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 Travel

• On long car trips play 'Who Can Stay Quiet The Longest?' with a prize at the end for the best player. You'll be surprised at how much peace you can get. (Butterball)
• Keep a travel pack of wipes and a nappy in the pocket on the back of your seat in the car. I've used this emergency nappy more times than i care to remember. (MamaG)
• Always take talc in your beach bag - it gets sand off kids in seconds. (AttillaTheHan)
• What to do at the beach? Let the children bury you with sand. This will take them some time and means you can lie down! (VinoEsmeralda)
• Long car journey? Try a game of letter, letter, ring ring. Whenever you see a letterbox you say, Letter, letter and whenever you see a phone box, you say, Ring ring. It just as irritating and as likely to cause fights as I-spy but at least it's a bit of variation. (Dozymare)
• Off on holiday with a toddler or two? Pack a small roll of sticky tape - and use it to seal over low-level electrical sockets. (kgale)
• Camping tip - pitch your tent close to a hedge/wall/fence that will give you some shade first thing in the morning, so you're not roasted out of your tent at 5am. (Zoonose)
• On days out, I always take a photo of our children on my mobile phone before we go. I then have a reminder of clothes they are wearing/full description in case they get lost. (4enoughthanks)
• Don't leave wax crayons on the dashboard of a hot car. They will melt leaving rainbow splatters over the seats as you remove them. This particularly applies to expensive hire cars. (domesticslattern)
• Off camping? Remember that water boils MUCH faster in a saucepan than a kettle. Useful to know when the children wake you up at 6am and you're desperate for a cup of tea! (mackerel)
• Take glow sticks when camping- they act like night lights in the tent, plus, if your kids are up after it has gone dark you can keep tabs on them! (sundew)
• Invest in UV suits for all the family (adults too) if you're heading somewhere hot. Saves money on suncream and means you can all play in the sun without worrying about burning. It transformed my life! (Cazzaroo)
• Get your kids a disposable camera to take on holiday - they'll get some great "kid-view" keepsakes and you'll both get a laugh looking through them for years to come. (Frizbe)
• keep some children's coats, spare clothing and wellies permanently in the car boot if you can. Also a towel and some carrier bags. They'll come in handy just when you least expect. (Tigermoth)
• When packing for a holiday, pop a packet of balloons in the bag. They take up no room but have guaranteed entertainment potential (Cawthorne)
• Don't leave first thing for a long journey. Go swimming or to the park to tire them out. Leave after an early lunch and they'll probably sleep for the first few hours. (JoTwyman)
• On plane journeys, tie toys with a ribbon to the seat belt. It'll prevent your child from dropping them and mean you won't have to spend the whole flight scrabbling on the floor. (champagnesupernova)
• Keep an "emergency rations" bag in the car. Fill it with magazines, snacks, juice cartons and such. That way, if you hit traffic you're prepared for boredom! (Janey81)
• Get your kids a disposable camera to take on holiday, that way they have some great keepsakes and you both get a laugh looking through them for years to come. (Frizbe)
• Taking nappies on holiday with you? Take them out of their packet and line your case with them. They'll take up less space and provide a covering in case anything leaks. (Nbg)
• On long car journeys, get the children to spot road signs and try to work out what they mean. At age 3 and 5 they are already practising for their driving test! (Squirdle)
• Before a long journey hide a couple of favourite toys, so they are even more exciting when you bring them out during the trip. (daisyprincess)
• Radio 4 do a podcast of CBeebies radio. I've subscribed to it on my ipod. Fantastic for car journeys. (Belo)
• Stop the wheels of your pushchair getting dirt onto the material hood of the pushchair when it's folded up by covering them with a carrier bag. (mygirlsmum)
• When packing for children for holidays, run through a typical day, from waking up until bedtime ,and write a list according to what you would use (eg first thing nappy change, dress, so wipes, nappy and sack). (ComeOVeneer)
• Rather than pack a new bag of equipment every time you take your baby out in the stroller or in the car, why not have a special bag readily packed with nappies, wipes, snacks, toys, muslins and a change of clothes. (fifibb)
• To keep your baby/toddler occupied on a plane or long car journey, get some coloured dot stickers, stick some on their arms and legs and then let them peel them off. It keeps them amused for a good half hour or so and is a great distraction. (pj18)
• I know we shouldn't encourage too much TV watching but on a long journey a portable dvd player is a life saver, great for cars trains or planes. (2ndtimearound)
