Roaming Solutions

The Hols are almost here and many of us will find ourselves looking forward to a long anticipated family trip.  The downside of these trips can often be the stress related to travelling on planes with kids.  I’ve put together a number of tips to try and help alleviate some of the angst and make the trip to your destination, if not pleasurable, at least bearable!

Happy Travels!!

BEFORE YOU LEAVE:

Passports:
Check the kids’ passports to make sure they are valid, as generally a child’s passport does not have the same lifespan as an adult.  Some countries require you to have a 3-6 month validity from AFTER the day u arrive home so this is the number one thing to do before you fly as getting a new passport at the last minute can be a costly and stressful process.

Flights:
Book ahead to get the best financial deal.

Plan your flight based around your kids’ schedule.  We always try and take a night time flight as we found there was a better chance of the kids sleeping and therefore less time to keep them amused.  Basically, know when your kids tend to get sleepy or are more energetic and try to plan your flight around that if you can.  BUT be aware that with toddlers and babies, in particular, keeping the child up and skipping naps in the hopes of a longer sleep on the plane; may backfire and everyone will regret it.

Pre-book kids meals as they usually come with an activity pack also. 

Look at a site called seatguru for “best” seats and if you can afford it pay the extra for a seat for your under 2 – if on long haul you will appreciate it in the long run.  If you have a baby - pre-book your bassinet seat also.

Fly nonstop – simply less time having to deal with the stress of travel and more time at your destination.

Accommodation:
I always try and make sure at least the first night’s accommodation is always booked in advance – tired and grumpy kids (and adults) lugging the bags around and looking for a hotel is not ideal when you first arrive.

Hire Car:
If you a booking a hire car and need a child’s seat pre-book it – they can run out quickly at airports!

Packing:
Pack your clothes for the climate you are going to – it’s generally all about taking layers and easy to wash, non-iron required clothes.

Spare clothes for the plane trip for the kids and for you.  A plastic bag or 2 for soiled/vomited on clothes and the spares come in handy if, god forbid, you have the lost luggage scenario

Luggage in general – you may find yourself alone with the kids and mountains of bags more than once or twice on your trip whilst Dad is parking the car or has gone to the restroom so think realistically about what you can manage on your own while watching and dealing with the kids so pack appropriately.

Pack the essentials but remember you can usually purchase the things you forget when you reach your destination (yes easier said than done I know). 

Remember also that if you have connecting flights that are domestic rather than international you may not be allowed the same baggage weight so pack to the smaller allowance.

Carry-On:
I’d suggest giving each child their own backpack not a pull along – trust me you’ll probably end up carrying it and its far easier to carry an extra backpack than a cute overpriced pull along bag.

Backpacks should contain their special toy or comforter – whatever they need to sleep or calm them down.  Colouring books and individual packs of crayons, or textas are a good idea – don’t make them share - think about when they both want the blue crayon at EXACTLY the same time. Favourite or new books can also be a lifesaver in times of melt down.

Screen Time – load your tablet or iPad with offline games, and preload some of their fave shows/movies  – can’t guarantee you’ll always get Thomas, Dora or Minecraft on every inflight entertainment menu

Babies – bring LOTS of baby wipes / wet ones / nappies and an extra bottle/formula.  A spare dummy can be useful too if your baby uses one.  Remember to reserve the bassinet seat well in advance

Medicine – pack some Panadol and Ibuprofen, Bandaids and Clarantyne this should cover you for any minor mishaps, aches and pains on the plane – remember to put in a ziplock bag and in your carry-on.

Individual food bags with a few snacks is also a good idea to cover you in case of delays or if they simply hate the food on the plane – I don’t suggest high in sugar food or you’ll pay for that later when they wont sit still.

SIM Cards / WiFi / Technical:
Travelling with TEENS?  If you are then you know they will NEED to use their phones or tablet to stay in touch with friends, use Instagram or Facebook or play their fave game.  Whilst holidays are often an excuse to back-off from screen-time usage, the reality is, to avoid major withdrawals and teen-tantys, you are going to need to let them use their devices.  Perhaps agree on a daily amount of screen-time usage before you go so those expectations are set and can be managed when away without too much angst.   You will also, no doubt, want to check your emails and perhaps have a sneaky peek at your Facebook page too and the youngsters may also need a dose of their favourite Disney episode so make sure you all able to access data when you need to. 

Portable WiFi devices that come with built-in international sim cards that allow cheap data use for a fixed cost across multiple countries can be a godsend.  roamingDATA is an example of a great portable data solution and you can tether 5 devices to it at the same time.  There is a fixed daily usage charge and there should be plenty of data to satisfy the whole family.  Check it out at: https://www.roamingdata.com.au/  and buy or rent a device before you go so you don’t come home to horrendous bill shock.  Of course always use free WiFi whenever you can also.

Speaking of techno gadgets and the like be prepared with enough country appropriate travel adaptors and chargers as the last thing you want is to not be able to charge or use your devices which could be the only thing that keeps the kids busy when you are looking for some down time. 

