Check Cynthia’s own website for some more info on her book www.takeyourkidstoeurope.com. She wrote the book after taking her own kids there for 4 months! But what do the readers think? Here’s some review from Amazon…
Advice from your best friend
User Review – Arline K. Wills “Arnie Wills” – Amazon.com –
Cynthia Harriman writes like she’s giving you advice from your best friend, one who’s been there and done all that and wants to help you have as much fun and adventure. Planning such a trip sounds … Read full review
A solid base for your travel plans
User Review – AD Stevenson – Amazon.com –
I bought this book as a supplement to my already strong European travel plans (been before several times) and expected I might get one or two things from it. I was surprised and delighted by the great … Read full review
Wonderful Book!
User Review – L. Smith – Amazon.com –
If you are planning an extended stay in Europe with children, you need this book! Take Your Kids to Europe, 7th: How to Travel Safely (and Sanely) in Europe with Your Children (Take Your Kids to … Read full review
Review: Take Your Kids to Europe, 7th: How to Travel Safely (and Sanely) in Europe with Your Children (Take Your Kids to Europe)
User Review – Judy – Goodreads –
Great resource! I read a different edition – this is the most recent. Read full review
Invaluable Advice!
User Review – Martha Rausch – Amazon.com –
This book is indeed a godsend for parents. Although it’s geared to Western Europe, over half the book focuses on universal tips that would also be helpful in Turkey or… Read full review
Take Your Kids to Europe
User Review – Jason Wells – Amazon.com –
We live in London, and travel every chance we have. This book provides great ideas for structuring trips and helping children enjoy the sights and experiences. It’s a good companion for families … Read full review
Great ideas and advice
User Review – S. Moon – Amazon.com –
This book has great ideas on dealing with budgets, luggage, etc. I especially like that they were keen on the idea of an ‘extended’ stay in Europe eg, several weeks, and provided some sound examples … Read full review
Genuinely “all-family” must-have guidebook
User Review – bensmomma “bensmomma” – Amazon.com –
The payoff for reading Cynthia Harriman’s “Take Your Kids to Europe” carefully is tremendous. We have a five-week trip to Europe coming up and our copy if already getting dog-eared from overreading … Read full review
Great book
User Review – Michelle W. Jones – Amazon.com –
This book covered a lot of great things to consider when thinking about going to Europe. It was more geared toward a longer stay and older children, but I think that I’ll be… Read full review
Very Useful book
User Review – Alisa – Amazon.com –
This book had places to visit for kids that it I couldn’t find in any other travel book. It had great tips on how to entertain kids to how to get kids to try other foods in other… Read full review
Recommended Reading for the Once in a lifetime trip
User Review – Joanna Loffler – Amazon.com –
Great Book, going to be invaluable for planning our big family trip. Not all the information is relevant to Australians or anyone other than American’s but there is… Read full review
These family travel guidebooks are written by parents for parents and are able to answer lots of those questions we ask ourselves. Many fabulous destinations are covered.
The expert guide to great value, child-friendly destinations in England, Scotland and Wales
For a limited time we have our Bookshelf on sale.
These family travel guidebooks are written by parents for parents and are able to answer lots of those questions we ask ourselves. Many fabulous destinations are covered. They’re also beautifully presented and make great gifts for families! Take a look…Little Gulliver Bookshelf.
There are a few accessories that we always travel with. We really like creating some familiarity for the kids (and ourselves). Although we’re not really strict on routines we try and stick to our basic patterns, no matter where we are.
GAIA bath time fun pack
Accessories
There are a few accessories that we always travel with. We really like creating some familiarity for the kids (and ourselves). Although we’re not really strict on routines we try and stick to our basic patterns, no matter where we are. (We’ve had our children quite close together, 14 and 17 months apart – so we’ve found what works for us and stuck to it)!
iPod for sleep music – Our kids have ‘Music for Dreaming’ every sleep. It is a sleep cue we have used since before they were born! It is also great for drowning out background noise in small hotel rooms or noisy family gatherings. (I also have some fun music loaded for play when stuck in a hotel room or to lift some cranky moods – Jay, The Wiggles, Justine…)
Night light – We have never used night lights in the kids rooms until recently, so we are taking it for familiarity. We always have one in the bathroom at home though, so we have one for on the road. They are handy for bathrooms, toilets and hallways not lit up at night and better than turning on a bright light if you are doing a midnight toilet assist.
Gro bag – I love gro bags and have used them for each of our children from babies until they moved out of cots (our youngest is still in a cot). I find a gro bag is a great way to have some familiarity on the road and is easy to pack. At home I have a 1 and 2.5 tog per gro bag size, but only travel with 1 – depending on the weather expected at the destination.