• When choosing a changing bag, remember that once your hormones have calmed you'll not only want something that will blend with your normal style, but that Dad won't be adverse to carrying as well. (Well, we all need a lie in sometimes...) (PeachyClair)
• We keep a rucksack of small toys in our car boot. A mixture of books, crayons, toy cars and animals and leftover tat from party bags, it keeps the kids amused when out and about. (GruffalosChild)
• Keep children occupied on long journeys by printing out a double-sided sheet of logos and landmarks they're likely to see on your travels - laminate it for longevity! (hunkermunker)
• Keep empty egg cartons and use them for snacks on a long journey. Each of the compartments can hold a little peice of fruit, or some cheese, or even a cake. (littlerach)
• To keep children occupied on car journeys try playing snooker! Find the colours and alternate reds to sink shots. Breaks could be made by ambulance, police car as you decide. (katiemum)
• For a long journey, give kids a disposable camera to take photos of the best parts of the journey, there is always something to snap in the car! (kzgirl)
• If you're heading off camping, don't rule out take-aways. We ordered a pizza takeaway on our first night and got it to deliver to our pitch on the site! (monty)
• Take towelling dressing-gowns to the beach/pool. That way the children can get warm and dry in half the time and leave you free to get yourself ready. (binza)
• If you're going on holiday, plait your daughter's hair into lots of small braids. It means she can go in the water without the dreaded de-tangling session, it's dead easy to wash and looks cool. (summac)
• During hot weather, keep an old white sheet in your car to cover kids' car seats with when not in use. Stops them getting burning hot if your car is baking in the sunshine. (Meeps)
• Keep an empty ice cream tub in the front of the car within easy reach for when you hear the inevitable "Muuuum, i feel siiiick". (gigglinggoblin)
• Before going on holiday buy second hand books from a charity shop so there's new stories for journeys and bedtime and it doesn't matter if the books get damaged. (MargeSimpson)
• Buy a pack of stick on car wondow sunshades with washable pens. Keeps the kids entertained for hours and you can wipe them off and start again! (calpopscalum)
• Pass the parcel is a great way to bide the time on a long car journey. Using newspaper put small gifts in between each layer and get the kids to pass it between each other until you turn off the radio/cd. (calcium)
• Sew two piece of ribbon to the tops of your blankets. When you use them in the buggy you can tie the ribbon to the frame to stop it dragging on the wheels or falling off. (fairydust)
• Collect all the tourist leaflets you can. When planning a day out, a quick rummage through them gives ideas of where to go and all the details such as opening times, admission price and directions. (MammyM)
• When travelling by air with very young children, give them a drink or bottle just after the wheels lift to help equalise the pressure in their ears as the aircraft climbs. This will help to avoid ear ache dramas. (Penguinspotter)
• When travelling, take your children's pillows with you for that 'at home' feeling. Settling to sleep in a strange place is made so much easier with something familiar. (Jammer)
• When flying alone with a three year old boy - take a biggish bag of lego as carry-on luggage. Endlessly useful during long delays and a great way to make friends in an airport. (flyladygirl)
• Keep the 'freebie' 4 pack of crayons you get in restaurants in your handbag along with a small pad - a great back up for keeping a bored toddler amused. (JudeB)
• If you're going to a crowded place with your children, wear something colourful on top so at least they can spot you easily if they lose sight of you. (tigermoth)
• Pipe cleaners, available from any cigs counter, are cheap car entertainment, better still if front passenger can play - take turns to guess what the other has made it into. (Blueberry)
• If you've a long journey ahead, go to your library and get some audio tapes of children's stories. Walkmans can now be picked up for as little as five pounds and you're guaranteed a good hour's peace. (monty)
• To lessen the amount you spend on snacks when out on a day trip, give your children their favourite big breakfast before you embark on your journey. (Tigermoth)
• Keep an emergency bag in the car in case of breakdowns or traffic jams. We have blankets, a change of clothes, extra nappies and wipes, water, milk, some raisins and biscuits, a few books and some paper and crayons. (TDelight)
• If you are setting off on a long journey on a hot day, put mainly ice-cubes in your toddler cup. The drink stays cold and they cannot just pour it away. (merglemergle)
• Keep a 'packing list' on the PC for when you go away: makes the job so much easier, and you're less likely to forget vital things like pyjamas (roisin)
