advice

We know that travelling with children is not always the easiest task in the world. Some people are so nervous at the thought of it that they will sacrifice a summer holiday abroad. This doesn't always have to be the case for you and your family. Here are some travel essentials to bear in mind when taking the family abroad.

Research is the number one 'must do' before taking the family away. You need to make sure that you are choosing the right destination, a safe resort, a child-friendly hotel, and that there are enough activities available to suit your clan. Read reviews but take them from an un-biased perspective, many people will only leave a review when they have had a negative experience, when was the last time you left a positive review when you had an amazing time somewhere?

Travel insurance is an absolute must, as you can never fully know what could happen when away, and when the children are involved, you need to know that you will be supported, as many countries can charge extortionate amounts for things such as medicine. Vaccinations are also essential for travel in many countries and not taking vaccinations is simply not worth the risk.

Planning ahead will always be a help for family travel, and will alleviate stress, particularly with aspects of the trip such as transfers and other transport arrangements. Reserving seats on trains, planes, buses etc. to keep the family together is always advised where possible. If you need car seats you should ensure that you reserve one or that they will be available, and also what charges you may incur. Make sure you are fully aware of any deposit amounts (particularly for car hire) and that you know when you have to pay balances.

Choosing appropriate activities/things to do for both children and adults while away will ensure that the trip is enjoyed by all. It is a good idea to consider alternating between play and sightseeing, to break the day up, and to make sure that everyone gets to do or see something that they want. Booking entrance times to attractions, museums etc. is an idea for advanced planning. If using public transport then by working out some sort of transport passes might be necessary.

Culinary research - is the food going to be appropriate, are the family going to be satisfied with what is on offer? Does an all-inclusive resort offer a children's menu?

When flying make sure you find out about carry-on restrictions, make sure that no liquids or sharp objects have found their way into your hand luggage. Be prepared to remove laptop and other electronic items from carry-on luggage and take off everyone's shoes to go through security checks. Arrive at airports in plenty of time, especially if you have not been able to pre-reserve seats together. Do not exceed the weight allowance for hand luggage or baggage for the hold - most of the time it will be expensive, or you will find yourself re-packing your suitcase at the front of the line with a queue of impatient, frustrated people behind you, children moaning and screaming, and it's just not the ideal stress free start to your holiday!

When travelling long-haul it is useful to consider nap/sleep time, sometimes thinking about paying more for direct flights rather than connecting flights to reduce hassle and grumpy sleep-deprived family members might be the best way to go. Essentially a family holiday is all about spending quality time with the kids, so making sure that you are prepared and organised will help ensure that this happens, and that you and your family make the most of every minute of your trip.

Here are a few tips on what to pack

Sunblock (50+) and Aftersun Medicine - Calpol, paracetamol, insect repellent, anthisan, anti-allergy, antiseptic. Hats/cover ups for when the sun gets too much Entertainment - for journeys, for the evenings, for the beach, but try to avoid games with small pieces. Bear in mind travel games and activities to keep children occupied without distracting other passengers.

This post was written by Jess Whitworth - check out more of her articles here