Like fine wine, kids don't travel well. The loo stops, the incessant "Are we nearly there yet?", the car-sickness and the boredom make even the most resilient parents gulp at the thought of the annual family holiday. It's not so much the being there that freezes courage, more the actual getting there - and back, of course. Whichever way you choose to travel - air, rail, ferry or car - it won't suit somebody. Bearing this in mind, and starting with the worst possible scenario as a baseline, the most dire thing that can happen is that your expectations will be met. The best picture is that travelling becomes an exciting adventure, and a bit of advance preparation to quell the dullest moments can ensure travelling tranquility. The more involvement the kids have in the planning stages of the trip, the more interested they are likely to be. Follow a few simple guidelines, do a spot of advance shopping, cross your fingers and hope for the best.

Baby on board

• If there is one thing a baby loathes, it is take-off and landing in an aircraft. Pressure on their ear-drums causes much squeaking. If you breast feed, make sure your little one is well latched on, if you don't, ensure a bottle is well and truly at the ready. The sucking action will help distract him or her, and soothe the pressure.

• Try to travel during your baby's natural sleep time.

• Keep it short. It is unrealistic to expect a dream passage to Australia with a wriggly baby on your lap.

• Take warm clothing for flights. Aeroplanes have Arctic air conditioning.

Tricky toddlers

• If you are travelling by car, plan plenty of breaks.

• Pack them their own little picnic box with a few favourite treats to munch.

• Don't take their beloved cuddly. There is no other sure-fire way to ruin your holiday than losing their most precious companion. (Sensible parents have a "double" for just such events).

• If all else fails, sing. Toddlers adore a good sing-song. Story and music tapes might help.

School age

• Don't ever let yourself be heard moaning about how ghastly the journey will be. If you stay upbeat and positive, it may well not occur to the children that travelling can be anything other than interesting.

• Pack a couple of new games (see below) or toys.

• If you are flying or travelling by Eurostar, forget packing crayons and drawing books. Most airlines have a free pack to give out to kids, and Eurostar's pack comes in a handy backpack.

• Ring your airline ahead and order children's meals. Airline food is usually grim, but there isn't much they can do to chicken nuggets that hasn't already been done by the school dinner lady.

So, you got there...

• If in sunny climes, buy a small inflatable boat (with safety rope) for the beach. It is the most versatile holiday accessory. Use to bed down tired toddlers under the shade of an umbrella; fill with sand for a safe and contained baby sand pit; fill with water for a paddling pool; or have a gentle bob on the waves at the water's edge.

• When your kids are happy playing on the beach, don't drag them miles to see ancient monuments and ruins. They'll whinge and you'll get cross.

• Make it a priority on arrival to have the phone numbers and addresses of the nearest dentist, doctor, hospital and chemist. Looking for emergency information in a panic is hopeless.

• Don't hassle your kids. If they want to eat pizza and chips for a fortnight, then let them. You have 50 more weeks to be right about their diet. Holidays are about fun - don't rain on the party by being a pooper.

Anti Nausea Band, £7.49. The Great Little Trading Company, tel: 08702 414080

Works by applying pressure on points in the wrist, supposedly reducing travel sickness. May even work on a psycological basis.

First-Aid Kit, £26.95. Urchin Mail Order, tel: 01672 872872

An all-minor-emergency first-aid kit is a very useful addition to holiday luggage. Who wants to trek round the backwaters of a Spanish village looking for an all-night chemist? This one is compact and comprehensive.

Drink & Snack Combo, £4.95. PHP, tel: 0870 6070545

A very neat idea which will appeal to tiny travellers, too. The non-spill beaker section comes with a twist-off compartment for snacks. Small enough for packing, but large enough for a good amount of drink and treats.

Identity Bands, £4.95. Urchin Mail Order, tel: 01672 872872

Snappy and colourful, these identity bands are ideal for busy beaches and peace of mind. Never write your child's name, but do put a mobile number, your apartment address or hotel details.

Talkabout TA288, £100 per handset. Motorola, tel: 0870 9010555 for stockists

Initially seems like the ultimate neurotic parent tool, but walkie talkies are extremely handy on the beach, on long walks, at theme parks or anywhere your group is likely to seperate to do different things. Like a short-distance mobile phone, but no-risk factor and no expensive bills.

Car Seat Activity Panel, £19.95. PHP, tel: 0870 6070545

A travelling baby needs plenty to occupy the time. This neat little activity panel attaches from the car head rest.

Magnetic Ludo, £4. ELC, tel: 08705 352352

In its own carry pack, this game for two to four players is a modern version of a family favourite. The magnets stop small pieces falling everywhere. The set is lightweight and appropriate for all ages.

Travel Twister, £3.99. Tel: 0800 3287007 for stockists

For travellers who love gadgets, this is a neat little game of Finger Twister. Pocket-sized, eminently portable and a great laugh for older kids.

Travel Scribbler, £10. ELC, tel: 08705 352352

The no fuss, no pen, no rubber drawing set. The Scribbler is good for noughts and crosses, hang-man, silly sketches and any number of rude rhymes. This mini version is the perfect travel companion.

Magnetic Design Board, £7.99. Tridias, tel: 0870 2402104

Nippy device for creating all sorts of weird and wonderful pictures with the 56 shapes and designs that cling to the board magnetically. The flat metal board is easily incorporated into luggage or backpacks.

Pass the sick bag

• The Homeopathic remedy, Travella, by Nelson's has a reputation for quelling those queasy feelings. Available at chemists.

• Peppermint is known for its strong anti-nausea properties.

• The Travelwell Tape is ideal for car journeys. The "white noise" desensitises the vestibular system in the inner ear, preventing nausea. £10.99 at branches of Boots and Superdrug.

• Never let your children read in the car. It's sure to induce copious amounts of vomiting.

Web resources: www.cyberparent.com has instructions for The Coin Game and Drawing Charades; www.family.com is packed full of ideas for travel games.

Recommended reading: Have Baby, Will Travel, by Sarah Tucker, £12.99.

Easter special

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Child support
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