• On long journeys we make words up from the letters on car number plates - great for helping with spelling and also good fun for passing the time. You'd be amazed what you can come up with... (MrsE)
• To preserve your modesty and keep both hands free on swimming trips, invest in a cheap bath robe for yourself - it's a lot easier than trying to cling on to your towel and your toddler. (AvocadoLover)
• When choosing a seaside resort, do some research to discover what beaches are not near arcades. Beaches that are lined with rides and penny machines can turn children into whining monsters. Avoid at all costs. (tigermoth)
• My top travel accessory for toddlers is a large bottle of bubbles - the bubbles keep them entertained in the airport and the liquid can be used for washing up cups etc when you get there. (Janeway)
• Keep a supply of nappy bags in the glovebox of your car. They are ideal for wet clothes or shoes and also if a child feels ill they make great sick bags. (stephj)
• Keep a 'packing list' on the PC for when you go away: makes the job so much easier, and you're less likely to forget vital things like pyjamas! (Roisin)
• For long car journeys my children - three and five - now appreciate stories tapes. You can borrow a selection from the local library and ring the changes. (cjj)
• Keep a supply of nappy bags in the glovebox of your car. they are ideal for wet clothes and also make great sick bags! (stephj)
• On long journeys we make words up from the letters on car number plates - great for helping with spelling and also good fun for passing the time. (MrsE)
• When travelling long distances with kids, always pack a small bag with the usual books, games, toys for the journey plus a lightweight change of clothes in case of accident. (Butterflymum)
• A packet of balloons in your hand luggage takes up little space but can entertain the kids for ages if you are delayed. (Cod)
• When travelling, take their pillow with you for that 'at home' feeling. Settling to sleep in a strange place is made so much easier. (Jammer)
• The parcel shelf from the boot lid of your car makes a great changing table on car journeys. (Naylors)
• When travelling by plane avoid earache by letting your baby drink from a bottle for the duration of take-off and landing. (Ariane)
• The best value travel toy ever has to be mini pots of play dough. It saw us through the plane journey and coach transfer and kept my two daughters happy and entertained during meals out. (Allegra)
• Get help round the house and let your kids earn their holiday spending money by doing a star chart. We do a Euro per chore. (Custardo)
• On plane trips give your baby a drink from the bottle both on take off and landing - swallowing helps clear their ears. (Brightlights)
• If you are going out for a meal (or anywhere small children might find boring) always bring along some small pocket size toys to keep them amused, just give them the toys one at a time throughout the meal. (Gloworm)
• As soon as they are old enough, teach your kids to map-read. It keeps them interested in the journey and stops those are we nearly there yet? whines. (sed)
• In a rush to go out and children still faffing about? Tell them it's a race to get out the front door, count to ten and watch them move! (Charliecat)
• Keep some children's coats, spare clothing and wellies permanently in the car boot if you can. Also a towel and some carrier bags. They will come in handy just when you least expect. (Tigermoth)
• Buy raisins in little boxes and keep them in your handbag. As they are fiddly to get out of the box they can buy you valuable time when you need to try something on, stand in a check out queue etc. (Slefley)
• When going on a long journey, my three year old kept herself very busy with a box of plasters. She arrived at our destination covered in pink plasters on all available skin. (Driver)
• When you go to busy places, ie. legoland, write your mobile number on your child's arm in biro, so if they get lost, they just go up to another mummy, flash the number and you get a call! (Beachyhead)
• When you go to busy places, ie. legoland, write your mobile number on your child's arm in biro, so if they get lost, they just go up to another mummy, flash the number and you get a call! (Beachyhead)
• We never go anywhere without a small jar of raisins. They top up the blood sugar when our baby gets tetchy and keep her very happy in the car. (emmagee)
• By a new toy specifically for long journeys. I use the usual distractions first until my son's patience runs out, then out comes the new toy and the world seemed a better place to him all of a sudden. (KL)
• If you have a child who's just turned five and intend to travel abroad this year, sort out their passport now. They need to change the photo, and this really can take a good few weeks, so to avoid stress, do it sooner rather than later. (bon)