Body wash/ shampoo/conditioner – while its fine to go easy on yourself when you’re travelling (if you have the room) thinking about bathing is a good thing. If you have ever looked at the ingredients on those motel complimentary items, then you may be happier using your own! (GAIA is a great brand and Little Gulliver stock handy travel sizes for just this purpose).
Activities – colouring books + pencils. I never travel without activities. I also take a separate lot for the destination as well as the journey! Variety keeps it interesting. These things don’t have to be too sophisticated either. This time I took sticker books and Crayola colour explosion.
Books – I always take a few favourites that are in high night-time reading rotation. That way you know, no matter what the mood, the kids will be entertained. I try and throw a new one in, that I know they will like also.
Comfort toys – whether your child has an old faithful or would like to choose one for the trip – pack one. It can be comforting to see a familiar face smiling up at them sitting on a bed in unfamiliar surroundings. For our baby, once they are sitting up I always put a board book and a comfort toy in the cot. They are used to this at home, so we do it on the road.
DVD’s – no matter how you feel about the box, it can help to get them to sit still for a minute. On our last holiday I found our kids were playing at a level of energy I had never seen before. The only way to get them to sit for a minute was some “quiet time”. If you’re staying in a motel check ahead if they have DVD players, some older style apartments may have video’s (if you don’t have any video’s – check your local op shop)! Internationally, perhaps you are travelling with a lap top that the kids could watch something on occasionally.
Medical – last trip the kids and myself got quite sick and I felt too sick to venture out to the chemist! This time I am taking medication (some basics for pain and fever) just in case.
Ok, thats it for the accessories – next installment will be what we take on the plane!
So, you’ve packed the bags, cancelled the papers and are really looking forward to being away for a couple of weeks free from the usual routine but you’re really anxious about keeping your young kids occupied on that long plane flight.
So, the seat belt goes through this loop?
So, you’ve packed the bags, cancelled the papers and are really looking forward to being away for a couple of weeks free from the usual routine but you’re really anxious about keeping your young kids occupied on that long plane flight.
Besides packing a few great new travel toys that your toddler hasn’t seen before, you’ll want to have some airplane activities that won’t break, get lost or cost the earth.
So here are some practical tips for travelling with toddlers and preschoolers that will help you to relax, enjoy the journey and help you all arrive with your sense of humour!
1. Bathroom
Make sure that your toddler has used the toilet before boarding the aircraft as they are spacious and much cleaner compared to the aircraft ones! It’s also a good idea to carry a supply of baby wipes and be sure to put them in a place where you can easily reach them throughout the flight.
2. Seat choice
Only choose bulkhead seats if your baby needs a baby bed as the armrests can’t be moved. Normal seats are far better if your baby or toddler wants to lie down on the seat with their head on your lap as the armrests can be moved up which is far more comfortable.
3. Ear pressure
If your baby is breastfeeding or on a bottle, give them the breast or bottle during take-off & landing as it is the best thing for their sensitive ears. They will be more relaxed and far less distressed and you will feel more at ease too.
If your child is older, then carry cotton wool or ask for earplugs as soon as you board the aircraft. Make use of them for take-off then save them for landing as the crew may not have any fresh ones left by then. Or play a yawning game with them to see how many times they can yawn on take off or landing as this helps pop their ears so the pressure doesn’t cause them discomfort.
4. Food
Carry a supply of biscuits, water, juice & healthy snacks for your toddler. Raisins are great for keeping little hands and minds occupied for quite awhile and also carry milk packets (the UHT small packets) yourself. Airline snacks run out in flight and milk is a shortage very often too so bring your own so you won’t panic if they run out.
5. Bottle heating
If you ask the crew to heat up your baby bottle check the temperature of the liquid yourself periodically and don’t depend on the crew as they are extremely busy. Most crew in Economy Class are not mothers themselves (as they are very young) so they don’t necessarily know the right temperature for your child’s feed. Airline crew are most willing to help but it’s always best to take responsibility for your own child’s bottle.
6. Health
If your child has a cold it’s a good idea to see a doctor before the flight to check if your child is fit to fly. Toddlers flying with a cold can experience terrible pain during take-off & landing and it’s also dangerous to their eardrums too!
7. Clothes
Always carry a change of clothes for your child and it is a good idea to carry a change of top / t-shirt for yourself too. You never know when you will need it…
8. Rubbish
Get a carrier or plastic bag from the crew, to put your rubbish in as you go along. It helps to keep your area clean and more organised. Also take fragranced bags with you to dispose of your nappies before putting them in the toilet bins provided.
