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RETIREMENT & LIFESTYLE PLANNING | |
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| ISSUE - 25 - Summer 2006/2007 | |
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Not another Boring Church!
Transform travel with your grandchildren (or children) into transports of delight with these wise words from Di Websdale-Morrissey.
One day, probably some time ago, you decided to take your grandchildren away on holiday. It might have been to help their parents, or you might have blurted out the invitation in a moment of grandparently adoration. However you arrived at this point, you are now gazing in awe at the Venus de Milo and the silence is broken by the beeps of your 12-year-old grandson's electronic game or the unmistakably grumpy ‘hurrumphs' from the disenchanted granddaughter. Or you say excitedly, “Today we are going to visit the Sistine Chapel” and there is a collective groan from the back seat, “Oh, not another boring church”.
There is, by definition, an entire generation between you and your grandchildren and though you love each other enormously, holidays mean something very different to each of you. Of course this is not isolated to those on either side of a yawning generation gap. Partners can be just as difficult to corral into your holiday plans. One partner might want to travel to Germany for the castles and countryside, while the other would like nothing more than to spend the entire trip at (or under) a table at the Oktoberfest. All relationships are about compromise at some time and this is true of the one you enjoy with your grandchildren. The most important thing you can do is manage expectations – everyone's. If you expect an eight-year-old to be transfixed by the British Houses of Parliament, you are not managing your expectations at all well. Likewise, if they expect you to limit your entire French experience to dawn 'til dusk days at Euro Disney, then you have not managed theirs at all.
First, do your planning...
Long before you set anything in concrete, find out what the parents will and won't allow, then sit down with the children and talk about the trip. Talk about what will be on offer – use brochures, internet searches, anything that will give them a pictorial understanding of what they are about to see. You, for example, may know that Humpty Doo is not a thriving metropolis filled with sophisticated nightlife and shopping malls, but they may not. A picture paints a thousand words. Show them maps and give them a sense of how far they will be travelling, so that they don't come down with an irritating case of the “Are we there yet?s” an hour into a flight to the United States. Show them a range of places you might visit – both the ones that interest you and those that might sing to their little souls. Make lists, then compare and plan. It is good for children to understand that they must compromise, that others have rights too, and to learn patience. These sessions are stage one of your journey – you are already sharing the excitement.
Some research will reveal those destinations that appeal to both age groups. Outdoor cinemas such as the one in Darwin are relaxing and fun for all. A great zoo is always a winner; many are botanic wonderlands where animals are housed in well-designed, realistic habitats. Aquariums are usually a good choice too, as are boat trips with dolphins or crocodiles leaping out of the water. Although boats can be problematic for the motion-challenged. I once took my son on an ill-fated dolphin cruise where one of us spent the entire three hours heaving over the edge of the boat. Fortunately, I recovered.
Many things that appear unappealing to one age group at the outset can prove to be fun for everyone. Castles don't have to be limited to just your list, because they offer children the perfect setting for some fantasy play. If they don't know about ye olde knights, prepare them with stories and have them act out some feats of derring-doo on the battlements. Think creatively.
In a recent trip to Cornwall, I saw children and parents equally fascinated by the Goonhilly Earth Station, while interactive science museums fascinate everyone. Of course Sea World, on the Gold Coast, genuinely appeals to both age groups. Be prepared to suffer some theme parks or the like. It's your cross to bear, and seeing your grandkids have so much fun is worth the pain of your haemorrhaging wallet. Depending on their age, your grandchildren should be able to suffer a couple of hours of museums, galleries – and yes, churches – for your sake. (Engaging them in brass-rubbing can be a winner in churches that allow it.)
... then plan some more
There are other things of a more practical nature to consider, and again, it's about managing expectations.
Getting there
If you are travelling by car, tell them how long the trip will take and how often you will be able to stop. Explain that they can bring a few things to entertain themselves, but to pack them in a small separate bag that can easily be kept in the back seat. Have drinks and snacks of the non-hyperactivity-inducing kind and games ready for the boring times (some available via the resources listed in the MORE box below). Communal singing can also be lots of fun.
If you are travelling by plane with young children, do they have any experience of plane travel with its cramped conditions, turbulence, noise, seat belts etc.? If not, make a game of preparing them: pretend to check in and go through security; set up a simulated plane cabin. Put chairs close together to show the children how much room they will have; rock the chairs to show them what turbulence feels like; give them a meal on a tiny tray; explain how small and noisy an aeroplane toilet is, and talk about how they might have to wait to use it. Make it fun.
Think carefully before using pharmaceuticals to help them sleep through long trips. Often, they have the opposite effect and send children into a state of acute excitation. Best to tire them out naturally with lots of strenuous exercise before a long leg.
Being there
Don't schedule too much each day – someone is likely to get tired, not necessarily the children. Plan in advance where you might make toilet and drink stops.
Carry binoculars so that they can see the koala up the tree or the lion at the back of the exhibit.
Be prepared to say no. They might be cross now, but they will get over it.
Remember that children will often make their own fun and you don't need to provide 24-hour entertainment.
At the end of each day talk about your shared experiences and encourage them to keep a travel journal. If they are too young, or not cool with the idea, jot down a few of their reactions on their behalf – they will be grateful later. You might like to make these into a little book complete with photos from the places you have recorded.The most important thing to remember is that, although it might be stressful, this is a precious time that can never be relived because children grow and change. Make the most of it: relax, take each day as it comes and savour it.
Flying tips
order special meals in advance
long flights are best taken at night
leave enough time for some exercise between flights
give children drinks at take off and landing because swallowing helps depressurise ears.
General tips
ensure children wash t heir ears well after swimming in foreign places, to avoid inner ear infection
many hotels/resorts have kids clubs to offer you a little adult time when required
when travelling to places where little English is spoken, teach older children a few essential phrases, and have each child carry a record of their names, nationality and where they are staying
children will turn up their noses when confronted by unusual smells and tastes, so prepare their senses for strangeness by taking them to markets with strong cheeses, meats etc., and to restaurants serving food from the particular ethnic regions you will visit.
More
For comprehensive information about planning, packing, destinations and travel games, consult Travel with Children by Cathy Lanigan, Lonely Planet 2002, RRP $19.95
For general information and destinations, visit
Web www.travelforkids.comAn Australian site with a local and Pacific focus is
Web www.kidsholidaysonline.com.auTravelling with toddlers? Visit
Web www.tinytravelers.netTo find an agent specialising in family travel go to ‘Holiday Travel' and then ‘Family Travel' at
Web www.worldtravel.com.au
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