• Plan ahead for long car journeys by creating a Treasure Hunt of Towns, Villages and places of interest along the way. If written in a map form your child will, not only enjoy the hunt, but will be a joy to travel with. (denisehardy25)
• If you're dreading long car journeys when you're potty training try Pampers Caremats. Just fold and place them under your toddler on the car seat and any accidents will be soaked up so you can change pants and carry on your journey without a soggy car seat! (Katherine)
• If your traveling by plane take a pillow. If you put it across your lap your child can sleep much more easily and you can also hand the whole bundle to you partner for a break! (zzzzz)
• Don't forget that your child's passport need renewing once they are five years old. (Bon)
• I always keep a cheap paper tablecloth and some crayons in my changing bag. When we go out to a restaurant for something to eat I spread the tablecloth over the table and my 2yr old daughter scribbles away to her hearts content. (Witchypoo)
• Personal stereos and storytapes make long car journeys much more bearable. You can get a cheap tape player from Argos for less than a fiver. (fio)
• If you are out and about in a really busy place over the summer, write your mobile number (& mum) on your child's hand. It does give you some peace of mind. (jona)
• Keeping a Magnetic Drawing Board in the car for the kids keeps them entertained. You can ask them to draw things they've seen on their journey or anything you like, but they love it. (tyden)
• If you are hiring a car on holiday, always phone up the car hire company before your holiday to check the type of car seats they are supplying. We had a nightmare when we arrived on hols only to discover they didn't have any rear facing seats which we needed for our baby. (bon)
• Before holidays, do a trawl of your local charity shops for cheap little toys and books. The kids have something 'new and different', it doesn't matter if they get sandy orwet, and you can even leave them at the villa for the next family. (mo2)
• If you're having trouble getting the kids off to sleep - try warming both their nappy and sleepsuit on the radiator while they're in the bath. If it's really cold put a hot water bottle inside their sleeping bag for a few minutes as well. Once they're snuggled in their warmed nappy, sleepsuit and sleeping bag they just can't help themselves! (northernlass)
• Treat your child to a Magnadoodle for long journeys. They give them endless possibilities for drawing and doodling and because the drawing stick is attached, they are unable to lose it. (jona)
• Before a long journey, prepare a box or bag with lots of little things your child likes - a small book, toy, pencil and pad, small snack, drink carton, sweet, etc. Allow your child to take one item every 10 or 15 minutes of a journey or every hour of a really long journey. (Giovanna)
• When taking your children out to crowded areas like theme parks, write your mobile phone number on a wrist band (hospital type) or make one out of a strip of cloth. Tell your child to phone you or get a responsible adult to do so if they get lost. (SarahV)
• Keep toddlers happy on journeys by filling a scrapbook with pictures of their favourite things and people - use old photos, catalogues, holiday brochures etc. Our sons especially loved some pictures we found in a tractor catalogue! Use photos that aren't quite good enough to make the family album. This isn't meant to be a major arty task, just something for fun (sed)
• When flying spread the courtesy blanket on the seat and over the floor,covering a wide space. Once your child starts to play with their toys this blanket will ensure that none get lost. Most airlines will let you take the blanket with you which means at the end of the flight you can scoop everything up, tie a knot in the blanket and get off without having to scrounge around on the floor or under chairs. (meanmum)
• Try giving your children peas-in-the-pod to eat during long car journeys. Healthy and also time-consuming to extract and eat, so keeps them quiet for blissfully long periods of time. The shells, although liberally dispersed around car, are also easy to clean up. (Muskrat)
• If your toddler is finding the journey home difficult (eg building up towards a tantrum) try asking them for directions. To keep their interest keep double checking as you go - are you sure it's round the next corner.. now were do we go.. oh past this tree, then where?. May sound crazy but they feel really good and you can both enjoy the rest of the walk! (mam)
• When last flying short haul with our fifteen month old daughter, we asked for a cup of ice for her. For half an hour she moved ice from one cup to another, content to sit on my lap. As it melted we both drank it. The ice kept her busy, hydrated and helped with her teething pains. (weaver)
• Always carry a bottle of water with you when you take out your children, and keep one in the car, too. Keeps thirst at bay not matter where you are, and saves you having to buy expensive soft drinks along the way. (tigermoth)
