Parents urged to choose this aeroplane seat for children on next flight

All parents know, travelling with children can be exhilarating and exciting, but it can also be exhausting, frustrating and trying at times. Flying with little ones can be especially difficult if they feel fearful, or are easily fed up, but there are best ways to survive hours of potential parenting torture, thanks to one travel expert.

According to Claire Punter, Store Manager at Barrhead Travel’s Selby branch (www.barrheadtravel.co.uk), there are great travel hacks on hand to help you enjoy your next family holiday, and there's one thing you should do that's an easy solution on your next flight, and it's all about location.

READ MORE: Vet's clever way to test if your dog is dehydrated in seconds

"Where you sit on the plane can make a big difference to your overall experience and set the tone for the holiday. A window seat keeps little ones away from aisle traffic and distractions, making it easier for them to settle," said Claire. She also added that if you can splash out then do this, too. "Booking an extra seat can be a game-changer, offering extra comfort and space to stretch out."

There are other things that parents should consider too if a smooth, drama-free holiday is on the cards, Claire added.

"Timing is everything – night flights sound good in theory but the countless disruptions, airport security, boarding and in-flight announcements, can easily throw off a child’s sleep or routine. From my own experience as a new parent, I’d recommend, where possible, sticking to a daytime flight as there’s usually less risk of disruption which can cause tired tears and upset."

When booking your hotel, you should also consider the location, too, with anything too far deemed "challenging." Claire insisted: "When choosing accommodation, consider staying somewhere that isn’t too far from the airport. After hours on a flight, a long car ride can be challenging for little ones. Your travel agent can also help make sure you book the right type of transfer that can accommodate car seats and enough space for your luggage and pram, making the journey easier for everyone."

Keeping little travellers happy is key so planning ahead can help eliminate stress for parents and knowing activities ahead of arrival will keep plans on track. "Kids’ clubs can be a hot topic on family holidays so it’s important to plan ahead to keep your children entertained.

"Think about how you’ll break up the day and keep your children engaged. Look for hotels that have good swimming pool options but also playparks or activities that will keep them entertained beyond screen time.

"A cruise holiday is also great for first-time families as family-friendly liners will have multiple entertainment options."

Claire also reminded that it's good to pack pram shade that protects from "UVA and UVB rays and lets them sleep while you’re out and about" and urges parents to stop and take stock of packing the right documents.

"Give yourself plenty of time to apply for your child’s first passport. Processing typically takes around three weeks but can be longer depending on the time of year. It’s also essential to make sure your family are covered by travel insurance and have a valid Global Health Insurance Card (GHIC). This ensures access to necessary state healthcare when travelling to Europe and some other countries."