By:Nikki BayleyThu 19 May, 2011 09:01 AM UTC
Travelling with children doesn't have to be anything to worry about. Most kids will love the chance to explore different countries with you, and meet children from around the world. They can be amazingly adaptable; all you need to do is make sure that you're ready to deal with a few common situations and you'll be fine! Preparation is the name of the game here, and if you follow our simple five-point plan, you should have a stress-free holiday.
Travelling with children doesn't have to be anything to worry about. Most kids will love the chance to explore different countries with you, and meet children from around the world. They can be amazingly adaptable; all you need to do is make sure that you're ready to deal with a few common situations and you'll be fine! Preparation is the name of the game here, and if you follow our simple five-point plan, you should have a stress-free holiday.1. Book a bargain
Make sure you know exactly what you're getting for your money when you book. Most big chains offer special deals for families, so ask what they can offer. Shop around, and don't be seduced by a deal that's not really so great. For instance, is a free breakfast for your child all that useful, if all they ever eat is yoghurt? Better to pop to a local supermarket and have breakfast in your room or on the beach instead. Family travel cards can really bring prices down so make sure you ask which are available before you book train or ferry tickets.
Make sure you know exactly what you're getting for your money when you book. Most big chains offer special deals for families, so ask what they can offer. Shop around, and don't be seduced by a deal that's not really so great. For instance, is a free breakfast for your child all that useful, if all they ever eat is yoghurt? Better to pop to a local supermarket and have breakfast in your room or on the beach instead. Family travel cards can really bring prices down so make sure you ask which are available before you book train or ferry tickets.
2. Before you set off...
Like most situations, if you manage your children's expectations of where you're going, they'll feel more comfortable once they get there. Show them online where you'll be staying, so they can see photos and how far away it is. Suggest a few fun holiday projects like reading a book together that's set where you're going, learning the words for hello and thank you, looking at maps, and reading about the country you're going to visit.
Like most situations, if you manage your children's expectations of where you're going, they'll feel more comfortable once they get there. Show them online where you'll be staying, so they can see photos and how far away it is. Suggest a few fun holiday projects like reading a book together that's set where you're going, learning the words for hello and thank you, looking at maps, and reading about the country you're going to visit.
Also, fussy eaters might benefit from a rehearsal of some of the food you could be eating! Make it fun, research a few basics that your child might like and then cook them together. If anyone in the family suffers from allergies, make sure that you find out how to explain that in the local language and have all the necessary medication that you may need. Medical charity, Allergy UK sells cards to show in restaurants and has detailed advice on what to do about nut allergies and air travel.
3. Getting there
If you're driving, it makes sense to set off early, so you can make a good start on your journey while the children snooze in the back. Make sure that you have plenty to keep them entertained if the journey is long. Portable DVD players are great (especially with headphones!) or you could go old-school and plan some fun games for the journey. Having a bag of treats to dole out once an hour is a must as well. If you're flying, ask to board early so you can settle everyone in without fighting your way down a crammed aisle with your hands full!
If you're driving, it makes sense to set off early, so you can make a good start on your journey while the children snooze in the back. Make sure that you have plenty to keep them entertained if the journey is long. Portable DVD players are great (especially with headphones!) or you could go old-school and plan some fun games for the journey. Having a bag of treats to dole out once an hour is a must as well. If you're flying, ask to board early so you can settle everyone in without fighting your way down a crammed aisle with your hands full!
Same when you land. Sit tight and leave once the plane is almost empty. Don't check your baby buggy in; it's brilliant for loading up so you can have your hands free. Whenever travelling by train, put the kids on first, then the luggage, and then check you've got everything (and everyone!) before you get on board. A good tip is to set rules on how far older ones can wander off to explore and when they should come back. For instance, ask that whenever a station stop is announced, they have to come straight back. Always make sure they have a piece of paper with your phone number and destination.
4. Settling in
This is where planning ahead will come into its own. When you arrive after a long journey, you'll be tired and might not be paying attention. However, some accommodation can be surprisingly child-unfriendly, so have a plan in mind to deal with any situation before you arrive. Do a basic room check; the locks should be secure and any balconies or railings should be completely safe. If they aren't, call the staff, show them the problem and ask to change rooms at once. It's simply not worth the risk. Also, check the temperature of the hot water – some faucets can gush out boiling hot water so make sure children know that you need to set the shower or bath water.
This is where planning ahead will come into its own. When you arrive after a long journey, you'll be tired and might not be paying attention. However, some accommodation can be surprisingly child-unfriendly, so have a plan in mind to deal with any situation before you arrive. Do a basic room check; the locks should be secure and any balconies or railings should be completely safe. If they aren't, call the staff, show them the problem and ask to change rooms at once. It's simply not worth the risk. Also, check the temperature of the hot water – some faucets can gush out boiling hot water so make sure children know that you need to set the shower or bath water.
5. Staying safe
Make sure everyone knows where a family meeting place is every time you go somewhere new. Give each child a card with your phone number and the address of your accommodation. Few things work as well as a reward for staying together. Plan ahead with a bag of treats and toys to be given out every day people don't get lost!
Make sure everyone knows where a family meeting place is every time you go somewhere new. Give each child a card with your phone number and the address of your accommodation. Few things work as well as a reward for staying together. Plan ahead with a bag of treats and toys to be given out every day people don't get lost!
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