Taking your children abroad can be a stressful experience - there's so much to remember that you could spend your whole time away worrying rather than relaxing!

We've been looking after children of all ages in our crèches and children's clubs for several years now, so we thought it was about time we put together some further ideas for you. We've included tips on matters such as what to take with you and how to keep children entertained on the way to your destination.

We've designed this leaflet to be easy to take away with you and written it so that it can be of use to you on any holiday you take, whether with Simply Travel or not. We hope you find it useful.

Location, Location, Location

Deciding where to go is half the fun! You may already have a firm destination in mind, but if not, these tips may help you.

• Talk to the travel agent or tour operator and list your needs. For example, a family holiday away from noisy nightclubs but with easy access to a selection of restaurants and shops.
• Ask how far and how long it takes to travel from the airport to your hotel or villa.
• What is there to see in the area? Is there local transport or is car hire essential?
• What is the terrain like? Can you use a pushchair? Are there highchairs and cots at the hotel or villa?
• What kind of temperatures can you expect? It may be better to travel with babies and toddlers in the spring or autumn before it gets too hot and crowded.

Planning & Paperwork

For a hassle free holiday it is worth spending time on the organisation. Allow at least four weeks prior to departure to arrange the following.

• Pop into the Post Office to collect an E111 form. Presenting the completed form to the hospital or doctor overseas will entitle you to free or reduced-cost emergency medical care in countries in the European Economic Area. The E111 booklet, Health Advice For Travellers, gives comprehensive travel advice including an immunisation chart. Photocopy your E111s and keep these with the originals. Some countries retain the copy. However, the E111 is no substitute for travel insurance - some countries do not recognise it, e.g., Austria, and others still prefer you to pay.
• Do all family members have current passports? This applies to all children who were not already included on a parent's passport by 5th October 1998. Countries such as Turkey insist on validity for a set period after your return so double check. For further advice on passports and visas, you can contact The Passport Office on 0870 521 0410. Their website address is www.passport.gov.uk where you can request an application form online, or use their fax-back information service on 0901 470 0120.
• Take out travel insurance and don't forget to take your policy with you. You'll need to obtain an official confirmation of any injury or illness, e.g., a doctor's letter. Keep all receipts relating to any medical expenses you incur. Your policy will have details of who you should contact in the event of a claim.
• Pack your driving licence if you intend to hire a car. Check to see if an International Driving Permit is required. It's preferable to obtain an EU licence, wherever possible, as the old-style green driving licence is not generally accepted in Europe. For specific regulations talk to your tour operator or travel agent. Also, make sure children's car seats are available.
• Order currency and travellers' cheques from your bank or a local travel agent.
• If more than 28 weeks pregnant, ask your tour operator or travel agent if a doctor's certificate is needed to fly. Different airlines have different regulations.
• Pre-book seats together and special in-flight meals, such as, vegetarian meals.
• Some airlines do not allow toddlers under two to occupy a seat. Are there enough adults in your party to hold the children during the flight?
• Consider an overnight stay at a hotel at the airport to reduce stress on the day of travel. Your tour operator or travel agent should be able to arrange this for you.
• Arrange for secure parking and fast-track check-in at the airport if required. Again, this is something your tour operator or travel agent should be able to arrange.
• Employ a house sitter or book pets into a kennel or cattery.
• Leave travel dates, contact & flight numbers with a friend or relative.

The Flight

• Confirm pre-booked items at check-in.
• Allow for delays at either end. Carry sterling and foreign currency for meals, drinks and phone calls. Bottled water and some snacks for your children are also advisable.
• Backpacks are useful, leaving hands free to carry children.
• Keep tickets, passports, keys, baby goods, spare nappies, moist wipes, bottled milk and any medications in your hand luggage. Put documents in clear plastic wallets so you can see and find them easily.
• Take sweets to suck during take-off and landing. A dummy helps babies.
• Amuse children with sticker books, puzzles or finger puppets.
• Pregnant women should drink plenty of water during the flight and do simple leg exercise, such as, rotating the ankles.
• If purchase of a visa is required on entry, ensure you have the cash handy to pay for it.
• If you take your own buggy to the plane, it will usually be taken off you at the boarding gate and put in the aircraft hold. Remember to ask for it back when you land!

At The Resort

• Take enough baby meals, juice and nappies for the first two days, until you find the shops. Some mums find it easier to take all baby food to minimise tummy upsets.
• Plan in advance which books, toys, music tapes and player you will take for the children. Don't forget teddy or the comfort blanket!
• Take a dual plug for your hairdrier.
• Pack a supply of hand washing powder.
• If you need to keep in touch with home, remember not all mobile phones work overseas so check beforehand with your mobile phone network provider.
• Be aware of local customs. For instance, it is not unusual for Sardinians to take a baby from its mother to bless it. By and large, Mediterranean people welcome children.

Staying Healthy

Your local UK pharmacy will advise you but as a guide your first aid kit should contain at least: insect repellent, adult and child pain killers, nappy rash cream, antihistamine, calamine lotion, cotton wool, bandages, micropore tape, lint, steristrips, antiseptic wipes, tea tree and lavender oils (dilute for bites or antiseptic use), homeopathic arnica (for bruises), Rescue Remedy (flower essence for shock), rehydration salts, tummy upset cure, thermometer, scissors, nail clippers, tweezers, water sterilisation tablets.

• Eat safely. Avoid ice, unpeeled and unwashed fruit or food exposed to flies or clearly kept warm.
• Don't dehydrate - drink plenty of bottled water.
• Take with you an adequate supply of any prescription medicines.
• Clean teeth with bottled or sterilised water.
• Impress on children the importance of washing their hands after using the toilet.

Sun Wise

• Always apply high-factor (SPF) sun cream.
• Keep children out of the sun between noon and 3.00pm when it is most fierce and keep them covered up whenever possible.
• Children love playing in the water but be aware that light reflection can increase sunburn. Put on waterproof sun cream and a T-shirt. Be careful not to leave them unsupervised in the water.
• Rent a parasol for extra shade.
• Always put a hat on your child, preferably with a back neck flap.
• Moisturise skin each evening.
• Pack conditioner for sun-bleached hair.
• If you hire a car take special blinds to fix on the rear windows and use child and baby seats wherever possible.

And finally, simply have a great holiday!

Simply Travel specialise in properties off the tourist track in Corsica, Crete, Croatia, Greece, the Ionian Islands, Italy, Madeira, Morocco, Portugal, Sardinia, Sicily, Spain and Turkey. We also offer skiing holidays. We offer crèches and children's clubs in Corsica, Crete, Turkey, Zakynthos and Lefkas, as well as Courchevel Le Praz in our ski programme.

In addition, a pre-bookable nanny service is available in the following ski destinations: Courchevel 1300 & 1850, Meribel, Zermatt, Verbier and St Anton.

For more information or a brochure, please contact us on 020 8541 2222 or see our website at: www.simplytravel.com

SIMPLY TRAVEL, Kings Place, Wood Street, Kingston-upon-Thames, Surrey, KT1 1SG.

Click here to download a printable version of the Simply Travel guide to travelling with children.