I have come a long way since my first solo trip to Australia with a seven week old baby almost eighteen years ago. Perhaps my years spent backpacking around the world had prepared me in some small way but in reality nothing is quite like your first time flying with babe in arms. I look back and smile and thank my lucky stars that the restrictions on hand luggage where slightly more realistic than they are today. Things have improved for those travelling with children in many ways, with the introduction of PSP’s, Nintendo and MP3’s all fantastic for keeping our youngsters, and the occasional dad, occupied. And how did we manage without a trusty Trunki, or two, in tow. (www.trunki.com ). Have to say we are massive fans, fabulous idea from a young man who didn’t even have kids!

All four of mine have spent their lives flying and we have tried it all. When they were younger we used to pack a surprise bag for each of them...a trip to the pound shop and you have distraction for at least five minutes! And that really is the most important thing about travelling with children, take each minute by each minute, don’t expect too much from them but at the same time remember it may be far easier than you are expecting. While obviously trying to occupy your children, so as not to make it the flight of nightmares for all the other passengers, do try not to worry too much about other people on the flight, we were all children once. Travelling with children has been a learning curve from start to finish and unfortunately there is no rule book that can guarantee success but there are several things that we have learnt along the way.