Summer holidays are here most and if the kids haven't finished up as yet, they will soon be on their way to singing a little ditty I used to know;

No more pencils, no more books, no more teachers dirty looks! 

Just me? Oh well, holidays are here and it is the best time of the year to get away! Let's go see new things and make memories! That's my thoughts anyway! But I know it can be hard when you have little ones, even the smallest of trips can seem like a massive deal. You know what, it really doesn't have to be! With some simple planning, you can be on your way to an amazing family day out or zooming off to a beach retreat in no time! 

Katie Forsythe from Baby Sleep Company, has compiled her top tips for taking our littlest companions away with us this break, because toddler sleep regression learned during the Christmas break can last longer than your holiday tan!

- If you’re taking a port-a-cot with you on holidays it can be a good idea to have your child sleep in it (in their bedroom) for a few days before you leave. If the environment and bed are both new at your destination it will be harder for them to adjust.

- If you are travelling internationally make sure you visit your physician to check if any extra vaccinations are required (for both you and your baby). Babies put everything in their mouths so are at risk of picking up an unwelcome bug. Ensure you take some extra outerwear for your baby as the cabin air-conditioning is hard to alter and can be very cool which will mean your baby has trouble sleeping.

- Of all our senses, smell is our most primal – babies can smell long before they leave the womb. I would advise any parent to have a designated smell for their baby’s bed – that way you can take the smell with you wherever you are and the environment smells like home.

- If you are driving to a day trip destination, try to time it with regular naptime so your baby can catch a sleep in the car and been refreshed for your outing.

Remember, just because you have a new addition to your family does not mean you should avoid holidays. Sure, a romantic weekend retreat to a vineyard isn’t quite the same as it used to be but with a bit of thought given to appropriate destinations and accommodation, holidays with babies can be a great bonding experience. Stay safe everyone and enjoying your adventures, whether they are near or far! 

With the festive season fast approaching, now is the perfect time to take advantage of the Christmas break and travel somewhere new with your young jetsetters. Flights are often an anxious and stressful experience for many young families but traveling with kids this silly season doesn’t have to be a nightmare for everyone on board, Bestjet’s Managing Director and travel expert Rachel James has come up with 10 tips!

 

How to survive the trip with your kids:-

1. Let your children know you're going on a flight. Let them know how they're expected to behave and what to expect during the flight but don't build it up with too much excitement as this could help to create anxiety. Make sure you keep your own emotions about the trip fairly level. Kids pick up on how you're feeling very quickly. If you seem nervous, stressed or overly excited it may just trigger a meltdown for them.
2. Pre-book children's meals and pre-request bassinets seats if required. This can be done through your travel agent or with the airline directly. An additional benefit to ordering a child-friendly meal is sometimes the airline will serve the child's meals first allowing you time to help them before your meal arrives.
3. Pack a carry-on bag for your child. My young kids love to have their own small backpack. It makes them feel included and responsible which in turn, helps them to behave at the airport. Be warned though- not to make it too big, as you will often end up having to carry it at some point along with your own.
4. Pack a change of clothes for 2 main reasons. The first is because accidents happen. In that small confined space, and with the possibility of turbulence, spillages do happen. The second is for climate control. Air conditioning on planes can often get cold so it's a good idea to have some warm clothing. Plus keep in mind, you may have left a cold destination and be arriving at a warm tropical island (or vice versa)
5. Pack healthy snacks. There can often be several hours between meal services and while this may be ok for an adult, the kids can get quite hungry. Sugary foods are probably not your best option when you need them to remain seated. However you may want to take some chewy lollies for them to have during take-off and landing to help with their ears. You may need to discard any uneaten food when you get off the plane depending on your destinations customs laws.
6. Pack activities. Some may cringe at this but I love re-useable stickers. The kids place them all over the tray table and window then keep re-arranging them. Be courteous and make sure they are all removed before leaving. I'm not a huge fan of colouring-in pencils or lots of small pieces. They tend to fall off the tray tables or in between seats and it's really difficult to pick them up when the seat in front of you is so close. iPads are always a great option. Pre-load some new movies or TV shows before your flight. 

7. Take a small plastic bag for rubbish. You really need to keep your little space tidy. Stuff gets everywhere, especially during a long haul flight.

8. Show your child the seatbelt light and explain right from the start they have to remain seated (just like they do in a car trip). Only when the light is off are they allow to go to the toilet. Make sure they go before you board.

9. Drugs: I'm personally not a fan of 'medicating' your child for the flight. Drugs like Phenergan can actually have the opposite desired effect and cause your child to be hyperactive. It would be essential for you to consult with your doctor and get proper medical advice before giving your child any medication.

10. You do need to ensure you pack any required medical prescriptions in your carry-on as this is safer then in your checked luggage which could go missing. Some medications require an accompanying letter from your doctor. You need to check for banned medicines in the country you are flying to. 

Barwon Heads Caravan Park

We made our way to Barwon Heads, for the weekend and what a beautiful spot it is! 

Getting There

Barwon Heads is 30 minute drive south from Geelong along Barwon Heads road. The drive can be a little tedious with paddocks most of the way! 

If you are coming from Melbourne, it's a 1 hour trip down the M1 then a short trip through Geelong's Princes Hwy before heading onto Barwon Heads road. Trip usually takes 1.2 hours. 

Camping

We had the pleasure of pitching our tent at the Barwon Head Caravan Park, located right near the heart of town. The entry is a little off the main road and can be missed if the kids are yacking at you from behind ... Not that I'd know ... 

Reception was friendly but distracted, but sorted us out pretty quickly. With campsite chosen and map in hand they had us on our way. 

The caravan park shares a road with the local footy ground. So on game day there is a detour in place through the park, just closes the main road. 

The prices are based on location in the caravan park and the amount of campers. Plus off peak and peak camping. At the time we went (May 2016) it was $36 per night; off peak/ powered/ 2 adults & 4 kids. 

 

The campsites are a little small but sectioned off by sand dunes. Each smaller area can hold three tents and is great when camping in a group. 

We were lucky to be able to get a prime location because of the time of year, which allowed us beach access from our site. 

 

Amenities

There are blocks scattered throughout the park which are fully functional and clean to use. Each comprising of toilet blocks and showers. 

The showers run on 3-4 minute timers which are pressed before heading into the shower. 

A camp kitchen is available too, conveniently located next to the playground. Inside comprises of sink, fridge, cooktop, microwave, kettle and oven. There are tables and chairs and a TV too. 

 

   

Just outside, in an undercover area are the bbq's. They are clean and work wonders on the old steaks! 

 

There are spatulas available for use and al foil is advised for use to avoid mess and damage. 

Features

The parks main feature is the accessibility to the beach. Long, lazy nights listening to the beach roll in! Bliss! 

 

There is also a play area for the kids. It is centrally located and next to the kitchen. Pretty large area, kids were amused for a while but don't forget your shoes as it is bark!! 

 

 

 

As mentioned, the site is located near to the main strip. Just outside the entry is the local pub, At The Heads and the Beach House, all at your doorstep. These amazing restaurants showcase the regions finest seafood and wine, beer and cider. The Barwon Heads hotel is probably the most kid friendly, but they all do cater for families. 

Just around the corner you have all the local shops and traders. And just a short drive to Ocean Grove will land you in a larger shopping district. The area is also well known for its great surfing spots, picnic locations, the Barwon River and loads more! Definitely worth a trip to here.

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