9. Books
It’s always a great idea to carry reading books (new ones as well as old favourites), colouring books and crayons, as well as an ipod with their favourite songs and stories to listen to.
If you can carry a portable DVD player they are usually a big hit with toddlers. If you bring your own DVD player and your child’s favourite DVDs then you will have full control over the content and also the timing of their video entertainment which is good for maintaining a healthy balance about how much they watch. Another alternative might be to play their DVDs on your laptop.
10. Games to play
Toddlers often get naughty when they experience long delays to their journey, so being prepared is half the battle.
* Pack a goody bag filled with activities to keep them occupied and busy and include things like play dough, a few blocks, some small board books, a little car or your toddler’s favourite teddy. You could also wrap each item in wrapping paper a few times too and play pass the parcel with them, to add to the fun and excitement.
These ideas are best and most effective for keeping your child occupied during the normal waking hours on a flight as they encourage your child’s imagination and creativity.
* Put some fun pictures onto your digital camera of the people and places you are going to visit or pictures of a recent trip you’ve been on, like to the zoo, for your child to look at. During the flight, you can relive the fun and tell stories about where/who you’re visiting. It will keep your little one busy and relaxed which will make the flight a pleasurable one for all of you.
* When the flight attendant delivers drinks, ask for a cup, a couple ice cubes, and a straw. There are endless games you can make up with this combination as ice is fascinating to toddlers. Make sure that the ice doesn’t end up in their mouth though as it is a choking hazard.
* Bring a book of Finger Rhymes to teach your toddler. Great ones are “Finger Rhymes” by Marc Brown and “Little Hands, Finger Plays & Action Songs: Seasonal Activities” by Emily Stetson and “365 Games Smart Toddlers Play” by Sheila Ellison
* Learning how to fasten and unfasten an “old fashioned” seatbelt, jacket zipper and poppers or buttons on their clothing (or a carry on bags) can keep them occupied for a long time too.
* And don’t forget the old favourite of peek- a- boo if you’ve got friendly neighbours and “I spy”!
It’s all about relaxing, imagining the journey going really well a couple of nights before you fall asleep, so your unconscious gets ready for the journey positively, and planning ahead. It’s also about being flexible and relaxed when unexpected things happen that you have no control over. Toddlers will pick up on your vibes so lighten up, chill out and have a brilliant holiday!
This great article comes from www. Parenting Australia.com.au
Sue Atkins is a Parent Coach and Author of “Raising Happy Children for Dummies” one in the famous black and yellow series and mother of two children. She has written many books on self esteem and toddlers and her Positive Toddler Taming CD and ideas book is available from her website. To find out more about her work and to receive her free monthly newsletter bursting with practical tips and helpful advice for bringing up happy, confident, well-balanced children from toddler to teen go to => http:/www.positive-parents.com
Our daughter is flying from England in November with her 7 month old son. She requires a baby safety seat for the day she arrives in Sydney, and the same again when she leaves three weeks later. She has family members at each of her other destinations who can have baby seats fitted in their cars when she arrives, but Sydney is the the problem, because it will be for such a short time. Is it possible to hire one for one or two days at a time? She will be using private transport so doesn’t need to hire a taxi. I realise that that car will have to be fitted out to take a baby seat. It will difficult enough travelling with a baby without having to carry her own baby seat, as well.
Donna @ Little Gulliver said: 20 September 2010 2:33 PM
Hello Mary,
That sounds great. I’m surmising you’re based in Australia and no doubt you’re a bit excited about seeing your Grandson (and his mum)!
Since you’ve mentioned private transport, hiring a car + seat is out. But, yes, absolutely you can hire just a seat for a day or 2 at a time. (Of course individual places may have a minimum number of days hire, so you may have to pay for some extra unused days). There are a number of businesses that hire baby equipment. You could also hire other things, like port-a-cots, strollers and the like.
I’ve listed a couple below that rent baby equipment in Sydney;
I’m sorry I can’t personally recommend any in particular, although I have used ‘Hire for Baby’ a couple of times. (It is a franchise business though and I have not used it in the Sydney region).
As your Grandson is around 7 months, the hire company will advise which car seat option will suit him – based on his weight. Baby capsules are most likely out and it will depend on whether he would suit a rear facing car seat or face forward. At his age, rear facing is likely to be the best option. Just check his weight before you make any calls.
Other things to consider when hiring the seat is delivery and installation. Depending on circumstances, they are likely to visit the house with the car and install a day or so before the baby arrives and pick it up the day after he leaves. It will also help if you can tell them the make and model of the car when booking. (I’m not sure why, but I’ve been asked this before)!
