Our consultants all have children of their own, so we know that there is a lot more involved then travelling solo! From what to pack in your suitcase, to how to occupy a child on a plane... these tips will assist in making your family trip stress-free.

Our combined knowledge and expertise of all things TRAVEL, plus our compassionate "motherly" side means you are in the best hands for your next family holiday!

• General suggestions
• General safety suggestions
• Motion sickness
• Keeping your child amused during transport
• Bearhugs – comfort and sleeping aid
• Unfamiliar meal routines
• Travellers' diarrhoea
• Travel Activities for kids - ideas to make your trip more enjoyable

General suggestions

• If travelling by plane, ask for bulkhead seats or seats near an exit to give your child a safe spot to play on the floor.
• Choose appropriate accommodation, such as self-contained apartments with two or more
  bedrooms.
• Hire baby furniture items, such as pram, stroller, cot and high chair, rather than lug your
  own.
• Use disposable rather than cloth nappies.
• When visiting attractions with older children, try the 'trade-off' method - activities for
  adults in the morning, balanced with activities for the kids after lunch.
• Make sure there will be enough family events and child-oriented activities to keep them
  amused while away.
• Use any babysitting facilities at your hotel from time to time so you can have a break.
• Remember that the price of 'children's clubs' at some resorts is an extra expense.
• Older children will like having their own (disposable) camera and 'holiday diary' so they can record their own impressions.
• Plane - airlines can arrange bassinettes for infants. Try to feed your baby or child while
  taking off and landing, as the frequent swallowing can help prevent the build-up of
  pressure inside the ears. Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to reduce the risk of
  dehydration.
• Remember that children have short attention spans and get tired very quickly.

General safety suggestions

• See your doctor about vaccinations beforehand, if appropriate.
• Pack sunscreen, hats and insect repellent.
• Be particularly vigilant about the potential dangers of unfamiliar places, such as unfenced
  swimming pools or balconies.
• Avoid animals such as dogs, cats and monkeys to reduce the risk of bites.
• Take a medical kit containing items such as baby paracetamol, thermometer, anti-itching
  lotion, oral rehydration preparation and band-aids.

Motion sickness

The symptoms of motion sickness include blanching, headache, dizziness, complaints of feeling sick and - ultimately - vomiting. Motion sickness can occur on any mode of transport but is more likely to strike when travelling by boat. Suggestions to reduce the risk of motion sickness include:

• When travelling by car, arrange for frequent rest stops.
• Make sure your child looks out the window, rather than at a stationary object inside the
  vehicle (such as a book).
• Fresh air can help, so open a window if possible.
• Anti-nausea medications are available, but check with your doctor first as some drugs may not be suitable for children.
• Make sure your child eats something before travelling, but avoid heavy or greasy foods.

Keeping your child amused during transport

• Pack plenty of toys.
• Offer the toys one at a time, replacing each toy with a fresh one once the child shows signs of boredom.
• To cut down on fights over sharing, make sure each child has their own stash of toys.
• Play family games such as 'I-spy'.
• Pack a picnic lunch.
• For older children, show them a map beforehand and point out landmarks as you go.

Bearhugs – comfort and sleeping aid

A suggested sleep aid for your child on flight, car, bus or pram is Bearhugs.

Bearhugs is cuddly kids travel pillow and blankie that allows your child to comfortable rest their head against the window or seat on a plane or car and prevent their head from falling forward. It is made from warm and durable polar fleece and comes with a blanket that is attached to the pillow and prevents it from falling to the ground. Bearhugs is also designed to offer maximum and head support while travelling. Click here to Order or for more information. www.bearhugs.com.au


Unfamiliar meal routines

Toddlers and young children are notoriously fussy eaters; travelling to unfamiliar places with new foods and different mealtime routines can further disrupt your child's eating habits. Suggestions include:

• Relax and remember that a healthy child will never voluntarily starve themselves. Trust them to eat when they're hungry.
• If flying, arrange in advance for children's meals.
• Try to keep a little bit of familiar mealtime routine, such as having breakfast in the usual
  way.
• Don't assume you'll always find something they'll like on a restaurant menu. Carry plenty
  of their favourite snacks and drinks when touring around.

Travellers' diarrhoea

Children with travellers' diarrhoea are susceptible to dehydration. Suggestions to reduce the risk of travellers' diarrhoea include:

• Avoid risky foods such as seafood, undercooked meats, peeled and raw fruits and vegetables, and unpasteurised dairy products.
• If you are unsure of the water supply, only drink bottled water, carbonated soft drinks or
  bottled fruit juices.
• Use bottled water when tooth brushing.
• Wash your child's hands frequently.
• Avoid eating foods from street vendors.
• Make sure your child doesn't put their unwashed hands into their mouth