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Taking the Kids along…

Combining a business trip with a family holiday can be an enriching time, growing together as a family, but it can also quickly turn into a nightmare if you are not organised and ready for every eventuality.

The well-organised parent can arrive at their destination refreshed and stress free if they plan ahead. This page deals with information specific to travelling with children -- other TravelHealth issues should also be read alongside this information.

Self-preparation is essential in the transition from business professional to parent as you prepare for your trip. Allow a day either side to mentally turn off from your business commitments and ensure that the time with your family will be positive and fun.

Plan Ahead

When travelling with young children plan ahead - think through your child's normal schedule and try to keep to it if possible while you are travelling. This means feeding them at their normal time, naps and other activities. Take items for the children with you that you might not be able to buy in another country such as a particular brand of baby milk or nappies. Don't assume if you buy baby food in the supermarket here, that the same brand will be in a supermarket in your chosen country. In some European countries baby milk can only be purchased in a chemist!

Take medication with you if you are unfamiliar with local medicines - child Paracetamol, rehydration fluid, travel sickness medicine etc. Also take a copy of your repeat prescription if your child is on any medication that might be required while away. Play safe and get enough from you Doctor and a little bit more, before you leave.

Travelling by plane

Book your seat well in advance so that you have room for equipment and sleeping cots etc. Request a 'bulkhead' seat if you need the extra room. While children under two years can often fly free, consider the fact that you might not get an extra seat on a busy flight. To carry an excited child under two on your lap, around the world, on a long haul flight might not result in you arriving at your destination in a calm manner!

Children can often suffer from earache, especially as the plane descends. A child dose of paracetamol can often help. Older children will enjoy a hard boiled sweet to suck.

When booking flights with national airlines overseas - remember that not all countries have the same "child friendly" policies that you might find in the West. It is wise to stick to reputable airlines that you know you can trust.

If you require children's meals on flights, check that they have been ordered before you get on the plane! Plan for travel sickness - sick bags, medication from your pharmacist or Doctor and a change of clothing. Some medications for children contain sedative properties - a good idea for a very long journey.

Expect and plan to be delayed - you will be even more relaxed and calm if you aren't! Remember to keep everything your child needs for the trip in your hand luggage - no special toys in the suitcase!

Give them activities at sensible intervals - not all the toys at once. Spread the entertainment out so you don't run out of ideas after the first hour! Consider airlines that provide entertainment for kids on a monitor on the back of the seats for long flights!

Carry plenty of food and drink for the journey - sensible light snack food is good - hungry children don't travel well. Children quickly dehydrate and can become miserable - keep their fluid levels up during the trip with whatever they will drink - you can clean their teeth when you arrive!

Arriving at your destination

Get your child into a daily routine AFTER arriving at your chosen destination - not during the trip. When travelling across time zones try to get your child adjusted as quickly as possible to the time with plenty of fresh air and meals at local times on arrival.

If you are in a hotel check the safety features such as the balconies, fire exit and any items in the room that could cause harm to your child. Many countries do not have the same health and safety regulations you have at home.

It is good practice to write your hotel, room number and name on a piece of card and put it into the pocket of a young child - just in case they wander off! And with older children -- give them a tour of the hotel and explain their limits on arrival - it will save you getting stressed later on when you can't find them!

Combining work and travel with children

When combining work and travel with your family holiday, set boundaries before you leave as to when you will be working and when you will be spending time with your family. Let the family see your work schedule each day and the hours you will be free to spend with them. The children will be more settled and let you get on with work if they know you will stop work at 4pm and take them to the beach!

Plan time with your partner while you are away - a babysitter and a quiet evening out will make you both feel more relaxed as well as buy you a few extra work hours!

Have a routine activity each day that helps you in the transition from work to family time - just changing your clothes to a more relaxed outfit will close the workday and allow you to have fun with your family.

Let your work colleagues know that the trip is combined with a family holiday and show them your work hours so they will know when you cannot be disturbed. If it is not appropriate to tell them due to cultural work issues, make an appointment with your family and let your colleagues know that you have an appointment you cannot miss!