Need to get away? Want to take the kids, but can’t bear the thought of organising it all?  Not to mention all the packing, and then the long face they pull when you all pile into the car.

With almost three months worth of Australian school holidays every year, you’re bound to be planning a trip with the kids sooner or later. And if they’re not yet at school, make the most of it and plan your holiday outside of school holidays when the prices are lower and the attractions less busy (remember holidays can vary from state to state).  You only need to see a child’s face light up when they’ve got the whole family at their fingertips, to understand the importance of quality time together.

According to recent surveys by TakeABreak.com.au 48% of us always travel with our children, so it’s clear that we need to find a way to make it enjoyable for the whole family!

What are the options?
As the range of accommodation types varies, so do the particular facilities on offer. Some places ‘accommodate’ (or tolerate!) children, while others are truly child-friendly, providing high chairs, porta-cots, baby monitors, plastic cups and plates, games and books for the whole family. Always make contact well in advance to determine exactly what the specific arrangements are, so you avoid disappointment.

Whether it’s a short weekend away or an extended trip… ensuring you have the right ‘equipment’ to keep the children entertained is the best way for you to enjoy your holiday too! Generally children are happy to join the family in a bush walk or hanging out by the pool, but if you want to get some ‘adult’ time as well, then perhaps somewhere with a kids club or child-minding facilities may be a better choice.

Book well in advance
With many more holiday properties now specifically catering to the family-friendly market it’s much easier to find somewhere suitable to take the kids. Not only is family-friendly accommodation a growing niche, but operators are realising that people with kids want to be invited back, so they generally take good care of their accommodation.

While supply is growing fast, so too is demand, as more and more people realise they can take their kids on holiday with them - and still have fun – so you must book early for school holiday dates.

Check it out
Whilst a range of family-friendly holiday properties are available, it pays to contact the operator to check on the range of facilities that they offer (are they just tolerant of children, or do they really welcome them and cater specifically for them?). What do you need to bring in the way of bedding, meal dishes and cutlery, high chair, baby monitor and toys?

A quick conversation will determine whether the property is truly ‘family-friendly’ or if they are simply tolerant and would really prefer your children did not stay.

Take care and beware
We all have slip, slop, slap drilled into us by now and are fully aware of the responsibility that we have to our children in the heat of the summer months. Don’t forget that a long car trip has its responsibilities too.

For your own sake, as well as theirs, make the car comfortable for your kids. Take their favourite toy, ensure they have a bottle of water and plenty of healthy snacks, a blanket and perhaps a pillow too, plan in advance for nap time (if they still have one), take precautions against car sickness and make sure they visit the bathroom before you leave on a big trip.

When travelling long distances it may make sense to get up early and drive while they sleep or to stop for frequent breaks for snacks, bathroom breaks and exercise (a local park is always a good place to stop). Never leave them in a hot or locked car as heat exhaustion can be fatal in a very short time.

Got that sorted? Now don’t forget to pack the same comforts for yourself and perhaps a celebratory bottle of champagne to enjoy once the kids are in bed!

About the Author
This article was brought to you by Penny Young from TakeABreak.com.au, which lists a wide range of family-friendly accommodation Australia-wide at: http://www.takeabreak.com.au/familyholidays.htm.

Penny and her family are enthusiastic travellers!