Touring Australia Summer 2016/17 Touring Australia | Page 10

GEN

When you take a holiday in a caravan or motorhome, however, the confined
space can test the patience of both you and the children. When you are
holidaying with your grandchildren, there are a number of ways you can
ensure you have a holiday that is memorable for all the right reasons.

It may be wise to trial a weekend
away with your grandkids if you
haven’t travelled with them before.
If it overwhelms them, or you, you
know to plan a shorter trip.

Plan games to play in the car:
Long car trips can be testing for
children, so plan games such as
‘I spy’ that you can play with
them along the way.

Sleep in the caravan for a night
before the trip: If your grandchildren
haven’t been in a caravan before,
this will get them familiar with the
small space, helping to minimize
the risk of anxiety or tantrums on
the first night.

Look for child-friendly caravan
parks: Staying in caravan parks
that have things like playgrounds
or tennis courts can be a great
way to ensure the children are
entertained when you aren’t out
doing activities.

Plan regular stops during the
trip: Stopping for a run around the
park can prevent the children from
becoming frustrated with a long
drive. It may also wear them out, so
they can get some sleep in the car
when the trip resumes.

Involve children in the planning:
Before the trip, talk to your
grandchildren about the destination
you are travelling to, and the things
they can expect to encounter
there. Also talk to them about the
activities you plan to do, such as
bushwalking or visiting the beach.

Be sensitive to the parents’ attitude
to this holiday. Maybe they worry
you won’t cope, or don’t want the
kids in the car with you behind
the wheel. Yes, you were a parent
once, but kids have changed, and
maybe you have, too. So talk with
your kids about it.

Arm yourself with advice from your
own children – your grandchildren’s
parents. You need a good grasp
of your grandkids’ pet likes and
dislikes, sleeping habits, favourite
foods and foods they won’t touch.

Take proper identification, the
child’s medical history, and written
medical instructions and approval
to give medical treatment from the
parents. Carry contact information,
your health insurance policy, and
recent photos.

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touring australia magazine • summer 2017