FAMILY TRAVEL INSURANCE

IMPORTANCE OF A FAMILY HOLIDAY

A getaway is the perfect time to put your everday stresses on the backburner and be present 'in the moment' with family members. It allows you to spend prolonged periods of time together, which can be rare these days. Holidays remove us, physically and mentally, from our highly pressured everyday lives, providing us with the prime time to present ourselves as playful parents.  Both adults and children find travel experiences more fulfilling than material things, so a family holiday is the perfect way to create fond memories that last a lot longer than the coolest toy in town.

CHILDREN SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY

CHILDREN SEE THINGS DIFFERENTLY

Chances are, the things that you find exciting about travel, your child isn't going to.  And if you have children in different age brackets, compromising just got complex.  It's important to consider each child's view, rather than impose culture on every family hoilday.  It's a good idea to check in with others to discuss ideas and interests with the whole family prior to booking anything.  We don't have to tell you, but no two kids are the same.  They're going to want to do different things. Memorable trips are those where each member of the family gets to experience something they love. Asking your kids what they want to do and discussing compromises in advance will help to build anticipication and excitement in the new experiences to come.

GETTING AROUND

Just like families, family holidays come in all different styles and flavours. From self-drive safaris, to cruising the South Pacific.  So, how you get your troops around will depend largely upon your planned adventure. Here are just a few tips on some common family travel modes.

FAMILY FLIGHTS - Tots, teens, tweens and in-betweens, flying with the family in tow isn't really that bad.   There are many tips and guides available online for flying with kids, but here are our top six strategies for happy little vegemites on a plane.
 

• Check in early: Alleviate stress levels by arriving early. Even if you pre-select seats online, the allocation could get moved and you may struggle to all sit together if you leave it too late (unless of course, you don't want to sit with your kids).

• Burn baby burn:  Run races to burn energy before buckling in.

• Stick with the stroller: Don't surrender your stroller too soon.  Keep hold of it until you step onto the plane. That way, when you arrive, your stroller will be ready to roll on the gangway.

• Fly direct: Having to change flights at crazy hours with sleeping or tired and grumpy beings is a bad idea.

• Keep flying fun: Dole out treats and surprises such as coloring-in books and games along the way. You're definitely allowed to let your device standards slip during a flight. Load up the tablet with movies, games and music and invest in some kid-friendly headphones.

 

• ​Tired, hungry, bored: If you're well prepared for these meltdowns, you'll be well on your way to creating some fantastic family fun.

CRUISING WITH KIDS - Cruising can be a convenient way for the whole family to see the world.  Many new ships are like floating resorts with kids clubs and seemingly endless options to keep all ages entertained.  Here's our top six strategies to pack along with your luggage (and cruise travel insurance) to ensure that your family cruise is smooth sailing.
 

• Do your homework: Knowledge is power, so seek as much of it as you can.  Kids’ clubs differ from ship to ship, so make sure you understand how everything works to avoid disappointment.

• Pack properly: Buying on board is expensive, so be sure to pack all essentials and suitable cruise wear.  Be sure you load up with snacks, small toys, books and electronics to keep everyone entertained. But most of all, be sure to pack your inner peace.  Holidays don't always go to plan, so be flexible and focus on solutions rather than disruptions.

• Avoid sickness:  Regularly washing hands and using antibacterial gel or baby wipes can help your family to stay healthy while cruising. It's also a good idea to book a room that is mid-ship where there is less motion to help reduce the likelihood of developing seasickness.

• Embrace formal night: Long time cruisers often forgo formal night, but this a great chance to get the family spiffed up and feeling fabulous about some family photots.

• Time apart: If you have older children who want to run their own ship, set down some ground rules before you board. If you want to keep tabs on roaming teens, some ships have walkie-talkies available for hire.  If you have smaller children, understand the babysitter options to make it easy to plan some mum and dad time while the kids enjoy the youth facilities.

• ​Bring Nan and Pop: Grandma and Granddad make good backup. Having another close family member to take the toddler for a walk or watch older children be more adventurous, can provided additional bliss for mum and dad.

ROAD TRIPS – Road trips are a practical and economic way for family adventures where often the journey becomes every bit as memorable as the destination itself.

BEST TIME TO HOLIDAY

There's no time like the present.  Regardless of your child's age, travel is good for the soul. Tots aged 15 months to 2 years can be a little more challenging as they're usually accustomed to set routines and don't like to sit still, but, no pain, no gain.

Other than when you're hitting the slopes for some snow time, always aim for the dry season.

It's no secret that travelling during school holidays is a total rort. Travelling before the kids hit school age affords more flexibility in dates and cost.  It’s difficult to book anything in peak periods, and anywhere you go is going to be full of kids and queues.  You could always speak the teacher or school principal about time away from the classroom. 

WHERE TO GO
Some great tips on fantastic family holidays coming soon.
 

MUST KNOW TIPS

Don’t forget to pack -  patience, laughter, an adventurous spirit and travel insurance.