Tips to get you up and away on your family holiday

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Prepare
Get your children excited about where you are going by reading them books and talking to them about what fun you’ll have on the holiday. Hopefully, this should prevent any last minute tears.

Tell your child exactly what will happen. "We'll drive to the airport, go through security, and then get on a plane. Then you’ll sit next to me and watch a video and we’ll play, then when we land you get to go for a swim in the big hotel pool!"

Book wisely

If possible try to book flights at night when your child is normally asleep. Book nonstop flights or with as few stop overs as possible so you're not stuck at an airport for hours on end.

Also, avoid travelling on peak days if possible – this includes car trips too – you could be wasting a precious day of your holidays caught in bottleneck traffic!

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Pack light

Remember, it’s not just your luggage you will be looking after, it’s your kids as well! So resist the urge to pack their entire wardrobe and a menagerie of stuffed toys. You’ll be the one lugging it around! But having said that, a favourite toy or comfort item will help them adjust to the new surroundings.

It can also be helpful to give your child a small separate bag that they can have the responsibility of packing. For most children, having a "job" is a treat and a privilege. Just be sure to check it before you go so there are no surprises!

Get kids involved with packing

If they’re old enough, get kids involved in the packing. Consider what activities will be planned – will they need warm clothes or swimmers? For example, ask your two year old what she might want to wear in the pool. She’ll answer a bathing suit so she can help pick one out and put it in the suitcase.

Bring something to keep them occupied

Kids get bored. It’s a fact. So as much as you might hate your kids being glued to an iPod or iPad – but at the end of the day, it keeps them occupied on long travel trips in the car, train, plane or bus! Download some kid friendly apps.

Also remember to bring headphones – sometimes airline supplied headphones are too big for little ears. Bring a teething ring for infants, and for toddlers, try a noise free toy especially for their trip such as stickers, puzzles, colouring in books, cars, dolls or books.

If you can, take food with you.

Buy groceries for the car ride and for the other end. Things like nuts, fruit and vet, cereal, healthy snacks, treats and drinks will be handy on a long car ride and save you from stopping at expensive service stations and eating junk food.

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Don’t forget your childproofing supplies

Depending on how young your children are, and where you are going, don’t’ assume that all hotels will have child proofing items you use at home. Back your electrical outlet covers and baby gates. Also, bring a first aid kit.

Most importantly - have fun
Don't forget to take time out for yourself on holidays. The resort may have a kids activity or play center, or you could consider booking a baby sitter for a night.

Remember this is precious time for your family to bond, so don't spend the whole time stressing, let go and give your children some precious memories.