Family holidays either conjure up fond memories of time well spent, or nightmares best forgotten.
If the truth be told, travelling with kids is not always the wide expanse of happy, smiling families as seen on TV ads.
This might be a little extreme, but the point is, travelling with young children is no mean feat.
Like the rest of the world, South African parents love going away with their children and they go all out to ensure that these getaways result in picture-perfect images of a happy family. But it is not easy to entertain children during the long winter break.
For sun-worshipping South Africans, warm destinations are all the rage during this season and they are prepared to pay exorbitant fees to claim their place in the sun or get a tan on the beach.
Domestic destinations like Cape Town, Eastern Cape and other coastal areas, still lead when it comes to choices of holidays with children. Those who can afford to, go as far as Mauritius, which is a leading family vacation destination. But, wherever they go, parents need to ensure their young ones are stimulated from the beginning of the journey until they return home.
However, before rushing to book the latest holiday specials, parents need to do their homework thoroughly.
They need to take into account the length and duration of the journey being undertaken and also determine if their children can handle it.
Before the suitcases are packed, and the tickets and finances sorted out, it's very important to consult with a travel agent.
The Internet is a wonderful resource. Check out the following sites for information on travelling with children: clubmom
Holiday Checklist
Get your passports sorted out - discovering your passports have expired at the border is no laughing matter.
Check if the baby needs a ticket or not, and whether young children pay less. Children 10 or older usually pay full fare, or 75%. Infants (0-2 years) usually pay 10%.
Book accommodation in advance to avoid disappointment.
Ensure you have travelling essentials on hand, and enough money to keep you in budget. When travelling to a different area or country, check with your travel agent and GP what the health concerns are and treat your family accordingly. Check malaria, yellow fever, for example. Pack a portable first aid kit in your carry-on bag.
If you're taking to the airways, make photocopies of your family tickets. If one gets lost, you'll have proof and peace of mind. Inquire if the airline provides a baby bassinet or sky cot - which are attached to a wall and provide comfort for your baby. You may need to request one well in advance.
Pack a carry-on bag full of all the things your baby or child will need, including baby food, formula, nappies, medicine and a spare change of clothes for baby and yourself. Bring enough supplies to last a few days in case of unforeseen emergencies. Bring your baby's stroller too to save costs of paying for one per day. Find out if you can bring the stroller on board.
Watch your luggage - don't let it out of your sight. Padlock your suitcases.
Ear pressure during taking off and landing can be of great discomfort to your little one, especially if they don't know how to pop their ears. Take them for a medical check-up just before departure to ensure they are well enough to fly. To minimise pain, give your baby a bottle to suck on while taking off and landing, and earplugs, chewing gum or even a lollipop for other children.
Avoid fights by explaining the seatbelt rule. Let kids take turns sitting by the window. Ask for pillows, blankets, playing cards and fun packs for them. Ask for your child's meal to be served earlier, before everyone else, so they won't sit hungry.
To survive a daunting road trip, get an early start. Stop every two hours or so for a break, which will allow the children to burn off energy on the lawns and for you to relax. Pack their favourite toys and some snacks to keep them entertained and satisfied. Bring creative game ideas. Develop strategies to deal with the fighting in the back seat. A good one: before travelling, ask your kids for suggestions on how to deal with a fighting situation.
Write them down and as soon as a fight begins, take the paper out and read their words back to them.
You might want to bring along a potty if the child is still being potty-trained - it may prove to be a godsend when there's no pit stop in sight. Include a water bottle for each child.
Always carry up-to-date colour photos of your children in your wallet in case they get lost.
For something different, try travelling by train. Your kids will be delighted by the novelty. There are a variety of trains to choose from in the country, from the Shosholoza Meyl trains, to the more luxurious Rovos Rail and the Blue Train. According to David Patrick, Rovos Rail, a five-star luxury train which caters for the affluent, adult traveller, isn't suitable for children as their shortest journey "takes two nights and three days, which is a long time for a small child to be confined". However, he explains, they make provision for children.
"We make every attempt to ensure they remain occupied by means of games and babysitting staff while parents enjoy a romantic meal in one of the classic-styled dining cars. The children also get to eat foods they enjoy, rather than the somewhat more sophisticated cuisine which caters for our adult guests," he says.
If you want to bring a baby on the Rovos Rail, the staff will cater for them. They will provide baby food and a cot, but only if requested beforehand, as it is uncommon for babies to accompany parents on the train.
All said, bring along a sense of humour and fun, a camera and a scrapbook. The moments spent with your little ones are priceless. Don't put off travelling until the children are older. You might miss out on several lifetime opportunities, especially experiencing the world through new eyes - your children's, and gathering precious family memorabilia.