Excuses to take miniatures and paints on family holiday

[Nosher]

Calling all dads/family men

What excuse can I give to take some minis on holiday to paint?

I am banned from taking anything on holiday which is pants 'cos while everyone else is sat lounging around the pool I get really bored. I'm not a sun lizard, neither am I a book worm, but I get a bit miffed when my relaxation is painting and I'm hamstrung from doing it.

So come on chaps - whats a water tight excuse that will win the missus over?

[snafu]

The answers probably going to cost you a lot of money for various shopping trips ..

[Leon]

Probably depends on your relationship dynamic....

For some of us, a simple "If I can't paint, you have to talk to me all day." should do it! 

[Sandinista]

Just take them 

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Mine fit under the seat of the car, I'll look after our daughter tonight, you have some me time!
Dauhter flakes after 30 seconds - I get half an hours painting!

[nikharwood]

"Honey, I fecking paid for this holiday..."

...and then run. Like feck. 

[Last Hussar]

I never thought of this.

Lets see. Undercoat here.  Couple of layers of kitchen roll for protection
Only problem will have to plan what paints ahead of time.

[Duke Speedy of Leighton]

Previously I used a Products for Wargames foam figure tray and a flat cardboard box. It fits paints, brushes and superglue nicely (you will need superglue, something always falls off on the way....), the main problem wa schoosing teh paints to take (last two years it's been soviet infantry, tanks and British inf, they all came out rather well)
One of those beanbag/beaded laptrays and a head torch help too, as does an i-pod...
Also, you need some way to protect painted figs: Coat'd'arms matt varnish in a pot and a disposable brush, because I won't take spray paint cans in the car on hols...