Last updated 13:57, Tuesday, 19 August 2008

IT’S not easy keeping children entertained during a long journey.

Virgin Atlantic gives thefollowing advice when travelling abroad with your kids.

AT THE AIRPORT
KIDS can vanish in seconds in a crowd, so arrange a meeting place – such as the nearest information desk – in case they get lost.
Keep hold of their luggage and ensure you help them with their packing to prevent any prohibited items being slipped in. If there are two of you, one parent should watch the children while the other deals with checking in.

ON THE PLANE
KEEP kids in their seats with seatbelts on, and take colouring books and pens for them to keep them occupied. Most airlines offer a variety of films onboard, particularly on long haul flights, but remember to take your own earphones as you may be charged extra for them. Make sure your children stretch their legs and accompany them to the toilets.

AT THE RESORT
NEVER leave children on balconies unsupervised and check they can’t squeeze through wide railings. If there is a kids’ club, check the qualifications of the staff before leaving your children with them. Similarly, check the credibility of any resort babysitters and do not leave kids on their own in the room or apartment. Closed patio doors can be hard to see – a peel-off sticker could prevent accidents.

BY THE POOL
NEVER leave your children unattended and ensure armbands are properly fitted to prevent any accidents. Stick to the safety signs and never let your kids swim alone. Youngsters up to the age of six should be kept at arm’s length and the older ones within your line of vision. Check if there are any first aid facilities near to the pool and keep your eye on the kids at all times – especially around slides or diving boards.

AT THE BEACH
THE sun is an invisible killer – use factor 30 sun cream or above and make sure children wear sandals at all times. Find out the times of high and low tides, and keep an eye on your children. Make sure they know only to swim in the safe areas between the red and yellow flags. And don’t let them take inflatable rafts into the sea unsupervised, as they can quickly be carried off by the waves.