How Not to Lose Your Child?



In case of separation, every second counts! When travelling through airports or other crowded places, I lace two 'jingle bells' to the toes of my son's shoes. (He calls them his 'jingle boots'.) I also hang a small plastic whistle on a string around his neck to be used ONLY if he gets separated from us. Finally, I carry a recent, full-length photo taken of him in his standard travel outfit (his blue windsuit) - a quick way for people to recognize him in a busy place!

 By: Lorraine Fleck

More Tips:

Keeps the Kids Entertained
Keeping the Kids Comfortable
Keep Clean and Hydrated on the Plane
ID for the Kids

ID for the Kids



When taking cross country road trips, take small photos of children (school shots, etc.) On the back write their name and age, along with any other information you desire (such as emergency medical, who to notify). Put these in a ziplock baggy and tape to the dash or somewhere noticeable in the vehicle. If an accident were to happen most kids haven't any identifcation like adults do.

 By: B. Robinson

More Tips:

Keeps the Kids Entertained
Keeping the Kids Comfortable
Keep Clean and Hydrated on the Plane
How Not to Lose Your Child?

Keep Clean and Hydrated on the Plane



When travelling with children, be sure to pack a change of clothes for yourself. Time and again my children have spilled sticky drinks all over me on the plane and I was glad I had thought to bring extra clothes for myself! Also it helps to premake airsickness bags at home as the ones the airlines provide are not always there. Another tip - put some cold drinks such as Capri Sun or juice boxes in your carry-on. If your child is thirsty and it will be a while for the drink steward to come down the isle, you will be glad you have them.

 By: Lee Ann Steinmetz

More Tips:

Keeps the Kids Entertained
Keeping the Kids Comfortable
ID for the Kids
How Not to Lose Your Child?

Keeping the Kids Comfortable



When my son was little, just before heading on a drive we would fill his sippy cup with ice cubes, and put in about 1/2 inch of water. This kept him getting sips of water for the whole trip, and prevented any major spills from happening. Also, in a carseat, a child's little 'sit-bones' tend to get sore very quickly. A gel-pad that you can get at a bicycle shop will make the journey much more pleasant for everyone.

 By: sedim

Keeps the Kids Entertained



I travelled over 5000 kilometres with my 4, 5, & 6 year old recently over a period of seven days. It was the third long distance trip on my own with the kids. I made sure I had heaps of individually wrapped potato chips, biscuits, raisins etc., and individual bottles of water with plenty of top up water next to me. Fruit doesn't work as well - as I usually find it weeks later stashed behind the booster seats! Also take lots of children's stories and music on tapes, plenty of cheap toys, and new books. I couldn't afford Gameboys but they might be a good idea! As previously suggested I had the kids constantly check out strip maps for me to 'advise me' how far we had gone. Pointing out any sights along the way kept the kids interest up, but I have to admit - I was EXTREMELY glad to finally arrive!

By: Ruth Nathan



Leave the Noisy Toys at Home




When selecting toys for your baby or toddler on a long road trip, remember to leave the 'noisy' or 'musical' toys at home. Although they are entertaining, they can be very distracting to the driver (especially anything that sounds even remotely like a police siren) and no matter how much your baby loves 'the cow says moooo', you're going to find yourself ready to throw that toy out the window after a few hundred miles!

 By: Cathy Brockway

Memory Making



Memory making is a very important part of your trip. Your children can enjoy creating their own special memories. Have them keep a scrapbook or journal for your vacation. They can cut pictures out of brochures and paste them in, keep their ticket stubs, have new friends they meet sign their books, and much more! Even young children can color or draw things to represent what they have seen on the trip. Mom and Dad can help the younger ones by writing down some of the things they really enjoyed doing on their trip.


Medical Concerns



When traveling with children with medical concerns ... Make sure they have their own identification, whether it be a medical necklace or an identification card. Make sure it has your telephone number, the name and number of their physician, and their medical concerns.



