What's in My Suitcase with Leila Kashanipour

Where do you love to take your little ones on holiday and why?

We’ve found that our children really love to know where they’re going and a sense of familiarity. We went to Dubai for the Easter break and summer is always Portugal, because we've got a family home there and the kids love seeing their grandparents there. And in the winter we go skiing in Megève. 

So, Portugal next! What are you looking forward to doing with the children there?
 

I really look forward to spending time with my parents and I like the fact that the kids have a healthy routine there. My son swims and has quad-bike and tennis classes and my daughter follows where she can. She thinks she can do more than her size allows.

What is your dream destination that you would like to visit as a family one day?
 

I love Bali. It is such a special place. I’ve been there a few times with my husband and I would really like to take the whole family. There’s just such a beautiful energy there that I would love them to experience. It’s very wholesome.

What essential items do you pack in your hand luggage to keep your son and daughter entertained?

When you're travelling with kids, a lot of suitcases are required and a lot of snacks! I always take their favourite, most comforting snacks with me. My son takes his notebooks that he practises writing in, and for my daughter we bring games, colouring books, even glittery pens. I have to say they are very good on the plane. They play with each other, ask for stories, we read books, so it's very easy.

What books do they love reading? 

My son has his favourites that we always pack. He loves Good Night Stories for Rebel Boys at the moment. And my daughter loves all the Disney books, of course, and anything by Julia Donaldson. Those are always brilliant. 

What are the key items you always take for your children?

Jelly shoes are a must for us. My daughter loves them and these Mini Melissa ones have added sparkle. They're anti-slip for around the pool area so they’re definitely a must. A few sets of swimwear are essential — my son really liked these Vilebrequin trunks. Another thing I think is really useful is a night light. I always take one to hotels to give the kids some ease if it's too dark.

Do the children dress up for dinner in the evening? What is a typical outfit for a smart lunch or dinner?

In Portugal, we go to the seafood restaurants and we do have quite a few lunches on the coast, which is really nice. For something smart I love Bonpoint, especially the shirts for boys. It’s just such a beautiful brand. For my daughter anything floral print and very, very girly is a win.

And for the beach?

On the beach they wear T-shirts and swimming trunks and my daughter wears a towelling throw-on, like this one from Liewood, which is super cute.

We noticed some cute furry friends in your suitcase. Are they essential travel companions?

Yes, I forgot to mention them. We always have to take the stuffed animals. My son is currently obsessed with a hamster and my daughter loves her pug. If I forgot the stuffed animals, I would not survive the holiday. It would be the end of me!

Apart from the cuddly toys are there any other home comforts you always have to take with you?

Ha! Yes. I pack our pesto sauce! My daughter only likes this one pesto sauce so we take it with us wherever we go.