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Holiday Checklist
Style of Holiday
 Are you looking for relaxation or activity?
Are you looking for a remote, resort or urban location?
Are you looking for comfort and luxury, or character and originality?
Do you want to be independent, or take part in an organised holiday?
Do you want to visit somewhere familiar, or try something new?
Destination
Is it a good time of year to visit your potential destination? Is the weather generally expected to be good?
Is the destination generally regarded as safe for children?
Is there adequate medical care in the vicinity of your destination?
How long is the journey time? Is it appropriate for the total amount of time you intend to be away?
What type of accommodation is available at the destination?
Is the cost of the destination within your holiday budget?
Accommodation
How many rooms/beds?
Are there kitchen/laundry facilities?
Is there a bath?
Can they provide a cot/high chair?
Is there a pool/other entertainment facilities?
Is there a restaurant/room service?
Is there babysitting/kids club?
How far is the accommodation from local attractions?
How close are the nearest shops?
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| Travelling with Children |
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Heading off on a big family holiday can be one of the most exciting experiences you and your children can undertake together. Car trips, camping, days at the beach and staying at hotels can be fun, but without careful planning – fun could turn into stress.
Holidaying with kids means that you should expect the unexpected – no matter how carefully you have planned the trip something will always catch you unawares. Meticulous yet flexible planning for your trip will ensure that it runs as smooth as possible, and will bring happy memories for years to come.
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Planning your Trip
The mantra of “expect the best, be prepared for the worst” is highly appropriate when preparing for holidays with children. Planning ahead will put you in a good position for having an enjoyable holiday while minimising the risk of holiday mishaps:
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If you are unsure of where to start with your planning, complete the “Holiday Checklist” to the left. It can help you clarify what you want from your family holiday and minimise the impact of unexpected surprises.
Getting Ready
Once you have decided on your destination and made your bookings, complete as much preparation for your trip as early as possible. Make a list of the things you need to buy and do before your departure. Find out as much as you can about your destination – including climate, facilities and risk factors – so that you can purchase appropriate clothes and other supplies.
If you are travelling overseas, check that passports are up-to-date and the necessary visas are obtained. Most travel companies also recommend that you take out travel insurance as soon as bookings are made.
If you are travelling by car, make sure that your car’s servicing is up to date before setting out on your journey.
Encourage your children to do some of the packing themselves, and to choose some of the books/toys/clothes they need to take with them. Even fairly small children will enjoy having their own bag or back-pack, and it will help reduce the amount of luggage the adults need to carry.
Travel Toys and Games
Packing the right travel toys and games can help make even the longest trip seem faster. The key to a happy trip is diversion and variety. Choose toys and games that are appropriate for the age groups of your children:
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 Infants and babies – small soft toys, teething toys, and soft rattles.
Toddlers – musical toys and cardboard picture books, particularly those with “lift the flap”.
Preschoolers – sticker books, and travel desks that can hold paper and washable crayons, pencils etc.
School-aged children – hand held puzzles, portable computer games, and magnetic story books.
For all ages, tapes or CD’s with music or stories make a fantastic diversion.
For older children, there are a number of games that can be played while you are travelling that will help pass the time and can also be educational. Play games with the number plates of other cars – add up the numbers, multiply the numbers together, or use the letters to make up words. Simple games such as “Eye Spy” can also help keep all travellers entertained.
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Travel Sickness
An unfortunate reality of holidays away is that many children suffer from travel sickness. Car, plane and sea sickness can all strike children and make any journey very unpleasant. Some tips that can assist in minimising the risk of sickness are:
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Health and Safety
Accidents and illness are more likely to happen while you are away than when you are at home, so keep the following tips in mind:
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Avoid excessive sun, especially from 10.00am to 4.00pm. Use a sunscreen even on cloudy days. Keep children younger than one out of the sun as much as possible.
Apply sunscreen half an hour before going outside, and reapply every two hours and after swimming.
Select sunglasses for children and infants that are approved and protect them from UV rays. Choose glasses with unbreakable plastic lenses.
Make sure children drink plenty of fluids. Water is best, during and after prolonged activity. Encourage a “cooling off” period in the shade.
Pack a first aid kit for the holidays, including band-aids, antiseptic cream, pain relief, bandages, sunscreen, lip balm, insect repellent, and latex gloves.
Drinking bottled water while away, particularly overseas, may help prevent some tummy upsets.
Try to keep children’s bedtimes as normal as possible. Children need consistent sleep to stay happy and healthy, and sticking to bedtime routines will help minimise night-time disturbances. |
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Final Thoughts
The most important thing to remember is flexibility - travelling with children of any age is always a challenge. Spend more time enjoying the precious memories you will be creating and less time fretting over what could go wrong. Happy travelling!
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List places you and your family would like to go, and decide on a budget.
