5 things Batman can teach you about family travel

1. Choose a Sidekick – something or someone to back you up in tough times

Batman has Robin to back him up in tough times.

Here are Access Riviera’s tips for getting the best from your back-up plan:

Travel tech

Use a private window when booking flights online so airfare search engines don’t remember you and bump up prices.

If you forget your USB plug, charge devices through the USB on a television.

Try sites such as www.free-hotspot.com to locate hotspots, and services such as Tunnelbear, ComfortWay or Tep Wireless when travelling.

Useful apps

GateGuru is an awesome app that gives information on airport facilities, security line wait lines and flight delays.

Use TripIt or TripCase to consolidate your itineraries..  I still take hard copes of my itineraries with me (I know!), but these apps are helpful so you can still access all your itinerary information when you are without internet.

TrailWallet for expense tracking and budgeting help with your travel costs.

I’d be lying if I said translation apps are a waste of time. I highly recommend TripLingo – it has basic survival phrases, flash card lessons for language learning, a slang tool, a tip calculator, currency convertor and cultural tips.

Another one of my favourites – Word Lens – for translating signs, has transitioned over to Google Translate. There’s still a few hiccups with the voice recognition translation, and also some formats (it doesn’t recognise handwritten text) but it’s still handy to have.

Offline tips

Turn your phone to airplane mode and turn off data to use GPS without internet. Load up your Google map before leaving your accommodation and you can use it to navigate at your destination. To use Google maps offline, type ‘OK Maps’ and the visible area will save for future reference.

Sometimes if you’re at a location (e.g a cafeteria) with free Wifi, they can be annoyed if you don’t purchase something. I usually buy a coffee at a minimum out of courtesy, but if you’re really on a budget sometimes a location’s Wifi password may be on FourSquare.

2.  Source advice – research all the information you need, or have someone available who knows already

Batman has Alfred Pennyworth for advice.

There are many options you can use yourself to source advice prior to a trip with your family:

• Forums such as Virtual Tourist, Lonely Planet, Frommers and Fodors are helpful for destination advice
• Internet reviews for specific companies using Trustpilot for reviews
• Social media channels showcase cool new products and keep you updated with travel blogs
• TripAdvisor is user-friendly for destination-specific reviews. I like TripAdvisor because you get a broad spectrum of reviewers from across the globe
• Travel agents and tourist boards

Reference websites such as:

– Wanderant is an easy-to-use trip planner for help creating custom itineraries and suggestions on things to do at each destination.

(image: Wanderant)

– excuseme-whereis.com is super useful if you’re travelling to Paris, south-eastern France or major cities in Italy. It gives good information about location of public toilets, supermarkets, post offices etc

– WikiVoyage for directions and destination information

– PlanMy.Travel and LocalFu use local experts and travellers who have ‘been there done that’ for customised itineraries (pay option)

– Komoot is an Android app for cycling/hiking trails in Europe

– www.travelbydrone.com is a fun (and addictive!) website with drone-videos at global locations including French Riviera spots so you can check out your destination before you get there

3. Being anonymous is OK too

We all know Batman’s true identity is Bruce Wayne, his comfort zone for anonymity.

Don’t feel the need to put yourself on show to family and friends with constant photo posts to Instagram, or status updates and tweets about every moment of your trip.

Go offline from Facebook/Instagram/Pinterest/Twitter/emails/Skype/technology and enjoy the experience of your destination.

4.  Be prepared for sticky situations

Batman’s ready for signs of trouble, and he gets prompted from the Bat signal when there’s a sticky situation.

Unfortunately, I don’t have a patent for a global Bat signal but I have more tips to prepare for sticky situations you may encounter:

Copy important travel documents

Make photocopies of your passport, itinerary, and any other important documents and store them in a different location than the originals in case the originals are stolen.   I have an extra hard copy in my luggage, and also a scanned copy of everything on a USB memory stick.

