You could either worry yourself to death over every potentially distressing situation, or plan ahead to ensure that if anything does go wrong, it needn’t go down as one of the most dreadful events in your life, or worse, end your holiday prematurely!

Proper planning is also your passport to a good time and successful family bonding. On an average day, it’s normal for family members to get into each other’s hair, so just imagine if all of you are together 24/7!

List your holiday needs

• Even when packing for oneself, there’s always the niggling worry that you might miss something important, or overpack. Of course, these problems are multiplied if you are packing for your kids as well.
  
  The sane thing to do is to compile a travel checklist and save it in your computer so that changes can be easily made over the years. If you are frequent travellers, this list should contain everything you would ever need in any country, climate or trip duration. Before each trip, print out the list and check off items as they are packed.
  
  
• It’s also wise to compile lists of important contact numbers and personal medical history (especially if you are bringing elderly family members along) including information like blood type, allergies and immunisation records. Security checks are much tighter nowadays, so carry whatever medication you require in their original packaging and the doctor’s authorisation note to minimise the chances of being interrogated about them.

Set out early

Catching a flight or train can turn out to be a pretty stressful affair. Tempers tend to flare easily as there are so many things to be mindful of, the most critical of which are ensuring that you don’t miss your flight/train, and the kids and luggage don’t go astray!

The key to preserving your cool is to take control of the situation:

• Do not wait till the last minute to check that everything is in order, and make it a point to leave for the airport early. This is important as you might forget something important in all the rush and excitement of getting the kids dressed and ready on time. 
• To avoid the chances of accidentally leaving pieces of luggage behind, try to scale back on the number of pieces you’re bringing along, and make each member of the family responsible for the bags they are supposed to carry. (Of course, all important documents, medication and belongings should be kept with the adults.)
• Anticipate problems like delayed flights, long check-in and security lines by checking status reports and budgeting more time. If hiccups do occur, handle them calmly.
• Be prepared for contingencies – pack along snacks, books, games and electronic gadgets like iPods and portable DVD to keep the kids occupied, and out of trouble.

Be cool, relax

If you have teenaged children, a family holiday provides opportunities for you to expose them to experiences outside of their ordinary everyday lives.

But teens generally find it “uncool” to tag along with their parents and are easily bored if their active minds and bodies aren’t constantly engaged, or for some, overtaxed.

Here’s how you can keep them from behaving badly or turning into cranky menaces during the holiday: 

Choose a suitable holiday destination

If your teens are the “high-octane” or “computer crazy” sort, it’s wiser to rule out the “let’s chill out at a secluded beach resort” idea. Go to a more “happening place” like the Gold Coast or Cairns where there are plenty of adrenalin-pumping pursuits the whole family can enjoy. Let them choose at least one activity they want to do and have the whole family participate.

Those facing budget constraints can consider nearby destinations like Malaysia and Thailand, which have plenty of “city-country” facilities, from gigantic shopping malls to beautiful national parks.

Keep everyone happy

Staying in a centrally-located area may cost you more, but it’s well worth it if your accommodation has lots of attractions nearby, as it could save you considerable aggravation. You can cut down on the time spent travelling between places, and the facilities will keep the teens amused while giving you that much-needed break, away from them.

Remember to relax

Teens value their privacy and independence, so give them space and let them do their own thing whenever possible. Remember you’re on holiday, and it’s all right to loosen your grip over them. For instance, allow them to hang out in the game arcades while you visit the spa, let them sleep in while you do your 20 laps in the hotel pool, give them a holiday allowance and even let them keep any leftover money.

Keeping the peace will make your family holiday so much more enjoyable, and your teens will have happy memories to treasure all their lives.