• Think about travel routes, research your destination, accommodation and where you may have waiting times.
• Pack with purpose and travel as lightly as you can as a family whilst also making sure you have all the essentials is key to peace of mind whilst you’re away.
• Create a checklist of essentials to be packed, and take a good supply of nappies and baby wipes if your child is still young.
• Explain to your child what they can expect from their trip. If you set some early expectations and rough guidelines for you and your children, you’re much more likely to have a good time while away.

To make flying with children as seamless as possible, you can:

• book in advance: this will allow your family extra time to pack and book seats on the flight together, ideally at the front to allow for easier boarding
• arrive early: everything seems to take longer with children, so arriving early gives you a bit of breathing space in the airport before take-off
• pack effectively: pack what your child may need for the flight in carry-on luggage, including any medication
• entertainment: bring entertainment to keep your child busy during the flight, such as books, iPads, games or toys
• speak with flight attendants: usually, they are already aware you are travelling with children, but it’s always good to engage with them in case they have any further suggestions to make your flight easier
• speak with your neighbours on the flight if you want to: people understand the situation you are in and can empathise with you if they know you’re trying your best
• be flexible: not everything goes according to plan, so be prepared to rearrange things if needed.

• Sunscreen should be reapplied every 2 hours or more regularly if your child is sweating or regularly swimming in water.
• Sunscreen isn’t recommended for babies under six months of age - it’s better to use other sun protection methods such as protective clothing, hats and shade.

See Sun safety for recommendations.

Children don’t regulate their heat as well as adults, and their activity rate is usually higher when away on holiday.

To ensure your child has the energy to have fun, be mindful to:

• take regular breaks from activities
• ensure they are well-fed
• stay hydrated with clean water.
   

• Select accommodation that is child-friendly.
• Select accommodation where pools, pool fences and balconies are safe and meet Australian standards.
• Consider calling ahead to confirm some of the amenities in and around your room and hotel.
• Where possible, childproof your room for children when staying at the accommodation – see Home safety for more information.
• If hiring cots, prams or car seats, ensure equipment meets Australian standards.
• If utilising accommodation facilities, such as the playground, always supervise your child closely as these may not have the same safety standards as Australia.

• Follow child protection recommendations and ensure close supervision.
• In busy and foreign environments, be extra attentive to your child.
• Plan ahead by checking important details like staff qualifications, background checks, child protection policies, service accreditations, and the number of staff looking after children at any one time. See Travelling with Children (Smart Traveller) for more advice.

See Protecting your child for more information.

Holidays don’t always go according to plan. You can prevent unexpected travel costs by purchasing travel insurance.

Travel insurance can cover you for cancellations, delays, stolen items and more.

• Book travel insurance through a trusted provider as soon as you know your destinations and travel dates.
• In most countries, you are unlikely to be covered by national healthcare systems unless it is to a country with reciprocal healthcare; however, this may not cover all costs and doesn’t include other unplanned travel-related events or accidents, so travel insurance is still strongly recommended.
• If you’re travelling to a country with a reciprocal healthcare agreement (where Australian residents can access some public health services, similar to Medicare), make sure to bring your Medicare card with you. 

See Health Insurance on the Smart Traveller website for more information.

• When travelling by road, select vehicles that have seat belts.
• Always wear your seatbelts.
• If travelling with a child under seven years old, use the correct car seat for their size and age.
• Ensure children aged under seven years don’t sit in the front seat of a vehicle.
• Avoid overcrowded vehicles that require passengers to hold on; this can be difficult and unsafe for children.
• Understand the road rules, such as keeping to the left or right; this will help when looking before crossing a road.
• Cross at designated crossing areas for pedestrians; don’t jaywalk.

See Safety around cars for more information.

• Closely supervise your child in or near any body of water, including beaches, lakes, rock pools or shallow water.
• Make sure they do not step on or touch anything suspicious in shallow water or rock pools.
• Wear non-slip water shoes.

See Water safety for more information.

If you’ve ever been on a plane, you might have noticed your ears feeling blocked or uncomfortable when the plane takes off or lands. This happens because of changes in air pressure. This can also occur when you’re riding in a lift, climbing a mountain, or scuba diving.

When air pressure changes, the body naturally tries to balance (or “equalise”) the pressure between the middle ear and the back of the throat. That’s what causes the familiar “pop” in your ears.

Why it affects children more

Children are more likely to notice ear discomfort because their ear passages are smaller. This makes it harder for their ears to adjust to pressure changes. It can also feel strange or even a bit scary, especially if it’s their first time flying.

If your child has a cold, ear infection, or blocked nose from allergies or the flu, it can make equalising even more difficult. This can lead to extra pressure and pain in the ears.

Tips to help your child with ear 'popping' on the plane

• Keep water or a drink handy. Encourage your child to sip water just before take-off and again as the plane starts to descend. Swallowing helps balance pressure in the ears.
• Bring some snacks. Chewing on food like fruit, crackers, or lollies encourages swallowing, which also helps equalise ear pressure.
• Encourage yawning. Yawning can help open the Eustachian tubes in the ears and relieve pressure.
• Teach older children a gentle technique. Show them how to pinch their nose, close their mouth, and slowly blow out through their nose for a couple of seconds. This should only be tried after sipping, chewing, or yawning.
• See your doctor before you fly. If your child often gets ear pain when flying, your doctor may suggest pain relief or other ways to make the flight more comfortable.