I thought I would write a blog on travelling overseas with kids. It is one of the questions I get asked the most by almost everyone.... from people with or without kids. They always ask - How do you do it and Why?.... Like we are some crazy people. My daughter who is under Four has been to Europe 3 times and Fiji once, and my baby has been to Europe twice..... I don't say this to skite and boast, but to point out that we wouldn't do it so often if it was hard. We feel very fortunate and lucky to have done this amount of travel as a family.

Anyway my answer to everyone is-

Its easy - and the one thing you need to keep in mind when you travel with kids is just that they want your attention.... And that's exactly what they get when you're all on a 24 hour long haul flight. And I firmly believe that if your kids are well behaved at home, then they will be well behaved anywhere..... but keep some perspective and remembering no one is perfect and we all have moments, adults and kids alike (both my Hubby and I have definitely had our fair share of stressed out and tired moments when we travel).

In my opinion it is really fun travelling with the kids. They point out to you things you would otherwise miss or ignore... differences we just accept, but they notice. It's refreshing to see the world through a child's eyes, not just your own.

Another important point that always makes things easier is that travelling with kids takes some planning, and it depends on their age as to how to prepare. Both of my kids had or will have a dummy until they are 2 years old. This is always great for keeping a little one quiet if something does happen to upset them. When I took my 8 month old, I found solid food the hardest thing to sort out. On the plane they warmed food for me, but in hotels it was a bit trickier, especially with the language barriers, but I find people are generally very helpful and always managed to get food warmed up. Some things are really easy like jar fruit, as it didn't need warming. I have never had a problem with bottles as I have always breast fed my baby who was under one, but I have beared witness to people/ places/ restaurants being very accommodating with people who do need to warm bottles etc.

I am one of these people who like to use a brand of nappies that I know and am familiar with, and this also applies to formula. I found these couple of things I needed to take with me. But keep in mind that you get to take so much luggage allowance with the kids... in saying that, if you take too much it will be a challenge carrying it all and keeping a hand on the kids. So, to make room we pack light and find a laundry to wash at. Also you don't need many sets of clothes in a cold country, as all people ever see is your jacket, pants and boots, and you clearly don't sweat like we do in Oz, so you can get away with wearing clothes a bit longer. A good tip is always buy things like wipes and shampoo at the local supermarket when you arrive, instead of carrying them. Some of these things are different to what you buy at home, but that is part of the fun.

For an older child just the experience and discovery of the plane and the adventure of having your own personal "picnic" on a little table keeps them occupied for a while. I always take crayons and colouring books which I never seem to get out of the bag, as most airlines will give the kids an activity pack.... ah yes, it's also "fun" going to the loo.

The other thing is travelling is exhausting and eventually your kids will sleep. The last flight we were on, our kids slept eight hours straight.... it was bliss. Mummy & Daddy didn't quite get that many hours but will still feel ok. I also recommend giving yourself a full day once you land to get the kids on the right time. We always try and land in the morning at about 7am and then keep the kids going until about four in the afternoon. We find they then have a good night's sleep and are ready to go the next day. Early.... about 5am, but ready to go. Then start your holiday!