• If your child is tired and tearful on the way home from school, try asking them for directions. The distraction will divert them from possible tantrums and instead they will feel really good about themselves. (mam)
• When last flying short haul with our fifteen month old daughter, we asked for a cup of ice for her. For half an hour she moved ice from one cup to another, content to sit on my lap. As it melted we both drank it.The ice kept her busy , hydrated and helped with her teething pains. (weaver)
• I take a portable plastic 'high chair' (booster seat with lap tray and belt) on long train journeys. I attach the seat to the train seat (not super secure but tight enough to stay put)and feed and entertain my toddler for longer than just on my knee. (tomps)
• An in-the-car game for toddlers: choose three things to spot; e.g. a ladder, a motorbike, and a blue lorry. When we have found them all, we make up another list, encouraging the toddler to help compile it. Works every time. (Charley)
• For long car journeys velcro two cloth bags to the back of the driver and passenger seat and fill them with little suprises (cheap colouring books and pens and penny sweets). Then let the children have a dip every so often, it works a treat with mine. (maxie66)
• For those long trips, one of you takes the toddler on the train, the other drives with the car. On the train there's more space and interesting things and no need to be strapped in all the time. Not cheap, but what price your sanity ? (issymum)
• When travelling with a child who gets travel sick make sure you have nappie sacks they make ideal travel sickness bags, and smell nice and can also be used for rubbish. (dubgirl)
• Nappy sacks make ideal travel sickness bags. They smell nice and if you buy the supermarket own brand they don't cost the earth either. They can also be used for rubbish. (dubgirl)
• Always keep a spare set of clothes and a carrier bag in the car, you never know when accidents might happen and you need a change. A bottle of water or juice is a useful part of the emergency kit too for if you are stuck in traffic or break down on a hot day. (PamT)
• If you're taking a young child on holiday, buy a small, inflatable paddling pool to take with you. You can take it the beach or pool and fill it up and keep your child safely by your side. (Rhiannon)
• Keep a book and a can in the car for those rare moments when your toddler dozes off on the way home and getting them out would spoil the peace and tranquillity. (Bron)
• Everything getting a bit noisy in the back of the car? Try the foolproof (!?) Tongue holding competition; everyone has to hold their tongue between finger and thumb for as long as possible, and the last person to let go is the winner!! (Tom)
• Always keep a small plastic container of bubble solution (with wand inside)in your bag. If you toddler is unconfortable, bored or just in a plain fussy mood or your stuck waiting for a bus that's not coming; it's a great entertainer. (mariej)
• If your child is overheating in hot weather, dip their hats in water to help them cool down. My daughter loved it! (Casbie)
• Feeding a baby during take-off or landing on a plane can help to reduce popping ears, due to the swallowing movement. (Cow and Gate)
• If buying bottled water for infants, whilst on holiday, try to buy one with a low sodium content (under 20 mg per litre). Sodium is listed on bottles under the symbol Na. (Cow and Gate)
• On long journeys I make sure my kids each have a rucksack full of their own choice of books and games and plenty of snacks and drinks. Most importantly don't travel any longer than an hour and half before stopping this seems to break up the boredom. (porkypig)
• Take a blow up lilo in your bag and produce it for the kids to sleep on in the event of airport delay. Just one of those cheapo ones would have made so much difference. (kia)
• Make your own I-SPY book for long journeys; draw a map, number the junctions, landmarks and towns, for children to tick off, count how many lorries and Little Chefs etc. Our Cornwall trip passes so much quicker now. (Ems)
• When travelling abroad instead of having a potty in the boot for our daughter we bought a 'potette' which collapses and has bags with a pad which can be placed on the potette and then disposed of like a nappy bag. (chinapanda)
• Re-usable stickers, the sort you get on a folding picture/scene are great to keep in your hand luggage / toddler backpack when travelling. Our two year old spent about 30 mins arranging them on the window of the aeroplane and we also used them on the big sliding windows of our villa to 'act out' numerous stories. (MotherofOne)
• I've always found a cheap bottle of bubbles very handy to take on holiday, great for the kids to chase on the beach or grassed areas. (rosehip)
• Keep a supply of dry snacks like raisins or breadsticks as well as a bottle of water in your car. You'll be grateful for them sooner or later.
