A few simple rules will make sure family breaks don't turn into holidays from hell

The interminable road trip that becomes a wail-fest. The hotel where staff rank children slightly above vermin. The package holiday that suffers a cost blow-out whenever you book an activity for the kids. They're just some of the many ways a family holiday can turn sour. "It can be a challenge if you don't do your research," agrees Cathy Wagstaff, editor of the quarterly Holidays With Kids magazine (holidaywithkids.com.au). "You want to make sure that a place is family-friendly before you go. It comes back to the old saying: if the kids are happy, the parents are too."

Here's how to put a smile on everyone's face:

Scope the joint There are resorts and hotels just made for kids - and a lot that aren't. Do your homework. "Places like Club Med and Lindeman Island have as real kids' focus," says Wagstaff, whose magazine publishes an annual list of the top 10 destinations. The most-awarded? Paradise Resort on the Gold Coast (paradiseresort.com.au).

Get the good oil Other parents' experiences are a great guide as to what to expect of your accommodation. According to Wagstaff, much of the news is good. "Luxury hotels are now catering for families like never before," she says. "With 86 per cent of Australian women in the workforce, mum wants a holiday too, and they've realised this. She wants to eat out, she wants someone else to take care of the kids." Wagstaff says "loads" of hotels have responded by training staff how to relate properly to kids, singling out the luxury Peninsula Hotel group (peninsula.com) for special mention. "They even have kids' cooking classes."

Check the fine print When you've pinned your R&R hopes on using the kids' club to get a few hours me-time, don't let unforseen charges spoil your plans. "You really need to ask if the kids' clubs are included in the nightly rates, and what activities attract additional charges," cautions Wagstaff. "If you've got a few kids, it can get very expensive otherwise."

Pack up your troubles Or rather, let them pack to ensure you have no troubles. "Letting younger kids pack their own stuff means they won't leave a favourite teddy or blanket behind that they don't want to be parted from."

Don't drive yourself crazy It's the ultimate rookie mistake - taking the little ‘uns on your dream road trip. Truth is, kids and back seats don't mix very well, so you should plan accordingly. "The trick is to take it in steps, stopping overnight along the way if you have to," advises Wagstaff. "The road trip to Uluru can wait."

Got a tip that works in your family? Let us know: