Stress Free Travel with Kids

Are we there yet? This is probably the most common question you will be asked by your children on your holidays. Let's face it, being trapped in a seat on a long journey can be more fatiguing than fun. But a little bit of forward planning means you don't need to start your holiday with a headache. Here are some suggestions to keep the troops happy.

A is for air travel

  • Try and be first on and last off the plane: you'll get more help from the air cabin staff that way.
  • Keep the essentials for babies and toddlers handy: a change of clothes, nappies, wipes and tissues, bags for rubbish, dirty clothes or nappies, and infant paracetemol just in case
  • Most airlines carry special activity packs to keep the kids amused - ask for one if it hasn't been supplied. But bring your own version, too. As well as old favourites, a few new small and inexpensive toys will come as a welcome surprise and distraction
  • Be ready for delays: pack lots of healthy snacks to help while away the time, including dried fruit, rice cakes, bread sticks, sandwiches and mini juice cartons

On the road

  • Car games like I Spy, 20 Questions or Car Bingo (using registration plate numbers) are ideal ways of keeping children distracted and avoiding car sickness, and involve the whole family
  • Bring plenty of tapes or CDs. - Books or stories on tape make a change from listening to 'The Runaway Train' for the 100th time. And packing a personal stereo or children's cassette player with headphones will mean you don't have to
  • Pack favourite toys and plenty of games to keep your back seat passengers amused: for babies, plastic toys they can hold, rattle or manipulate; for older children, travel sized or seat-back games, magnetic play sets and puzzles, and books
  • Don't forget to stop and take frequent breaks for meals and letting off steam