Family travel: Tips & Advice

Family Travel Tips

Planning

1. Getting children clued up about your destination is a good way to build up their interest and excitement. Before travelling take the time to talk to your child about where you are going. Looking at maps, discussing what they might see and experience and watching relevant programmes or films are all good ways of stirring a child's imagination.
2. When planning your trip it's worth bearing in mind that things can take a little longer with children in tow. Take this into consideration and pace the holiday realistically, leaving time to relax and do nothing. 
3. When travelling with children it is even more important to make sure you have the correct medication and vaccines so be sure to book a doctor's appointment at least two months beforehand, especially if you are travelling to a country where malaria is present. 
4. If you are travelling to a country where malaria is present make sure you take the relevant repellents/clothes/nets.
5. Various accommodation abroad is specifically designed with families in mind and there are a number of benefits to staying in this type of property. Kids clubs, children's meals and nanny services are all things which can help a family holiday run more smoothly.
6. There are a number of companies that can organise the delivery of baby products directly to your chosen destination, so if you are travelling with a baby or toddler this is worth taking into account in order to lighten the load.
7. Check hand luggage restrictions before you pack, especially if you are travelling with younger children who will require food, nappy rash cream, etc.

Travelling

1. If you are travelling with a younger child, try and plan travelling around their sleeping patterns. If you can book a flight that begins just before a child is due for a nap this can reduce the stress of travelling enormously. 
2. Many airlines offer children's meals and this is worth booking beforehand.
3. On longer flights take a few toys with you to keep children entertained. Toys that do not contain small pieces or involve using a lot of room are best, and a good option is to buy a couple of new presents beforehand which are then saved for the plane.
4. If you are travelling to a hot country monitor your child's fluid intake. Children only tend to drink when thirsty so are more prone to dehydration.
5. On day trips designate a meeting place in case your family become separated.