Mileage Game for Kids



While travelling a LONG way in the car, here is a fun game to play with children almost any age! As you are driving, there are signs that state the mileage until cities and states. As you see these signs, have each child state their prediction for how many miles the next sign will say. Whoever comes closest can recieve a small prize or candy as an incentive. It's a great way to pass the time, and even teenagers in the family enjoy playing it! Also, the children get more and more excited as the miles grow shorter. Before you know it the signs will be reading 1 more mile to go! Good luck with your travelling!

 By: J. Ashley



Organizing the Children's Clothing



Taking the family vacation can sometimes be difficult. So when packing, put together the children's outfits and place them folded in a plastic bag. Then you can write on the top what is in each bag and can have the clothing handy in the morning. This way you can keep everything clean and be organized and you won't have fights about what to wear.

 By: B.Holland

Planning a Vacation for Kids



Here are some family vacation planning tips:
  • When planning a vacation, remember the objective of the vacation. For instance is the vacation meant for relaxation, for learning, for unique experiences, or for fun ?
  • Do not pack the day with many activities, which will exhaust the kids.
  • As children tend to have shorter attention spans, do not plan activities which are exceptionally long; e.g. visiting the muesum for one whole day.
  • Ensure that the places you are visiting welcome kids, as some attractions and activities have
  • age limitations.
  • Always investigate the policies for children; e.g. extra charges, height requirements, any child discounts etc.
  • If you are visiting attractions such as museums, consider whether or not your child will be able to understand the materials presented.
  • Don't forget to check out locations of child-friendly restaurants and have a happy meal with your kids.
  • If you are travelling in a budget, do consider family-friendly hostels. They provide great service as well.
  • Always be flexible during your journey, as children are likely to have different demands at different places.

By: Jasmine

Planning to Stay at a B&B?



E-mailing good questions will help ensure a quality experience. This is especially true when you have children. Be sure to note their ages and whether one or two beds are needed. Don't hesitate to ask if the B&B is appropriate, especially for young children. If it's full of antiques, you'll spend your vacation chasing kids. Often B&B couples with kids of their own welcome youngsters of similar ages. Teens have their own special needs, too. Make sure a TV is available in the room if that's a major need. Quiz your kids ahead on what they expect and ask rather than showing up and having everyone unhappy.


Emirates launches Dubai-Sao Paulo service


Emirates launched its first flights to Brazil this week, with a six-weekly service from Dubai to Sao Paulo. The route represents the first direct service between the Middle East and South America.

Flight EK261 departs Dubai at 1000 daily except Thursday, arriving in Sao Paulo's Guarulhos International Airport at 1830, with the return leg leaving Brazil on flight EK262 at 0125, arriving in Dubai at 2305.

Emirates is servicing the route with its Boeing 777-200LR aircraft, which includes the carrier's newest fully-flat beds in business class – the flight is configured for eight first class suites, 42 business class seats, and 216 economy seats.

The launch follows the carrier's inauguration of its Dubai-Newcastle service last month, and precedes the Dubai-Houston route this December which will also feature the 777-200 product.

Business Traveller will be carrying out a full Tried and Tested review of the Dubai-Sao Paulo service later this month.

Report by Mark Caswell


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Polaroid ID



On the day of the trip, use a Polaroid camera and take photos of each child. Put them in your purse, wallet or bag. If you become separated from your child, you will have a photo of what your child looks like RIGHT THEN, that day. Girls' hairstyles can change, clothing can look different, etc. - so even a recent photograph may not look like what your child looks like on the day of travel. But a Polaroid taken THAT DAY will help in locating a misdirected child.

 By: Kim Williams

Postcard Mementos



To help our kids remember their trip in their own words we buy postcards of the places we go and on the back of each one they write down whatever they want to remember. At the end of the trip we punch a hole in the corner of the postcards and put them on a ring so they have their own special mementos of the vacation.

 By: Elizabeth Mays

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