Medical

Research a country’s prohibited items rules prior to travel, and take a copy of your doctor’s prescription if you travel with medications (I’m asthmatic and while preventative inhalers are usually permitted as a drug at most airports, don’t assume your own medication will be accepted as legal in another country).

If you have any food allergies or intolerances, print out translations of foods to give to local restaurants or research companies that sell dining cards online. If you have a dairy intolerance and are visiting France, print out this handy translation in French https://www.brokerfish.com/food-allergy-translation-cards/dairy-French

Triumph Dining has dining cards for gluten-free travellers that have translations in 10 languages.

Travel insurance

Always buy travel insurance. Look at benefits, and policy inclusions and exclusions, not just the initial cost.

Working in the travel industry for over 10 years, I have heard good and bad stories of choosing to buy travel insurance or not.

Good = A colleague purchased travel insurance and ended up with altitude sickness in Kathmandu, medical costs were well over $100K. Bad = A family went on an island holiday to Fiji, one of the children received a nasty coral cut which resulted in infection and eventuated in surgery and a lengthy hospital stay costing them thousands of dollars in medical treatment. Cost of a policy that would have prevented this: $120

Change of clothes and basic essentials

Ever since I lost a large suitcase after an international flight, I now carry a spare change of clothes and basic essentials (toothbrush & paste, deodorant, moisturiser) in my carry-on bag so at least I can feel human until my stuff is found (P.S. my suitcase was returned to me within 3 hours, thank you Air France).

If you’re traveling with kids, carry extra food and diapers to allow for delays and a change of clothes for your kids and yourself – I’ll never forget the poor man who half an hour into a 13-hour flight was covered in his baby’s vomit….the smell lingered that’s for sure.

I usually travel with my carry-on as a backpack if I travel with my son so I have my hands free.

Extra food

Taking extra snacks or food can counteract the limited variety in train station vending machines, or overpriced airport food.

I’ve fallen into the ‘no food’ trap before and paid the princely sum of €90 for 2 lunches and snacks at Singapore Airport.

I have beaten off my son’s hunger many times by taking extra food on my travels – snacks such as nuts, pretzels, cereal bars.  Avoid bananas (squishy), chocolate (it melts) or dried fruit (it acts like a laxative).  Parents need to be aware there may not be any options to heat food or baby bottles on delays.

Also, be aware of customs regulations for food when entering different countries – France doesn’t permit you taking any meat from wild animals on-board so leave that deer carpaccio at home. Every country has different rules – Did you know you can’t take fresh fruit or raw unroasted nuts into Australia (without an Import Permit)?

Variety of payment methods

It pays (excuse the pun) to have a variety of options to pay for items when you travel. Credit and debit cards, cash, travellers cheques, money cards.

In France, I have found many tourists have had problems with ticket machines not reading their foreign-issued credit cards so take coins for ticket machines. Most towns (and certainly the main cities) all have banks and ATM’s, though currency exchange providers are usually only found in more populated areas.

Don’t wear a visible money belt (fanny pack) when you travel – that is a sure-fire advertisement for theft ‘Hey look at my bag containing money, passport and other valuables!’.

Local delays

If you are travelling in France, check out Bisonfute for road traffic delays, www.easytravelreport.com for transport strikes, and ViaMichelin for traffic conditions and toll costs.

Learn a few phrases in the local language

It’s not essential, but it’s helpful to learn a few polite greetings or relevant phrases to your situation (car hire, child-related terms, transport and accommodation queries).

5.  Use what you have to your best advantage

Batman is well versed in utilising the Batmobile and his bat tools to best advantage.

Family travel is no different – there are ways you can use what you already have to maximise your holiday experience.

Family discounts

Take advantage of group or family discounts on entry admissions for attractions, restaurant deals (buy one adult meal, get one kids meal free) and transport tickets.

A useful one to know for the French Riviera is the ‘Pass Isabelle Famille’ that costs €35 for one days unlimited train travel along the French Riviera for 2 adults and 2 children under 16 years of age; you purchase them at the train station counters or online via TER SNCF website under ’Loisirs & Tourisme’ then ‘Offres loisirs’.

