Holiday Destinations with Kiri Beven

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Travelling with children

Travelling with children can be very daunting for some, but for others it can be a dream.

I am always surprised at how well Kiwi kids travel, and they are so lucky to be exposed to travelling at such a young age.

But I can only stress that you do your research. There are some great deals out there, available through travel agents, which have some excellent inclusions for children; from food and beverage credits, kids eat free, kids’ clubs and free transfers…

With Kiwis these days too, it is always recommended that you triple check your passports. Those on NZ passports are normally ok (depending on where you are travelling) but even those on UK passports travelling to Australia require a visa, so best to check this a couple of weeks before travel.

Once you’re on the plane, cabin air can cause mild dehydration, so it’s important to get kids to drink regularly when flying. Flying can also prompt middle ear and sinus problems, which can be painful for babies and infants. To prevent discomfort, massage your child’s ears from behind and, if all else fails, give them something to eat or drink for take-off and landing.

Taking wet wipes is not a crazy idea; handy for cleaning all sorts of areas, wiping hands, and general hygiene while away. Along with wipes, I pack the obvious… sunscreen, bug spray/ bands, plasters and Pamol (just in case). Antihistamine cream is also great, to soothe insect bites and stings, and my trusty pawpaw. With little ones, I have known parents who have taken an offcut of netting, to keep mosquitoes at bay day and night.

Keep children entertained and occupied by giving them a child-friendly camera or encourage them to write a travel journal. Also, note that some airlines only include children’s activity packs when you book a children’s meal, so best to check this with your agent.

Travel Insurance cannot be stressed enough. As we all know, children can be unpredictable at the best of times, so adding on a small amount to your overall holiday is so important. I personally cannot stress this enough – and take the time to check the insurance inclusions, as some companies are far better at claims and covers than others.

Happy, Safe, Awesome adventures everyone…

Kiri Beven Travel Broker t: 09 889 8090 | m: 21 931 637 e: kiri@travelmanagers.co.nz w: www.travelmanagers.co.nz