• To most children a beach is a beach, so why suffer 9 hours on a plane to Florida when they'd be just as contented in Falmouth.
• Pre-book children's meals on flights. They get served first and you'll avoid the endless wait for food.
• When travelling, always have some scrap paper and pens/ pencils /crayons (depending on the age of your child) at the ready - either in the car or in your handbag. You never know when they will come in handy. (Kate)
• If your child won't stand still to have sun cream applied, pretend you're turning them into a warrior prince (boys) or a supermodel (girls). Apologies for sexual stereotyping, but it works for my two!
• My children (aged 4, 6 and 9) love story tapes. We gave them a cheap walkman each and the peace in the car is wonderful - no more fighting about which tape to have and up-front we can listen to the radio.
• If you have a clever toddler who taught themselves to escape their harness in the car or pram by slipping their arms out, thread the two shoulder straps through a thick hair elastic, so the band sits at the back of their neck. If they try to take the shoulder straps down, the elastic keeps the strap in place and is comfortable for the infant.
• Keep your child entertained in the car with their own tape recorder (ELC do a good, brightly coloured one). Keep it in the back next to them so you don't have to listen to it as well!
• If your children won't put/keep their seat belts on, make it seem that the car won't start or move until they've got their seat belts on.
• Buy a portable potty with a lid. We keep ours in the car - they're really good for traffic jams or car sick kids. I even feel that I could use it in an emergency although I haven't had to yet!
• If you're planning to ski with a toddler, invest in some proper snow boots. We used wellies and it took a while to realise that the reason she was so miserable in the snow was that her feet were like blocks of ice. (Jraven)
• If you're thinking of having a summer holiday with childcare you'd better get booking fast - for some summer weeks the creche places are already filling up.
• Geneva Airport has a small creche for kids well equipped with toys, books, a rest room with cots, larger beds. You can find it in the Departure hall, before going to gate. (lise)
• I flew last month, very nervous about taking our 9 month old, as he has never been a 'lap baby' and is too big for a flight cot. I put him in the footwell to lie down and he slept happily the whole flight! (lil)
• Take a blow up lilo in your bag and produce it for the kids to sleep on in the event of airport delay. Just one of those cheapo ones would have made so much difference. (kia)
• If you're heading to Cornwall this summer take the motorail sleeper. It's not that expensive, avoids all the queues and the kids love it. It transformed our holiday. (holly)
• Small boxes of raisins are perfect for keeping my 18 month old happy on a long car journey - and they don't make a mess! (KateCres)
• Ease the tedium of a long journey by preparing a 'lucky dip' beforehand. Wrap up a few small toys and snacks and let your child dip in the bag when they start getting fidgety. (Suz1)
• When flying with children always board the plane last. Boarding early adds at least 1/2 an hour to the length of time you have to contain a bored child in a confined space. (Eve)
• Like most 4 yr olds, my son gets bored on long car journeys so I now take a walkman along and plenty of story tapes, which you can borrow from any library for free. The result is a peaceful car journey (. Sandy)
• Whenever you go away pack a non-slip bathmat (for inside the bath). I've needed one everywhere from Center Parcs to in-laws. It's always on my list now (. Ems)
• If your child is prone to being car sick try letting her sit in the front and use sea bands (bands that go around wrists on accupressure points - available from chemists). (DianeH)
• Whenever you go on a trip or excursion, let your child buy a postcard. My daughter keeps hers in a photo album and loves to look back and remember the places she's been to. (Wombat)
• If you're going to the beach, put sun lotion on you children before you hit the sand. Saves their tears as you try to hold down a wriggling child while massaging in an abrasive sand and sun lotion mix. (Tigermoth)
• When you go on holiday, get a small rucksack for your little one to carry; for teddy, book, biscuit etc. Makes them feel very involved and important. (Ems)
• If you're planning a day out in an unfamiliar area with your children, phone the local tourist office to see if there are any child orientated events on offer, especially over the summmer months. (TigerMoth)
