當馬克遇上莎莉

If you're off on holiday with your baby or toddler, your little travelling companion will add a whole new dimension to your trip. Yes, you'll need to take a lot more luggage than usual and plan well in advance, but travelling with children can turn holidays into an enjoyable adventure.

Here are some parent-tested suggestions for travelling with a young child:

1. Be flexible
Travelling with children can be a wonderful experience -- provided you go with the flow. Too many new sights and sounds can overstimulate your baby and toddlers get bored having to sit still or sightsee for long periods. Carrying your toddler in a backpack will help keep him out of trouble, but you can also help by keeping your itinerary simple. Only plan one major activity a day and you'll find it much easier to make last-minute adjustments if your child gets tired or fed up.

2. Pick a family-friendly destination
Choose a relaxing destination that's used to young visitors. Go for a lazy beach retreat, family campsite, Centerparcs, Club Med or similar child-friendly place. Skip crowded, overstimulating tourist destinations, places without any shade and city breaks. Look for hotels that let children stay free of charge in their parents' rooms and provide free meals for children or buffet-style breakfasts included in the price of the room. Ask about babysitting services, creches and facilities for children, too.

3. Bring water and plenty of snacks
A bag of snacks and a water bottle are vital components of any trip. Children can get dehydrated during a flight and toddlers can't always wait for mealtimes. Best bets include treats such as raisins, bananas, breadsticks, rice biscuits, small juice cartons, dried fruit and small boxes of dry cereal. Bring along baby wipes for cleaning up. Give your child something to look forward to by dispensing snacks at pre-announced intervals, for example, once you reach the airport or after you ve travelled 30 miles.

4. Plan frequent rest stops
If you're driving, break up your journey so your child has regular chances to stretch and run around. Pack a ball for a quick game of catch and some simple board books for quiet times. End your driving day early so you can all unwind after a long day on the road.

5. Think safety
Bring along a basic childproofing kit to use at your destination. If you are travelling by car, make sure your baby's car seat is properly installed. Use removable window shades to keep the sun off your child. You may want to dress toddlers in brightly coloured clothes so he's easy to spot in a crowd and put a small card with identification information in one of his pockets in case you get separated. Print out our packing checklists for travelling with a baby or toddler for more ideas.

6. Pack a goody bag
A good way to keep kids content on a trip is to take along a goody bag with plenty of toys, snacks and drinks. Include favourite toys, games, books and some surprises. Wrap each individually and present your child with a surprise every once in a while. For toddlers, try puzzles, dolls, action figures, puppets, brightly coloured paper for drawing, non-toxic crayons, stickers for the car windows, story tapes and books. For babies, possibilities include shiny new objects, baby-proof mirrors, rattles, musical toys, soft animals, pop-up toys, plastic keys or teething rings. Start building your toy stash a few weeks before the trip.

7. Take practice trips
Small children are adaptable and shouldn't be too disturbed by a temporary break in routine, but a little preparation will help your child enjoy his trip. Show him pictures of your destination and talk about who you'll see and what you'll be doing there. Your child will take his cue from you: if you convey excitement and positive feelings about your upcoming adventure, chances are your little one will approach the trip the same way.