What better way to bond with your family than by living your dreams together?

​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!
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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.
  • 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.

Pre flight suggestions

Planning ahead can make the flight more enjoyable for your child. Specific suggestions include:
  • Take your child to the doctor for a medical check-up.
  • Ask friends or your travel agent for advice on child-friendly airlines. Some airlines are more helpful than others.
  • If you are the only adult travelling, ask the airline if it is possible to have an ‘assistant’ who will help you at each stop. For example, the staff member might collect your luggage for you.
  • Arrange in advance for children’s meals.
  • Children aged two years and over must have their own seats on international flights.
  • Children aged three years and over must have their own seats on domestic flights.
  • Ask for bulkhead seats or seats near an exit to give your child a safe spot to play on the floor.
  • If you have a young baby, arrange with the airline for a bassinette.
  • A car seat can be taken on board, but you will need to book a seat for it.
  • Older children will like having a window seat.
  • If flying over a long distance, try to book an overnight flight to coincide with your child’s sleeping habits.

Carry on air bag for children

Make sure your carry-on bag holds every item your child is likely to need during the flight. Suggestions include:
  • change of clothes
  • change mat
  • nappies
  • extra plastic pants
  • baby wipes
  • tissues
  • nappy-rash creams
  • bottles of milk
  • favourite snacks, such as cheese or biscuits
  • dummy
  • spill-proof drinks
  • any medication they need on a regular basis
  • paracetamol appropriate to your child’s age and weight
  • toys and games.

On the plane with children

  • Dress your child in a couple of light layers, so you can add or remove layers as necessary. Remember that blankets are available.
  • Don’t hesitate to ask your flight attendants for help. For example, they may be allowed to warm bottles for you.
  • Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to reduce the risk of dehydration.
  • Don’t try to change your baby’s nappy on your lap – plane toilets have pull-down change tables.
  • Encourage your child to drink plenty of fluids to reduce the risk of dehydration.
  • Take toys that don’t take up too much luggage space – like books, pencils and drawing or colouring books, and handheld computer games.
  • Younger children will like having their favourite ‘security’ toy on the flight.
  • Ask flight attendants for playing cards or colouring books and pencils, which many airlines supply free to young passengers.
  • Older children may enjoy a trip to the flight deck. Ask your flight attendant.

Ear pain in children when flying

The change in cabin pressure during aeroplane take-off and, in particular, during descent and landing can hurt a child’s ears. Swallowing eases the pressure, but the trick is getting your child to swallow at the right time.

Suggestions include:
  • Try to feed your baby or child while taking off and landing.
  • Give your child something to drink or eat.
  • If your child isn’t thirsty or hungry, give them lollies (if they are old enough).
  • Drops that numb the eardrum (Auralgan) can ease the pain. You can buy these without a prescription.

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.
  • Click here for Kids Activities while travelling!

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
source: ​https://www.betterhealth.vic.gov.au