As many parents will know, travelling with kids can be a challenging experience.
While most do their best to wrangle their brood and keep them from running wild, staying on top of the situation can take some effort.
According to travel experts, there are a few mistakes families make when they go on holidays that aren’t just offensive to them but also to those around them.
Here, FEMAIL takes a look at some simple tips recommended by flight attendants and hospitality staff to make sure you and your family don’t step too far out of line.
There are a few mistakes families make when they go on holidays, and while they aren’t major blunders, none are the sort you want to make (stock image)
A well-prepared family is a peaceful family
This might sound like common sense, but when travelling with children being well-prepared might not just save your sanity, but also those around you.
One flight attendant who spoke to Kidspot said parents who are prepared know they need to pack colouring-in books, games, healthy snacks and iPads to keep kids entertained.
It’s also a good idea to pack lollipops too, they advised, to avoid ear pain on landing and take off.
Parents who are prepared know they need to pack colouring-in books, games, healthy snacks and iPads to keep kids entertained (stock image)
The flight attendant also cautions against parents loading up their kids on pre-flight treats because this can lead to air sickness or hyperactivity from too much sugar.
‘Giving them healthy snacks before and during the flight is definitely the best option for everyone.’
Don’t expect waiters or flight attendants to babysit your kids
One of the joys of being on holiday is being able to take time to relax.
And while your family’s idea of enjoyment might be a delicious meal at a great restaurant, if your kids are running amok, it’s unlikely this will be pleasant for anyone.
Restaurateur Simon Gloftis said although he loves having children at his venues and allowing them the opportunity to experience a different culture through food, if they are behaving badly, this can be a problem.
While your family’s idea of enjoyment might be a delicious meal at a great restaurant, if your kids are running amok, it’s unlikely this will be pleasant for anyone (stock image)
‘A lot of other customers actually complain to us and it becomes really uncomfortable for all involved when waiters are treated like babysitters,’ Mr Gloftis said.
He recommends parents keep bored children occupied with an iPad – preferably one that has the sound off.
Never whip off nappies mid-flight at your seat
Harried parents might not think much of changing a child’s dirty nappy on their seat, but this is something that can be a problem – especially for other travellers.
Flight attendants say doing this is not only hygienic but it’s very off-putting for other passengers:
‘I have seen countless mums change their babies in their seats – even with pooey nappies and another person right next to them!’
When this happens, parents may find themselves being reminded by the staff there are toilets with nappy change tables available.
Parents might not think much of changing a child’s dirty nappy on their seat, but this is something that can be a problem – especially for other travellers (stock image)
Keep babies as comfortable as you can
The sound of a crying baby on a long-haul flight can be distressing to travellers and flight staff alike.
One suggestion, according to a seasoned air stewardess is to book a seat that’s close to the engine.
Although the engine is loud; ‘the womb was incredibly loud too – and they’ll think they’re back in their happy place.’
Familiarise yourself with your destination
It can be difficult for children to adjust to different cultures, so when travelling to new places make sure you do as much as you can ahead of time to help them embrace the experience.
One tip from Travel Insider is when you are planning your itinerary, make sure you keep it light and include plenty of kid-friendly activities.
‘Think about what you would do without kids in one day and then cut that itinerary in half (maybe even a third) for a more kid-friendly day.
‘If you’re holidaying in a city, mix it up with plenty of kids’ activities among visits to museums, galleries and restaurants.’