A parent's guide to travelling abroad

If you're travelling outside western Europe, you must attend a travel clinic well beforehand to get all the appropriate vaccinations and medications. You should also be aware of countries with a significant rabies risk (if your child is bitten, seek medical advice immediately, as post exposure treatment is most effective when administered early). You should always make sure you have good comprehensive medical insurance, or at the very least an E111 form, which will allow you to reclaim most of the costs of medical care incurred in European Community countries.

How should I prepare for the journey?

Young children get bored very easily, especially if they are cooped up for hours in a car, train or plane. Planning ahead pays dividends. Pack a bag with some new toys, colouring pencils, little books, games, anything you think will keep them amused. You could also include some drinks and snacks so they won't have to keep asking you for them. As far as possible, try to stick to their normal routine, and travel at times when they are likely to sleep. Explain to a young child before you leave that you are going away, and what the journey will involve - young children can find a sudden change in environment and climate distressing if they don't know what to expect.