The secret to happy travels with children in tow is research, uber-preparation and a sense of humour.
Below is a list of travel links and Apps that we use to help you get on your way. We’re adding to this page all the time, so please check back with us and if there is something specific that you need help with, please ask us we might know someone who can help.
Travel Links:
Australian Customs
Get familiar with what you can and can’t bring back into the country from your holidays. My husband’s a custom’s broker by trade so I’ve got walking, talking, encyclopedia on this that I travel with, so if you have a question, just ask us.
www.customs.gov.au
Australian Department of Foreign Affairs and Trade
Helpful government site to look at for global news and travel advice for Australians.
www.dfat.gov.au
Australian Embassies
Listing of Australian Embassies worldwide.
dfat.gov.au/missions/
BBC Weather:
Always check the historical weather patterns and seasons before you book. We like:
www.bbc.com/weather
Cares Australia
Portable and lightweight child restraint, great for inflight safety rather than taking a car seat.
www.caresaustralia.com.au/
Countdown
Desktop countdown to your next holiday!
www.timeanddate.com/countdown/create
Currency Converter
Currency conversion in 4 quick steps
www.xe.com/
DutyFree
Pick up little something for mummy and daddy to take the pain away!
www.dutyfree.com.au
Insurance
Dont leave home without it. Tip: Some credit cards offer a certain level of insurance when booking your travel arrangements with your card, but always check the T&Cs.
www.covermore.com.au
Flyertalk
FlyerTalk is an Internet forum for discussion of airline frequent-flyer programs, hotel loyalty programs and other issues related to air travel.
www.flyertalk.com
Jetquay Changi Airport Singapore
A personalised service that includes check in, immigration and baggage clearance, could be of help to the elite family traveller.
www.jetquay.com.sg
Nanny and onboard support
Why not give your journey a little helping hand, check out Etihads onboard flying nanny service. Why not, I say!
http://resources.etihadairways.com/etihadairways/htmls/Newsletter/EYGuest/Flying_Nanny_Launch_web_09_13.html
Passports and Visas
Getting ready to take your first family holiday overseas? Follow this link to find out more about applying for a passport. Also: Pleae remember that most countries require you to have have at least six months validity on your passport for travel and its easier to renew it before it expires (trust me: i’ve been down this road and its a painful one!).
www.passports.gov.au/web/newppt/applyingu18.aspx
School terms
Plan in advance! Australian school holidays mapped out here.
www.australia.gov.au/topics/australian-facts-and-figures/school-term-dates
SeatGuru.com
Onboard happiness can be made much easier if you know what you’re dealing with..and where the best place on the plane is to be seated for your requirements.
www.seatguru.com/
Smartraveller.gov.au
Up-to-date travel advice for Australian’s planning an overseas trip. Be informed, it doesnt hurt to check in advance. You can even register your travel plans so that others know where you will be in the case of an emergency.
www.smartraveller.gov.au/
Sparkbox Toys
Rent the best educational toys during your US holiday.
www.sparkboxtoys.com
The Travel Doctor
Good site for keeping up with the latest info on vacinations, health alerts and advice needed for work and family travel. Lists associated medical professionals worldwide also.
www.traveldoctor.com.au/
Travel Brochures
Browse and request travel brochures for your upcoming trips. Delivered to your door, FREE!
www.travelbrochures.com.au/
TripAdvisor
Global travel resource with reviews and opinions from other travellers.
www.tripadvisor.com.au/
Via Michelin
Helps you map out your trip using their world maps and travel routes. Even includes petrol price guides!
www.viamichelin.com/
World Airport Guide:
Sanity saving guides to the worlds best airports. Hunt out the kids facilities in advance, plan for those extended stop overs and more.
www.worldairportguide.com/airport/
World Time Clock:
Critical to work out time differences so you plan out changes to the children’s schedule as well as know what time to E.T. phone home.
www.timeanddate.com/worldclock/
Additional links for child friendly trips:
Every families needs are different but here a few links to sites that give good guides on what to pack when traveling with kids and preparing for a domestic and international flight…
www.jetblue.com/travel/kids/
www.qantas.com.au/travel/airlines/childrens-travel-checklist/global/en
www.kidspot.com.au/family-travel-travel-advice-packing-checklists+613+81+article.htm
Apps we love for travel:
Boundround – Kids travel guides and reviews by kids
Cool Faces – Take a photo of your fingers and decorate them. Hours of entertainment
DisneyJunior Appisode – videos to keep the kids entertained on those long trips
Gateguru – Shows information about terminals and amenities in over 100 airports
Lego 4+ – Lego car builder and game
My Little Suitcase: No matter the destination, children can prepare for travel and pack their own virtual suitcase
My eVault – enables you to keep photographs of travel documents including passport, drivers licence, loyalty cards etc. in a secure one stop place
Museums Mobile – World museums and using GPS helps you find whats on at each museum in your visiting city
Pack and Go Delux – age appropriate packing lists for kids
PlayKids – videos and educational games suitable for iPad and iPhone
Road Trip Bingo – Pass the hours by with this fun car travel game
Road Trip Scavenger Hunt – Keep track of items and more importantly who’s winning in your family!
WiFi Finder – Find free WiFi and save your data
Starfall – Range of eductation Apps that our kids love
Tipulator: A nifty tip calculator to help with bill splitting and what to tip in each country
World Lens: Translates words into any language using your smart phone’s camera as the reader
What apps and online resources does your family live by?
Please let us know: hello@jetsettingkids.com