Flying with kids

Parenting.com has a great list of family-friendly information at lots of global airports,  read more in their link here http://www.parenting.com/article/fun-things-to-do-at-the-major-airports

Also, check out my previous blog post for more tips about Flying with Kids

Not keen on paying for expensive Wifi at airports? Get free Wifi at airports but adding /?.jpg or &.jpg to the end of any URL (for networks that allow images to download without redirecting).

Whoever thought of fast-track queues for families for airport processing is a genius. G-E-N-I-U-S. The last thing you want is to queue behind 500 people at security/immigration with an over- tired toddler who’s barely slept on a 12-hour long-haul flight. Didn’t happen to me, honest 🙂

What are your best tips for family travel?   Please comment, or share this post on Facebook or Twitter. Thanks

Tips for Flying with Kids

This coming weekend sees the start of ‘Vacances Scolaire Printemps’ on the French Riviera – two weeks of school holidays which coincidentally precedes the month of May which also has four bank holidays.

So, to alleviate the stress of holiday travel for families, here’s Access Riviera’s 15 Tips for Flying with Kids:

Terminal 2 at Nice Airport (image: niceairport.net)

1.  Extra seat

When checking in, ask if you it’s possible to get a spare seat next to you if the flight is not full (it will be free of charge). This is really helpful to have this extra space for toys, blankets and stretching out at sleep time.

2.  Blankets and pillows

Take your own small blanket and/or pillow. Airplane blankets (even the ones they use for the baby bassinets) are often scratchy and aircraft cabins can be cold.

3. Board last, not first

Most airlines allow families to board after first and business class passengers so it gives you ample time to settle in but I actually prefer being the last one on the plane.

It doesn’t take too long to stow your bags and the less time on the plane the less chance of restless children sitting there waiting for everyone else to stow their luggage

4.  Location is everything

My preference when flying with a baby/toddler is to sit near the back of the plane, and in an aisle seat.

If you’re lucky enough to have spare seats next to you, then it can pay off to put your toddler in the window seat so they can look out at the ground crew, baggage handlers, scenery etc.

Being near the back gives you better access to the toilets and baby change table, and cabin crew are usually closer.

5. Cabin crew are there if you need them

Many parents feel intimidated about bothering cabin crew. If you need a toilet break or to stretch your legs, don’t be afraid to ask cabin crew.

They’re not babysitters, but they can watch your sleeping child for a few minutes or entertain your toddler while you have a quick break.

6. Strollers, car seats, cots

Double check with your airline about baby strollers, car seats and travel cots as you may have to check these in. Many airlines offer loan strollers for use inside the airport, and you should be aware that you usually have to check your own stroller at the departure gate.

I have lost 2 strollers that have been gate checked and never arrived at my transit destination – if you have particularly expensive baby equipment, always put it in checked luggage.

If you have a baby, consider a baby wrap or front pack carrier so you have free hands.

Use your baby carrier to free up your hands

7. Take-off and Landing

Little ears can’t equalize the difference in air pressure on take-off or landing, so when you’re flying and hear kids cry at these times this is why – their ears are hurting.

For babies, breast or bottle feed on take-off or landing or offer a pacifier.

For toddlers, sucking on squeezy compotes or drinking water can help.

I’ve been naughty in the past and even given my son lollipops to suck on descent.

One thing I will mention is that if you use a pacifier, invest in a pacifier clip – I have seen countless babies drop their pacifier under seats mid-takeoff and parents left unable to scramble to find it.

8. Entertainment

Most babies sleep on flights, but for older kids don’t rely on inflight entertainment.

Many airlines hand out kid-sized headphones but I purchased my son his own pair so I know they are padded adequately and he is excited about them.

Be considerate to other passengers and try to take some noise-less fun toys. There is nothing worse than settling in for a long-haul flight and hearing nursery rhymes playing over and over again.

Many airlines offer kids activity packs with colouring pages and small pencils.

