HOLIDAYING with children is an art form, writes Wendy Shand.
As a mum of two, with another on the way, and award-winning boss of a family-centred travel company, I reckon she knows what she’s talking about…(even if personally, I’ve not achieved that many masterpieces!)
MOST parents have experienced a screaming baby on a plane, a bored child on a long car journey, holiday accommodation that’s unsafe for a small child, or a toddler that’s wandered off in a French supermarket. The list of horrors goes on.
Tots to Travel was born following one such experience after Wendy’s son Barnaby, now seven, pictured with sister Maisie, fell into an unfenced pool on holiday in France.
Here, Wendy gives some
advice for achieving not just a safe, but as close to a stress free holiday you can get.
Before you go
Choose your holiday wisely
Pick a travel operator that’s family friendly.
Ask questions – for example, is the pool fenced or alarmed, is there a pond nearby; is the property near a main road?
What equipment will you need? Cot, bed guard, steriliser? What can your holiday company provide and what do you need to take?
Passport
Check your passport is valid and make sure your children have them. Last minute passport applications are stressful and more expensive. Check them now and put a reminder in your calendar six months before they expire.
Don’t forget adequate travel insurance.
Travelling
Do allow plenty of time. Children don’t have a sense of urgency when you’re running late!
If possible, check in online and choose your seats ahead. This ensures you sit together as a family.
If flying, time your baby’s milk feeds for take off and landing.
Put all essentials in your hand luggage. This should include nappies, baby milk, plenty of wipes, change of clothes, drinks, snacks, comforters and so on!
Pack surprises for the journey. For example, a new DVD if you have an in car player, crayons, small toys or a disposable camera for them to record the journey. Avoid toys with lots of small pieces!
If you’re flying on your own with children, ask the airline if it’s possible to provide an assistant to help you through the airport and onto / off the plane.
Pre-book children’s meals for your flight.
You may think you know it, but when flying with children, take notice of the safety briefing.
On Arrival
Do split the team! Car hire queues can be very long so it is worth sending one adult through passport control to sort out the car.
If arriving late, make sure you’ve packed everything you need to get the children into bed at the top of the case – pjs, cot sheets, toothbrushes. However, the reverse is true if arriving early – swimming costumes, shorts and beach towels!
If driving, it’s worth packing some basic food to see you through the first few hours before you stock up at a supermarket. Or, ask if your holiday company can arrange this for you.
While You’re Away
Keep your mobile number in your child’s pocket. If you get separated and someone finds them, they can call you.
Arrange emergency meeting points in case you get lost whilst out and about.
Check that any medication you take abroad is legal in the country you’re visiting. Make sure your specific brand of baby milk is available where you’re going.
Do your research and plan some activities ahead. Get the children involved and excited.
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