How would you describe the process of packing in your household?

Rose loves packing. She is always packing a school bag or her overnight bag for an adventure. I do all the serious holiday packing. I always start by laying out their clothes and making sure we have enough outfits and plenty of spare pyjamas! I always involve Rose though and ask her opinion. Mr B. does the more practical packing with a list from me.

What is your advice for parents packing for a holiday with children?

Organisation is key. Write a list a week before you depart just to make sure that, if there is something on the list you need but don’t have, you still have time to get it. There is nothing worse than doing last minute packing, as you are sure to forget something. I love packing for any trip as it is so exciting to go away. I love making sure we have everything we need to make the most of our precious time away together.

Is there something you always pack? Or never take away with you?

I always take the girls’ pillows from their beds so they have something familiar to help settle them into new surroundings. I also always pack a stack of CD’s for Mr B. and I and, of course, Disney’s Greatest Hits for the girls. We try to pack light so things like the pram get swapped for our favourite baby sling – the Ergo Baby.

What are your favourite childrenswear labels?

I have so many favourites! Holiday favourites always include Mini Boden. Their swimwear washes really well and it lasts, too. Martha was wearing Rose’s old swimsuit all summer. Their towelling throw on’s are perfect for the beach. Shoes? I love Sun San Sandals – they are so durable and you can wear them in the sea, so they are perfect for protecting little people’s feet. For summer dresses I love Zara; they have such pretty prints and cottons. My dream brand for summer dresses is Miller, though. They produce super simple styles but they are just beautifully done. Winter jackets I always spend on; I like traditional pea coats and navy duffle coats. Martha has a super sweet one from Miller; Rose’s winter coat is from our favourite local Children’s boutique called Niddle Noddle.

What products do you always pack for yourself when heading on holiday?

Room spray and a silk eye mask! As soon we we go anywhere, I like to make the place feel like home, so I take my favourite room spray from The White Company. it’s the White Lavender spray, which I took to in my hospital bag for both my girls’ births. It always reminds me of those special moments.

What do you recommend parent take with them for the actual journey to make it a bit more bearable?

Just be calm. There will always be things you can’t control when you travel, so just keep calm and remember that, at the end of the journey awaits a holiday. Other than the usual things like an iPad, a well stocked craft bag full of pencils, crayons etc. is imperative. Baker and Ross is an amazing website that has craft kits which you can buy, such as money boxes that can painted or felt flower kits. I always do a little online order of these before a long trip.

Where have you had your best holiday as a family?

We have been so busy that we actually haven’t been away with Marvellous Martha. I am planning a family trip to Santorini next Summer to make up for it though. We had an amazing holiday with Rose; we took her back to where we went on our honeymoon, to Les Tresor in France. I was actually pregnant with Rose on my honeymoon so it was so special to take her back to the place where I spent most of time imagining what this growing baby in my tummy would be like. I love the relaxed pace of life in the South of France: we had endless picnics in the sunshine and Rose could truly just be a child and run round investigating anything that took her fancy.

Any bad experiences you care to mention?

Mr B. and I once went to Turkey and the hotel we were staying in went bankrupt. The hotel staff went on strike and tried to take over the hotel! It was awful. All their friends came and had parties in the pool. In the end, all the hotel guests formed a mutiny and we had to try and take some control! It was a funny experience, with lots of people sticking together in a very unfamiliar surrounding.

What is your dream destination with your children?

I would love to take them to Thailand for six months, just to see an another world through their eyes. That would be a dream come true and something I really hope we will do together one day.