Helpful hints:

• Plan ahead and if your children are old enough, involve them in the planning of the holiday.
  
  
• Travel with friends who have children the same age as yours. The kids will have someone to play with and the parents can take turns to mind the kids or have time away from them.
  
  
• Keep it simple but interesting. Plan one major event for each day because children have short attention spans and get tired. Also, choose the right time to begin your drive so you miss rush hour.
  
  
• Make sure the kids take favourite toys, familiar blankets and other gadgets that help them while away their time in transit. Music in the car is also helpful.
  
  
• Children like to help, so give them a task the minute you arrive somewhere.
  
  
• Create routines that highlight the holiday experience, such as filling in a family holiday diary, talking about the best part of the day at dinner or setting challenges for the next day.
  
  
• Keep nerves calm in a car by putting a drop of lavender oil on a couple of cottonwool balls and storing them in the side pockets at the front of the car.
  
  
• Pack a first-aid kit — baby paracetamol, band-aids, thermometer, oral rehydration preparation, antiseptic and anti-itching lotion.
  
  
• Look out for special offers where kids stay or eat for free and for places with kids clubs and babysitting.



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Your say:

Do you have any of your own tips for travelling with kids? Help other Woman's Day readers and share your pearls of wisdom below!


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