazine. They never run out of battery and are ideal for when you want some quiet time.
• Bring a power bank so you can recharge phones and tablets if needed, especially on longer flights or during delays.
• For younger children, pack a little “surprise bag” with new colouring pencils, stickers, puzzles, a deck of cards or small toys. New things are always more exciting than old favourites.
• Pack snacks and water. They are useful in the airport and on board, and a lifesaver if you are delayed.
• Wear comfortable clothes and consider a neck pillow for longer flights so everyone can rest more easily. Eye masks help with sleep too. For young children bring their favourite blanket or teddy for familiarity.

Question:           How can I get my kids to drink more water in hot weather?

• Pack mini cordial bottles (like MiWadi). They often have a higher fruit juice content than the larger bottles, make around 20 drinks, are easy to pop in a bag for days out and taste familiar.
• The frozen bottle trick: place a half‑full water bottle on its side in the freezer overnight, then top it up with water when you are heading out. The ice keeps it cold for hours, and you can drink it straight away rather than waiting for it to thaw.
• Offer ice pops as a treat. They are mostly water, so they help with fluid intake more than ice cream does.
• Bring a familiar water bottle from home that your child already likes using. They are far more likely to sip regularly from something that feels normal and comfortable to drink from.