I also like to buy a few cheap new toys and wrap them in lots of layers so my son can unwrap them. It keeps him busy, and when he was a baby he played with the curling ribbon, coloured paper etc.

My top suggestions for tried-and-tested toys for long-haul flights for toddlers are:

– Magnadoodles

– Sticker books and small reading books with educational aspects

– Small extendabe mini rulers (the type you can buy at €1 shops). My son spent a long time measuring everything within his seat reach, and it also kept him occupied in airport terminals.

– Mini padlocks with different keys to try and unlock

– Crayola Color Wonder markers

– Finger puppets

Some of my top suggestions for entertaining kids on planes

Toys that haven’t been successful on flights: Lego (the pieces drop and get lost under seats), magnetic games (if you lose a piece it’s game over), toy cars (too noisy!)

Some toys I wouldn’t even consider: Playdoh, dice games, anything battery-operated

9. Quick change bag

If you’re travelling with a baby, have a ‘grab bag’ that contains baby wipes, nappy cream, a couple of nappies and hand sanitiser.

If you need to change your child’s nappy, grab this small pack and go.

Aircraft toilets are small and you don’t really want to put things down.

Don’t change your baby’s nappy on the seats – it’s gross and makes other passengers uncomfortable.

10. Clothing

Airplane temperatures can be chilly so dress your little one in layers so if your destination is warm you can adjust their temperature quickly.

If you have a baby or toddler, dress them in their pyjamas at ‘night time’ on long-haul flights so you are creating an environment as close to sleep conditions as possible.

In your cabin bag, take a few changes of clothes for your bub and at least a change of top for yourself in case of any vomiting or other accidents – it does happen! I’ll never forget a man who had his baby vomit on him half an hour into a 12-hour flight and he spent the entire flight trying to get rid of the smell from his clothes.

11. Food and drinks

Make sure you keep everyone hydrated as flying can be dehydrating. Pay particular attention to this if you’re breastfeeding.

Take lots of snacks for your toddlers (especially in the case of delays) but avoid lollies or sweet-laden treats.

Raisins and dried fruit may seem great but they do drop on the floor, and they tend to have a laxative effect.

I like to take apples, bananas, vege sticks, popcorn, mini muesli bars, bread sticks, crackers, small sandwiches.

Muesli bars are great for snacks on flights

Bear in mind the 100ml liquid rule.

If you have to ask cabin crew to heat bottles specify how hot you need it.

Also, be aware of customs regulations for different countries as some foods that seem normal to you aren’t permitted, for example, fresh fruit is not permitted into Australia without an import permit.

12. Airport facilities

Make the most of burning off your child’s energy by letting them walk as much as possible and play at airport play areas.

This article has great information about global airports: http://www.parenting.com/article/fun-things-to-do-at-the-major-airports

For Nice Airport, read my post here

13. Flying is overwhelming for little ones

Avoid travelling when you have just started toilet training your toddler!

Travelling can be overwhelming to a toddler, and combined with the big stages of toilet training as well as lengthy waiting periods in security and immigration lines it’s an accident (excuse the pun) waiting to happen.

Also, my son found airplane toilets quite scary when flushing as they are super-loud – explain to your child what is about to happen, little imaginations create scenarios that they might get sucked away!

Visiting an airport for the first time is an assault on the senses so explain to your child each step of travelling – going through security they have to put their favourite taggy/cuddly through the security scanning machine but they will get it back, lights being turned off inside the cabin for take-off, waiting for luggage at the baggage carousel etc

14. Book optimum flight times for your child’s routine

My personal preference for short-haul flights is to depart in the morning because my son is rested and usually excited about a plane trip. For long-haul flights, we try and book the first sector to coincide with late evening flights so it syncs with his natural sleep pattern.

15. Medication

Many parents ask me about using sleep-inducing medication on small children for long flights.

I’m personally not a fan myself as I believe you should be able to manage sleep and routines enough for a maximum of one day’s travelling on an airplane, however I don’t begrudge anyone who uses medication.

There are plenty of prescribed and homeopathic options.