• On long car journeys steer clear of expensive, crowded, service stations. Take a slight detour into any decent sized town and head for the leisure centre. You might find a soft play area, a pool and you can have lunch for half the price. (McAllister)
• When packing for a holiday, pop a packet of balloons in the bag. They take up no room but give hours of entertainment and will stop potential 'trashing' of the hotel room! (Cawthorne)
• Make your own I-SPY book for long journeys; draw map, number the junctions for children to tick off, landmarks and towns, how many lorries and Little Chefs etc. Our Cornwall trip passes so much quicker now. (Ems)
• When your children are thirsty in the car on long journeys, rather than risking sticky spillages from juice cups try feeding them seedless grapes, they're great thirst quenchers. (sjem)
• Fix a car tidier to the back of the passenager seat to keep crayons, paper, colouring books, reading books, and a magna doodle. Keeps them occupied on long journeys. (twinkletoes)
• For books to read to a toddler on a plane try a series published by Little Treasures. There are about 10 titles costing £1.25 each, measuring about 7 x 10cm and weighing almost nothing - should keep them quiet for a while... (fms)
• If your child is used to sleeping in a dark room then a length of blackout lining and a couple of safety pins can be a very useful addition to holiday luggage - it allows you to darken a room however flimsy the curtains - or can just be draped over the travel cot. (julieG)
• Light, easy to pack, takes up very little room but will keep kids entertained for ages - ideal for taking on holiday - balloons! (TLB)
• Small boxes of raisins are perfect for keeping my 18 month old happy on a long car journey - and they don't make a mess! (KateCres)
• In the car, tell them that the first child to spot a two-wheeler will get whatever present they want. (dannylandau)
• For long car journeys my children three and five now appreciate stories told on tapes - I usually borrow a selection from my local library to and supplement these with the odd tape story that has a book. (cjj)
• Looking for other single parents to share holidays with? Try www.friendlytraveller.com. It's free and easy to use and they've just added a special section for single parents under interests. I've used it before and its good. (Singlejoe)
• We never go anywhere without a small jar or box of raisins. They top up the blood sugar when our baby gets tetchy and keeps her very happy in the car. (emmagee)
• My children (aged 4, 6 and 9) love story tapes. We gave them a cheap walkman each and the peace in the car is wonderful - no more fighting about which tape to have and up-front we can listen to the radio.
• If you're caught short when you're out, head for a disabled public loo. They have enough room to bring a buggy and your shopping in with you. (fb)
• For cheap holidays check out the promotional deals in the papers (the ones that seem too good to be true!). Last year it cost us just over fifty pounds for a weeks holiday for two adults and three children and we were in the same accommodation as those who had paid hundreds. The deals usually start around now so keep your eye out and start collecting the tokens. (Loobie)
• Place a rolled up rug or towel between your child's car seat and the car door. This way if they keep throwing toys, bottles etc over the side they don't fall on the floor and can easily be retrieved. It certainly makes my journey to and from work alot less painful. (Pigwig)
• Keep an 'essential supplies' bag permanently in the car e.g. nappies, wipes, ready-made milk, pre-sterilised disposable bottle, change of clothing, couple of toys, jars of food etc. This takes the last-minute panic out of preparing for outings with the kids, and has saved me countless trips back into the house to fetch something I've forgotten. (salimali)
• When potty training your child, use a folded care mat in their car seat for long journeys. Saves having to wash car seats when you reach your destination. (Lill)
• When travelling, take their pillow with you for that 'at home' feeling. Settling to sleep in a strange place is made so much easier. (Jammer)
• If you're flying long distance with a young baby, tie any toys to your wrist with string so you don't have to rummage on the floor when she inevitably drops it. (alil)
• Short of cash for a summer holiday? Seriously consider a house-swap. You don't have to have a mansion, and more and more people are doing it. (Gameboy)