You know what Philip Larkin wrote about the effects parents have on their kids. Well, the truth is that sometimes (make that frequently), children reciprocate. They grumble, slam doors and wake us up in the middle of the night. And when things seem to be going diplomatically well, they suddenly boil over in a lightning tantrum, leaving us looking at them as if they were some form of alien life that just landed in our living room.

Travel is the perfect context for frayed nerves and chipped parents-children relationships. But then, it’s not just the children’s fault. When going on holiday, parents need to plan everything to the last detail. After all, a holiday with the children is not a matter of tweaking your honeymoon plans to include the children – rather, it’s a whole different country.

Planning your trip

Parents need to involve their children from the word “go”. First, start by asking your children where they would like to go on holiday. This doesn’t mean that they get to decide – rather, it’s a way of making them feel involved.

Of course, babies and toddlers don’t get to vote for the holiday destination. However, with infants, it’s best to stay close to home. Long-haul flights and exotic destinations might not be such a good idea.

If your children are of varying ages, make sure that your holiday destination has something for all age groups. Also, make your children fall in love with the chosen destination – trace a map of the route, explore the history of the destination and watch films that are set in your destination. If the food is likely to be different, then cook some dishes at home so that they get used to the taste.

Packing your luggage

Another way to involve the children is to grant them permission to pack their own luggage – of course, keep an eye on them as they might fill their luggage with toys or with their favourite summer frock for a skiing holiday.

Pack plenty of clothes – children need at least two sets of clothes per day. Also, take some non-prescription medicine for common ailments such as colds and sunburn. If your children suffer from any allergies, then take the right medicine with you together with a note from your doctor.

You might also want to consider packing an activity bag for your children and giving it to them on the plane as a surprise – that will keep them busy.

Let’s go

The key to a hassle-free departure is to make an early start. There will always be an emergency on your way to the airport or while checking in, so make sure you have plenty of time to spare. Have your luggage ready the night before the big day and factor in one or two stops and even a quick return home because you’ve forgotten something behind you.

Pack extra snacks for the flight – children get hungry all the time and the in-flight meal might not be enough.

Technology is also a good companion during flights – load your tablet with apps that will keep the children busy and quiet during the entire flight.

Happy holidays

Children have plenty of energy, so make sure that they use a lot of it when on holiday. Walk a lot, visit parks, snorkel and do activities together. It’s also a good idea to visit museums and cultural spots together – however, don’t attempt to visit more than two museums in one day as the children might get bord.

If you’re travelling with teens, remember that they need their space. Consider booking accommodation that has adjoining rooms so that they can have a little time away from you. Also, try and convince them to leave their technology at home. That way, they don’t get distracted or start missing home when their friends message them.

When sightseeing, designate a meeting point in case anyone gets lost or separated from the group. You can also buy child monitors for the younger ones – the parent carries the tracking device while the child wears a bracelet-tracker. If the tracker exceeds the preset range or is removed, an alarm will sound.

Also, it’s good that you get a break from each other. Most hotels offer supervised childcare and kids’ clubs – for them, it will be a way of making new friends, and for you, it’s an opportunity to enjoy your holiday as a couple.

Holiday snaps

If you plan well, then you will have the time of your life with your family. The only downside is that the moment you return home, you will all come down with post-holiday deflation. Cure it by putting together a holiday photo album as a family or writing a story about the holiday adventures you have enjoyed. That way, you will also get them in the right mood for your next holiday.