Couples with young children tend to have bigger incomes than they used to. They will probably have delayed having a family until their late twenties or early thirties and they may both work. At the same time the cost of holidays, particularly abroad, has fallen over the past 30 years. Result? More young children are being taken to exotic locations by their parents.
But travelling with young children is never easy, so much so that you may ask, is it really worth the hassle? Absolutely, says developmental psychologist and author Joan Freeman. 'Going on holiday means that young children get to share in an adventure with their parents, which is extremely bonding. And in the case of working parents, it means they get to spend more time with them.'
A trip to a new place, either in the UK or abroad, can help young children grasp the fact that there is a wider world beyond their home, and that different people have different languages, lifestyles and customs.
But while more parents are taking small children to far-flung destinations, many aren't aware of some of the pitfalls, says Carolyn Driver, an independent specialist nurse and chair of the British Travel Health Association. 'We've seen a big increase in people going to exotic locations such as the Gambia and Kenya, but these places involve a lot of vaccinations and malaria precautions. Larium is the only malaria drug suitable for young children, for example, and there are health issues associated with it. You also need vaccinations for yellow fever, hepatitis A and typhoid. Rabies is a problem in places like India, and it's often young children who are more curious and at a dog's level who tend to get bitten.'
Ms Driver is also concerned about the rise in last-minute bookings over recent years. 'These have become increasingly common with tropical destinations, but often leave parents no time to take the necessary medical precautions. Young children are being taken away totally unprotected.'
Although illness, over-exposure to the sun and food poisoning can mar many holidays, one of the biggest risks is from accidents. Road accidents or simple falls are far more likely to cause problems than an exotic disease. With building regulations not always as stringent abroad, incidents such as young children falling from hotel balconies or slipping by the side of swimming pools that lack proper surfaces are a constant risk.
Ms Driver adds, 'Parents often become more blase on holiday. It's only natural. They tend to relax more when they're away, perhaps drink a bit more than usual and switch off some of their normal safety mechanisms. They may not bother with a child seat in a hire car, for instance, or watch children so carefully on the beach.'
But with reasonable caution and careful planning, a good holiday can become a happy memory for a child. 'We went to Corsica last year and it was so good,' says five-year-old Zachary. 'I really liked the beaches and swimming in the sea and everything. I really want to go back again.' NW
