Travelling with children

Trains and boats and planes (and the odd car ride).

Travelling with kids can be testing.  Remember your bored, hungry, whiny, kids fighting  in the back seat.  Any trip longer than 30 mins usually resulted in “Are we there yet?”  Well I don’t think a lot has changed.  On second thought may be there is one major change.

Child restraints in cars.  I have very fond memories on long trips to my grandmother in country Victoria.  My mum and brother asleep in the back and me kneeling on the front vinyl seal enthralled by the passing parade of mouse plagues, locust plagues, kangaroos, etc and more importantly having my dad’s undivided attention for a great deal of the drive.

The regulations change regularly and if you are planning to take the grandchildren in your own car you might need to visit your local government websites for the latest details.

In Queensland visit http://www.tmr.qld.gov.au/Safety/Driver-guide/Child-restraints.aspx

Entertainment choices

I spy, number plate game, singalongs and BP spoto were the mainstay of travel in my youth – plus lots of treats.  Now there are portable DVDs, magnetic games, DS, Gameboys, iPods, iPads and glorious headphones – plus lots of treats.