She Hearts Pretty

As mentioned in my Travelling with babes in tow post, I said I would share some of the things we do / organise / buy / pack before a trip. Things that just get everyone excited and prepared for the adventures ahead.

So here goes.

• Starting with something very important. A countdown. Obviously if they are old enough, kids LOVE a good countdown, and so do I. Nothing better than crossing off days, or checking our countdown app's to see how many sleeps are left.

• We did lots of lead up preparation with Boo (3 1/2 y.o) before our trip to Bali in February. This included lots of google images. The plane, the cabin of the plane, air hostesses, airports, seat belts, noises planes make. Anything I could think of to help her get familiar with what was going to happen, make it less confronting and most of all, make it fun! Some say OTT, pfft to them ;)

• Lists, lists and then a list for my lists! Nothing makes you feel more prepared than to be organised. Less chance of forgetting something!

•  A big stock up at the chemist. Yes, you can buy most things where ever you are going, but when you do need something a) do you really want to be traipsing around trying to find it and b) you will usually need it at some silly hour of the morning. We always travel with a good supply of medications and a first aid kit... Just incase! Listed below are just some of the things I like to have on hand.

* Panadol (adult and child)
* Hydra lite - Dehydration (gastro, food poisoning, bali belly ect...)
* Buscopan - Stomach cramps
* Maxalon - Nausea (prescription)
* Immodium - Diarrhoea
* Kwells - Travel / motion sickness
* Claratyne - Antihistamine (allergic reactions)
* Betadine
* Miltons sterilizing tablets - All you need is some clean water, a container and these tablets to sterilize bottles, dummies, sippy cups (all very important when travelling in foreign countries little babes)
* Sick bags (have you seen how small those paper bags or on airplanes? Would struggle trying to catch a child's vomit in one of them! TMI but true ;)
* First aid essentials (band aids ect...)

(Just my opinion. Obviously majority are for adults. Consult with your GP prior to your holiday for advice on what you should take.)

• Photocopies of passports and travel documents to be packed in check-in luggage. If you have the misfortune of of losing your travel wallet, it's much easier to get things replaced if you have copies.

• A quick email to confirm transfers, portacot hire, and anything else you may be thinking twice about.

•  Register your families travel details on the travel advisory page (http://www.smartraveller.gov.au/)

Hope there is something helpful somewhere in there.

Have you got a tip that helps you prepare for a holiday? Would love to hear it!