Before you go....

Travelling can be fairly stressful, especially when travelling with children, as they can also sense your anguish… but if you treat it like an adventure, and try your best to remain calm ( even when there is a 3 hour delay! ) it should run fairly smoothly.

1. Ensure all passengers passports are up to date and placed in an easily accessible area of your travel bag. – Children now must have their own passports.
   
2. .. and travel insurance to cover the cost of accommodation and ticket re-issue should you be unable to fly due to notifiable disease (measles) ear infection etc.
   
3. Let your children know you are having a holiday.. you can even point it out on a map to get them involved.
   
4. Check the weather for your destination before you pack
   
5. Check the government website for the latest travel information and travel tips
   http://www.tsa.gov/travelers/airtravel/children/index.shtm
   
6. Be organised when packing your in-flight bag and give yourself plenty of time to get to the airport and check in. Some airports have a play area or arcades, so worth checking the airports website.
   
7. Children should have their own bag with a toy that normally keeps them amused for hours, some paper/ pens/ and a book such as : 100 Things for Little Children to Do on a Journey (Usborne Activity Cards) 50 Things to Do on a Plane (Usborne Activity Cards) , and a story book and their sleeping pacifier for when they need some calm time. For those who have a dummy, this is handy for air travel as helps them swallow and keep their ears clear on take off and landing. Older children may wish to wear ear plugs or have boiled sweets! It is also worth buying a new toy that can be revealed at the time when the child starts upsetting the surrounding passengers! If you have a portable DVD player.. definitely include this in your travel bag with their favourite film.
   
8. If at all possible try and travel around their schedules, for example if you have a long car journey, leave an hour or so before they are due a nap. They will keep themselves amused for a while, when they sleep you have a nice quiet journey! I find with flights, my journeys have always run very smoothly when travelling first thing in the morning when they are fresh and not tired and grouchy!
   
9. Book your attractions in advance so you don't miss out on guaranteeing yourselves a place at the most popular attractions / trips at your destinations. The activities and experiences that we feature on our site, are generally cheaper booked in advance, compared to paying at the gate or booking directly with the attraction!
   
10. If you are not hiring a car, consider pre-booking your transfers or taxis at your destination, should you be needing car seats.
    
    

In association with the ‘Know Before You Go’ Campaign, we are working with the Foreign & Commonwealth Office (FCO) to do all that we can to help British travellers stay safe overseas. Before you go overseas, check out the FCO website at www.fco.gov.uk/travel. It is packed with essential travel advice and tips, and up-to-date country information.

If you would like to add a tip to this page, please email us at suggest@littletravellers.com

Childrens tips for holidays online.