If you do choose to medicate your child, consult your physician and PRE-TEST the medication prior to any flights – you don’t want a nasty reaction to a new medication inflight.

Have you found these tips helpful? I’d love to hear your comments. Please share this article on Facebook or retweet on Twitter. Thank you!

 

 

15 Must-Know Tips for Flying with Kids

Christmas is getting closer, and many families will be spending time at airports and travelling on airplanes.

Flying with kids puts sheer dread into many people, but at the end of the day all other passengers will go about their business and the world will keep turning. Try to remain calm and don’t take any passenger comments to heart.

Terminal 2 at Nice Airport (image: niceairport.net)

We have taken a few flights over the past 4 years ranging from 2-hour trips to see family, to 24-hour long-haul missions from Europe to New Zealand via the Middle East and Asia.

Flying with little ones can be stressful, but it is manageable so I have curated a list of ‘15 Must-Know Tips for Flying with Kids’:

1.  Extra seat

When checking in, ask if you it’s possible to get a spare seat next to you if the flight is not full (it will be free of charge). This is really helpful to have this extra space for toys, blankets and stretching out at sleep time.

2.  Blankets and pillows

Take your own small blanket and/or pillow. Airplane blankets (even the ones they use for the baby bassinets) are often scratchy and aircraft cabins can be cold.

3. Board last, not first

Most airlines allow families to board after first and business class passengers so it gives you ample time to settle in but I actually prefer being the last one on the plane.

It doesn’t take too long to stow your bags and the less time on the plane the less chance of restless children sitting there waiting for everyone else to stow their luggage

4.  Location is everything

My preference when flying with a baby/toddler is to sit near the back of the plane, and in an aisle seat.

If you’re lucky enough to have spare seats next to you, then it can pay off to put your toddler in the window seat so they can look out at the ground crew, baggage handlers, scenery etc.

Being near the back gives you better access to the toilets and baby change table, and cabin crew are usually closer.

5. Cabin crew are there if you need them

Many parents feel intimidated about bothering cabin crew. If you need a toilet break or to stretch your legs, don’t be afraid to ask cabin crew.

They’re not babysitters, but they can watch your sleeping child for a few minutes or entertain your toddler while you have a quick break.

6. Strollers, car seats, cots

Double check with your airline about baby strollers, car seats and travel cots as you may have to check these in. Many airlines offer loan strollers for use inside the airport, and you should be aware that you usually have to check your own stroller at the departure gate.

I have lost 2 strollers that have been gate checked and never arrived at my transit destination – if you have particularly expensive baby equipment, always put it in checked luggage.

If you have a baby, consider a baby wrap or front pack carrier so you have free hands.

Use your baby carrier to free up your hands

7. Take-off and Landing

Little ears can’t equalize the difference in air pressure on take-off or landing, so when you’re flying and hear kids cry at these times this is why – their ears are hurting.

For babies, breast or bottle feed on take-off or landing or offer a pacifier.

For toddlers, sucking on squeezy compotes or drinking water can help.

I’ve been naughty in the past and even given my son lollipops to suck on descent.

One thing I will mention is that if you use a pacifier, invest in a pacifier clip – I have seen countless babies drop their pacifier under seats mid-takeoff and parents left unable to scramble to find it.

8. Entertainment

Most babies sleep on flights, but for older kids don’t rely on inflight entertainment.

Many airlines hand out kid-sized headphones but I purchased my son his own pair so I know they are padded adequately and he is excited about them.

Be considerate to other passengers and try to take some noise-less fun toys. There is nothing worse than settling in for a long-haul flight and hearing nursery rhymes playing over and over again.

Many airlines offer kids activity packs with colouring pages and small pencils.

I also like to buy a few cheap new toys and wrap them in lots of layers so my son can unwrap them. It keeps him busy, and when he was a baby he played with the curling ribbon, coloured paper etc.

