UK Ferry Tickets

If you’re travelling to Europe on a self drive holiday with your children then a lot of fun can be had by all. After all, you’ll have the accommodation booked up, activities planned to keep all of you entertained and no doubt they’ll be exhausted every night so you’ll have a good night’s sleep. However, that’s all good for when you get there, but what about on the way? The start to any self drive holiday can be taxing if you have to drive for a while, but if you have children that journey can be longer and more stressful than it needs to be!

The trick is to plan for the journey at the same time as planning for the holiday. Doing so can save you a lot of shouting and high blood pressure! You might want to try the following methods, all of which are proven to work and keep children from getting on your last nerve. Trust me, they’ll come in handy! Take it from a mum that knows:

• Take Regular Breaks – Stopping for your kids to stretch their legs will prevent a lot of the moaning. It won’t entertain them but it will give them a change of scenery and, if you have more than one, it will give them a break from being cooped up with each other. Hopefully this will diffuse any bubbling resentments and save bickering in the back seat.

• Plan Some Fun In Car Activities – There are some great games that can keep your children entertained. If they like reading then encourage them to read a book during the trip. There are some puzzles that are specifically designed for travelling as well. Even I-Spy might work! Fun activities will distract them and help the time to pass a little more quickly.

• Stop In At Attractions Along The Way – Do you research before you get to the Continent and find out if there are any activities to do along your route. There may be a playground, a zoo or a similar place that could provide you and your children with a little welcome relief.

• Take Plenty Of Water And Healthy Snacks – Nothing will make a trip worse than a sugar high so don’t take sugary snacks and drinks with you to pacify your children. Take healthy snacks and water instead. This will fill them up enough so they are not hungry but will keep their blood sugar level and so not encourage any naughty or mischievous behaviour.

• Don’t Resort To Video Games – Video games in a car are a big no-no, no matter how much they pacify your children. They can cause arguments of who is to play them as well as distracting the driver. Your concentration has to be on the road, especially as Europe drives on the opposite side of the road to the UK. Video games can break that and cause accidents with the noises and vibrations of some. Stick to other activities instead.

 Guest Article by Louise Crowley

Saturday, July 5th, 2008