TAKING children away on holiday can be an unpredictable experience, but there are certain things you can be prepared for.
Travel journalist Rosalyn Wikeley has mastered the art of travelling with tots, even on long-haul journeys, and has offered her advice to other parents.
Her are three of the tips she gave Conde Nast Traveller for making your trip with your kids as easy as possible.
Choose your hotel wisely
Rosalyn explains that choosing the right hotel can make or break a holiday.
Instead of picking the fanciest places, she recommends finding accommodation that "specifically 'gets' the baby and toddler minefield.
Serviced villas, family-friendly hotels and all-inclusive resorts are high up her list.
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Invest in a travel pram
With some prams too big for carry-on, Rosalyn advises investing in one that will meet the size requirements of most airlines.
The Babyzen Yoyo is her tip for dodging a long baggage reclaim wait with her child.
Book a bassinet in advance for long flights
Most airlines will offer a bassinet, but this will require a call to the airline once plane tickets have been booked.
Checking measurements is also important as it may be necessary to get a toddler's sized one.
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In addition to Rosalyn's tips, here are five further hacks to help you deal with your young children on holiday,
Buy some new activity books and toys for the plane
Usborne sticker books, card games like Uno and Dobble, mini packs of Lego, Wiki sticks, crayons, they all help to pass the time – both on a flight and while waiting for food in restaurants on holiday.
Download some age-appropriate activity apps and TV shows on phone / iPad
Download some films and TV shows to keep the little ones occupied, or if you really don't like screentime, some audiobooks on Audible.
It's also worth investing in some decent headphones like the BuddyPhones Cosmos+ – they combine Active Noise Cancellation and are volume-limiting, which prevents ears getting damaged.
Make use of the soft play / play area at the airport
Most UK airports have some sort of play area once you get past security.
Some are incredible (Heathrow) but even if they aren't it's a useful place for your child to blow off steam before they're sitting down for hours on end.
Ask to sit in the cockpit
This depends on the flight and the captain, but many pilots are happy to have a small passenger take a look around the cockpit.
It can turn the nightmare moment of a delayed flight into one of the best parts of a trip.
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