My top suggestions for tried-and-tested toys for long-haul flights for toddlers are:

– Magnadoodles

– Sticker books and small reading books with educational aspects

– Small extendabe mini rulers (the type you can buy at €1 shops). My son spent a long time measuring everything within his seat reach, and it also kept him occupied in airport terminals.

– Mini padlocks with different keys to try and unlock

– Crayola Color Wonder markers

– Finger puppets

Some of my top suggestions for entertaining kids on planes

Toys that haven’t been successful on flights: Lego (the pieces drop and get lost under seats), magnetic games (if you lose a piece it’s game over), toy cars (too noisy!)

Some toys I wouldn’t even consider: Playdoh, dice games, anything battery-operated

9. Quick change bag

If you’re travelling with a baby, have a ‘grab bag’ that contains baby wipes, nappy cream, a couple of nappies and hand sanitiser.

If you need to change your child’s nappy, grab this small pack and go.

Aircraft toilets are small and you don’t really want to put things down.

Don’t change your baby’s nappy on the seats – it’s gross and makes other passengers uncomfortable.

10. Clothing

Airplane temperatures can be chilly so dress your little one in layers so if your destination is warm you can adjust their temperature quickly.

If you have a baby or toddler, dress them in their pyjamas at ‘night time’ on long-haul flights so you are creating an environment as close to sleep conditions as possible.

In your cabin bag, take a few changes of clothes for your bub and at least a change of top for yourself in case of any vomiting or other accidents – it does happen! I’ll never forget a man who had his baby vomit on him half an hour into a 12-hour flight and he spent the entire flight trying to get rid of the smell from his clothes.

11. Food and drinks

Make sure you keep everyone hydrated as flying can be dehydrating. Pay particular attention to this if you’re breastfeeding.

Take lots of snacks for your toddlers (especially in the case of delays) but avoid lollies or sweet-laden treats.

Raisins and dried fruit may seem great but they do drop on the floor, and they tend to have a laxative effect.

I like to take apples, bananas, vege sticks, popcorn, mini muesli bars, bread sticks, crackers, small sandwiches.

Muesli bars are great for snacks on flights

Bear in mind the 100ml liquid rule.

If you have to ask cabin crew to heat bottles specify how hot you need it.

Also, be aware of customs regulations for different countries as some foods that seem normal to you aren’t permitted, for example, fresh fruit is not permitted into Australia without an import permit.

12. Airport facilities

Make the most of burning off your child’s energy by letting them walk as much as possible and play at airport play areas. This article has great information about global airports: http://www.parenting.com/article/fun-things-to-do-at-the-major-airports

13. Flying is overwhelming for little ones

Avoid travelling when you have just started toilet training your toddler!

Travelling can be overwhelming to a toddler, and combined with the big stages of toilet training as well as lengthy waiting periods in security and immigration lines it’s an accident (excuse the pun) waiting to happen.

Also, my son found airplane toilets quite scary when flushing as they are super-loud – explain to your child what is about to happen, little imaginations create scenarios that they might get sucked away!

Visiting an airport for the first time is an assault on the senses so explain to your child each step of travelling – going through security they have to put their favourite taggy/cuddly through the security scanning machine but they will get it back, lights being turned off inside the cabin for take-off, waiting for luggage at the baggage carousel etc

14. Book optimum flight times for your child’s routine

My personal preference for short-haul flights is to depart in the morning because my son is rested and usually excited about a plane trip. For long-haul flights, we try and book the first sector to coincide with late evening flights so it syncs with his natural sleep pattern.

15. Medication

Many parents ask me about using sleep-inducing medication on small children for long flights.

I’m personally not a fan myself as I believe you should be able to manage sleep and routines enough for a maximum of one day’s travelling on an airplane, however I don’t begrudge anyone who uses medication.

There are plenty of prescribed and homeopathic options.

If you do choose to medicate your child, consult your physician and PRE-TEST the medication prior to any flights – you don’t want a nasty reaction to a new medication inflight.

Have you found these tips helpful? I’d love to hear your comments. Please share this article on Facebook or retweet on Twitter. Thank you!