Making the most of your holiday
Travelling with a two-year-old doesn’t have to be all hard work and no play. Armed with a few travel essentials, a good sense of humour and lots of tricks up your sleeve, you can set off on holiday with confidence this summer.
Packing for the journey
Passport? Tickets? In addition, remember to take:
• nappies, nappy sacks (good for all sorts of leftovers!) and wipes. Plus antibacterial foaming handwash that doesn’t need water
• an extra top for you and your little one. Spills will happen!
• healthy snacks and drinks with straws in a mini coolbag
• favourite small toys, crayons and paper pad or colouring book.
Packing for the holiday
• A sunhat (or three!).
• A UV sun-protection suit.
• High-factor sun-protection cream. Buy now
• Buggy and sun shade, plus a UV tent – perfect for naps on the beach.
• Swim nappies, armbands and float vest. Buy now
• Small nightlight (and adapter if you’re going abroad). Buy now
• A plug-in mosquito repellent and roll-on insect repellent.
• Portable stairgate and highchair. Buy now
• Jelly sandals or beach shoes.
• First-aid kit, including liquid paracetamol sachets, rehydration powder, nappy cream, antiseptic wipes, plasters and bandages, calamine lotion, antihistamine cream and a thermometer. Buy now
Coping with long journeys
By car
• Plan several stops so your little one can let off steam.
• Try to travel at times when he’s likely to sleep. Take a blanket and pillow to help him snuggle down.
• If your toddler gets car sick, stick to light snacks like crackers or fruit. Encourage him to listen to stories or song tapes and look out of the window rather than down at his lap. Ask your Tesco Pharmacist about travel sickness remedies.
By plane
• To avoid tantrums on board, travel armed with distractions. Wrap up some small toys or books and dish them out during the journey to stave off meltdowns.
• Most airlines allow you to take your buggy right up to the boarding point. The cabin crew may be able to arrange for the buggy to be waiting at the end of the flight as you disembark.
• Take your toddler’s beaker with you – swallowing helps reduce pressure pain in the ears when landing. Check with the airline as new security measures place restrictions on how much liquid you are allowed to take on board.
Family-friendly accommodation
Camping and caravans: Living under canvas gives you freedom and is a great budget option. But if your toddler loves to go walkabout, you’ll need eyes in the back of your head! Small kids love caravans, which will keep you all warm and dry, whatever the weather. Fitted with a child gate they may be a more secure option. Choose a site with good laundry facilities, a children’s pool and a safe play area.
B&Bs, hotels and self-catering: Many family-friendly B&Bs and hotels welcome children and even provide children’s food and baby-listening services. However, lots of families like the flexibility of self-catering. Look out for tour operators that offer free child places or generous child discounts on selected hotel and self-catering packages.
All-inclusive holidays: You won’t need to reach for your wallet all holiday if everything is included in the price, from food to entertainment.
With or without childcare?
Many family holidays now come with childcare. Good kids’ clubs are divided into appropriate age ranges, run by qualified nursery nurses and offer fun activities, arts and crafts, story time and free play. If your toddler is confident then he’ll love the chance to make new friends. However, some tots are only happy by their parents’ side and childcare on holiday can be pricey. One option is to holiday with family or friends so you can take it in turns to have time out, and even enjoy some nightlife!
You can shop for all your travel essentials including fun games for kids online at www.Tesco.com