Also, with the private car, just make sure it is baby ready. It should already have at least 1 vehicle anchor point (to attach the car seat). Newer cars have these already. Otherwise, you can easily get 1 from a baby store or even a department store. Again, the baby hire organisation you use may be able to help on this.
I absolutely agree that your daughter need not bother about bringing her own seat. Apart from actually having to bother with it, I think they are better off staying in your car – where you know where it’s been. The other thing is legislation. I am uncertain as to whether UK car seats would even be approved for use in Australia and may not be worth the worry.
Here is a couple of recent posts which you may find helpful;
Let me know if there are other things you’re wondering about that I haven’t mentioned. Also, Little Gulliver’s Baby category is here, in case you need any ideas.
Best of luck with the planning and I hope you get lots of cuddles!
Put together your own kit! Choose from a number of road tested boredom busters=>visit our popular Travel Activities category Little Gulliver fun stuff!
Qantas is rolling out new Kids Kits on domestic and international services Qantas kids kits. Children travelling on domestic and trans-Tasman services receive an activity pack from the Mr Men range of books. The new characters Mr Messy and Little Miss Sunshine will be featured (suitable for 3-12 year olds). Children on other international services will receive a Race Around the World pack, comprising a reusable travel pouch with an activity book, a time-zone card, a deck of cards, jigsaw and pen.
-adapted from Kay O’Sullivan, Smart Traveller, The Age, Saturday September 18, 2010
Sounds great? Put together your own kit! Choose from a number of road tested boredom busters=>visit our popular Travel Activities category Little Gulliver Games and Activities
People often ask me about packing. It can be a hard one, as you’re not sure what you’ll be doing and what the weather will be like. Keep it simple and don’t take anything they don’t normally wear at home (chances are you won’t want them wearing it when you’re away). Make sure the clothes are comfortable and that the kids will actually want to wear them (especially older kids).
Because we’re staying with family and will have access to washing I’m taking 3 full sets of clothes per child. This will allow for one set to be washed each night and a spare. This doesn’t include “plane clothes” – because we have such a short flight and will have rel’s waiting at the other end we normally dress up a bit in our “good” clothes and shoes. (I always keep it simple though and always wear the same clothes there and back).
Three “full” sets of clothes includes;
Boys
Girls
singlet
singlet
socs
socs
undies
undies
long sleeve shirt
long sleeve shirt
pants
pants + pinafore dress
jumper/light jacket
jumper / light jacket
casual shoes (1 pair)
casual shoes (1 pair)
Extras – 1 set of pyjamas + dressing gown + slippers, nappies for the baby, extra undies for the 3yo, emergency princess dress up for 3yo girl, footy top for 4yo boy, 1 beanie and hat each.
My kids get reasonably dirty every day. You could possibly take less clothes if you have children of the non-grubby variety, or if you’re happy to wash and use a clothes dryer every night.
I always take as many nappies as I can fit, less bother about shopping while you’re there I say. Alternatively, if you’re staying with family they may be happy for you to let them know a shopping list ahead of time.
By laying out your 3 sets of clothes in little piles, before you pack, you have less chance of forgetting anything. Just make sure you have each set complete before you start packing or you’ll keep wondering if you did actually pack that singlet. You won’t want to unpack your whole suitcase to make sure!
Those of us who live away from our families will understand that the most time we spend on planes is unfortunately not off to a destination like a tropical island or a theme park. Most of our trips are off to see our loved ones, and though this is exciting, it’s when I’m packing that I wish the bathers could fit in and that I would have a need for them!
Anyway, this trip we’re off to the Hunter Valley. From where we are, based in Melbourne, it’s only a short 1 ½ hours in the air. One difference for me this time is its the first time the three kids and myself are heading off on our own, Dad free. Our kids are now 4, 3 and 1, so things are fairly easy (compared to 12 months ago). But I’m still dreading the possibility of sleepless nights and unsettled souls leading to a tired mum. Oh well, it’s the price to pay for getting away.
One week out, I’m making my list and checking it twice. I’ve bought extra nappies, pre-packaged snacks (normally I’m a ‘I bake it you eat it’ sort of girl). I’ve bought everybody new toothbrushes (so I can pack them early), organised hairdressers, checked ahead for the weather (we won’t need our coats – hooray), have organised car seats for the drive at the other end, cancelled fruit delivery…can’t think of anything else!
Advice from your best friend
Qantas is rolling out new Kids Kits on domestic and international services 