Whether you're headed interstate to visit relatives or off on an exotic Easter getaway, the prospect of travelling with kids in tow can be a little daunting. Don't let that put you off though - your littlies are never too small for a family holiday, and with these comprehensive tips covering everything from keeping them entertained in the car to surviving a long-haul flight, you can can reduce your stress levels and arrive at your destination relaxed.
Road tripIf the phrase 'Are we there yet?' sends shivers down your spine, fear not - it IS possible to survive a long car trip with your littlies. Before you hit the road, make sure you have the correct child restraints, and that they're correctly installed. Then it's just a matter of keeping your mini-travellers entertained for the duration.
KEEP THEM ENTERTAINED: 12 of the best iPad Apps for preschoolers
Up, up and away!Before you head for the skies, check out our 25 top tips for travelling abroad with a baby (or toddler) in tow. And to find out how other mums have survived air travel with littlies, don't miss Bronwyn McNulty's hilariously honest account of flying to London with her 18-month old daughter, and Joo-Inn's tale of travelling to Chile with an 11-month old in tow.
Who better to ask for travel tips than those who have been there, done that? Seasoned traveller Tracey Spicer shares her top 10 tips for travelling with kids, and Jancee Dunn explains how to negotiate the sometimes murky waters of bunking down with relatives.
And of course, tips from other parents who have been there, done that:- If possible, leave when your toddler is due for a nap, then they're more likely to sleep for a lot of the trip - Sarah
- A portable DVD player is a life-saver! - Lisa
- Travelling a few hours with 4 kids under 4 is tricky. We take along their CDs to sing along to, books for reading, pencils for colouring, lots of food and drinks in their own 'special' lunch boxes, and if all else fails, the big screen DVD player! - Courteney
- Drive at night. We leave late afternoon and plan a dinner stop. After dinner the kids x4 all get into PJs and out come the pillows and blankets, bottle for the baby, we put a movie on and by the time that's finished they are out for the night and we drive through. My husband prepares the day we leave like its a night shift and he sleeps all day so he is well rested. The kids sleep well and we get to chat - Karen
- I-spy is great. With toddlers who don't know their letters and words so well, just use colours or sounds as a description - Sarah
- DSI and iPhones! I have the best travelers anyway. but these things help if things get tricky in the back seat! - Jess
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