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7 practical tips for travelling with kids

Whether you're packing up the kids to see family or going on an exciting holiday, the break in routine can be difficult for kids. Keep kids happy and safe en route with these proven tips by other iVillage parents.

When to leave
"We have a 12-hour drive ahead of us, so we are planning to drive all night. When we travelled over the summer to the same destination, we tried two different methods. First, we drove during the day. Bad idea. It's hard, if not impossible, to explain to a one-year-old that the driving will end eventually. Second method, on the way back, we left at about 9pm (his bedtime), and drove all night long. He woke up about an hour from home and everybody in the car was happy. Maybe next summer we will try another long day trip, but for this winter, this Mum and Dad will do what works." - iVillage heismom

Another travel time option
"We have occasionally got up at 4am to leave on our car trip, and will probably do this again this year. We pack the car as much as possible the night before. The morning of the trip, we wake the kids up gently and buckle them in the car in their pyjamas. We get a few hours of non-stop driving in and they get in a few hours more sleep. When they wake up for breakfast it doesn't seem that far to go. Also, you can never have too many singalong tapes!" - iVillager teamduffy

Late-night activity ideas
"For travelling in the dark, they loved the little light sticks that you can pick up in camping sections in different stores. That amused them for a long time. My younger son would even give his up in favour of watching his older brother twirling two of them in the dark at the same time." - iVillager ladiazii

Easing the transfer blues
"In case we have to transfer planes, I take a small ball. I roll it all over the waiting area and my son chases after it. Sometimes other passengers will get into the game and start throwing it. It uses up the excess energy my son got from sitting still in the previous plane and it tires him out so that he doesn't get restless in the next plane." - iVillager heidismile

Before you fly
"Pre-order kiddie meals through the airline or your travel agent. Also, check with your pediatrician about airsickness medications. This was a real problem for us until we started bringing medicine along with us. Bring a complete change of clothes for everybody (and two for the kids) in your hand luggage in case of accidents." - iVillager willhoef

What to take on board
"Bring a small cooler with small containers of milk, juices and favourite foods. Don't forget a little spoon and plastic dish. You are never sure what will be available on a flight. Also bring along an old favourite toy and something new that he has never seen before. It will spark his interest when you need a little time out too. Remember to relax and have fun. The trip itself can be an adventure. If you believe that so will your child." - iVillager rutledgepr

Timing is everything
"If possible, ask to board the plane early, so you don't have to fight past other passengers with your arms full, and let everyone else off the plane first for the same reason. Take your buggy and/or car seat with you to the gate. Don't check in your stroller - it's invaluable for manoeuvering through busy airports with your arms full, so you can pick it up where you get off the plane, not down with the rest of the luggage." - iVillager kalemont

Why not swop and share other ideas on travelling with your children with fellow iVillagers on the Family Travel message board. Take a look at some of the LIVE discussions taking place right now on the board:

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