Also consider, for your phone, getting a Roaming SIM card (which can be used across multiple countries) - www.roamingsim.com.au so you can stay in touch with home and each other without breaking the budget.  Do this before you go so its one less thing to stress about when you arrive.  Worth buying an International Sim card for the Teens in your family too – I’ve heard stories of them sneaking their phones on the holiday and coming home to hundreds of extra dollars on the bill.


AT THE AIRPORT

Arrive Early:
Take your time; arrive early as no situation involving a child has ever run to schedule.  Allow extra time to relieve yourself of extra stress.

Find a Kid Zone:
Lots of airports have kid friendly zones and many of the airline loyalty lounges also have a special section for kids – use these to your advantage and let them run around and get rid of their energy.

Child Locator:
Some people suggest investing in a child locater, which can be in the form of an electronic armband.  Myself, I always go the cheaper option of writing my mobile number on their arm in permanent marker.

Pram/Stroller:
If you have a baby or toddler invest in a compact stroller – they are not expensive and you can usually go right to the check in with them.  Lifesaver when you have a tired child or need to get somewhere fast or you just need somewhere to hang the duty free bags.

Security Check-Points:
Security – this is a MUST - easy to get on and off shoes for everyone.  Taking shoes off at the checkpoint is not always enforced for kids but you don’t have time to unlace and lace up shoes for you or them when you are trying to hurry through this process, not hold others up and if you have other kids in tow too.

Remember to pack any liquids into a small ziplock plastic bag – details as to what needs to go in these bags and how much can be found at most airport and airline websites.  You will need to take these out of the carry-on bags when going through security so have them all together in an easy to reach place.

Some airlines will issue you with a priority security pass if you have small kids – never hurts to ask.

Pre-boarding:
Take advantage of pre-boarding – they usually allow you to do with small kids and try and stow your carry on luggage right above your seat.


INFLIGHT

Keep your stuff handy:
Once on board make sure you keep any items you need during take-off or the beginning of the flight within your reach.

Courtesy to other Passengers:
Ignore those giving you the evil stare – they clearly have not had kids before or have conveniently forgotten what it was like - but also be mindful of fellow passengers and make sure your kids are not yelling (if possible), kicking seats and that you are changing your kid’s nappies in the toilets not on the tray table etc.

My ears HURT:
Kids will tell you their ears are hurting during take off and landing often by screaming  - try to avoid this as it can be really painful for their little systems and horrible for everyone around you.  For older kids gum, a lollypop or earplugs usually work.  For younger kids a drink, dummy or a breastfeed can help relieve the pressure.

I can’t SLEEP:
To drug or not to drug to help your child sleep?  If you want to give it a go make sure you try before hand to ensure the dose is right and that your kid isn’t in the group where you might end up with the opposite effect—a hyper child or a groggy and cranky one.  My personal experience is that kids will go to sleep on their own and I prefer to use the medicine, once we arrive, to help them adjust to the new time zone if they can’t sleep then. 

Give older kids an eye mask and ear plugs (usually supplied once on board) – it can help them sleep.  I always ask for extra blankets and pillows as soon as I get on board before they are all taken – these can help make the kids a little more cosy and comfy.

I’m BORED:
Don’t pull everything out of the backpack at once; one activity at a time is good.

Snacks can help too but again not too much sugar and one thing at a time.

Older kids and teens will generally be content with their iPad, tablet or the on-board entertainment but many kids also like to read or do a Travel journal and inflight is a great time to start writing.

Move around with the kids once the seatbelt sign is off; good to get the blood circulating and gives them something different to do.

Try and get some rest yourself. If travelling with another adult take turns in having some downtime/sleep.


ARRIVE

Jetlag:
Time zone changes– to avoid jetlag – get straight into your new time zone where possible.  Don’t succumb to the “I’ll just have a little lie down” or you will probably not sleep later when you need to.  Keep busy and whilst kids may need a nap or rest try to assimilate them to the new zone asap.

Accommodation:
Instead of booking the traditional hotel accommodation it’s worth checking out airbnb or other similar sites as they often turn out far cheaper.  You can often get a full house or apartment to yourself with multiple bedrooms and they nearly always come with kitchen and cooking facilities so you can save money by cooking your own meals also.  Many also come with washer/dryer too which is so useful.  This type of accommodation can also be a lifesaver when travelling with Teens – best for everyone if they can have their own space.

What to do:
Kids love new things so plan your agenda around having new and different experiences and you will have a wonderfully successful holiday.  Involve them in the decisions where you can and let them choose a couple of activities they want to do.  Older kids especially will appreciate this.  Let them be in charge of things and take turns with things like official photographer for the day – you’ll be amazed at the shots they take and it keeps them engaged.

I’ve travelled on planes with my kids since they were a couple of weeks old and its never easy but using these tips can certainly reduce the stress.  Nothing wrong with a sneaky glass of bubbles or a frothy ale to help ease the burden also.

Happy and Safe Travels.

Roam More for Less!

​It’s the old saying “Be Prepared” that is key when you are taking a business trip.  This simple mandate should be applied across all areas of your trip from start to finish. Hope you find this information useful!

1. Pre Departure

• Check your passport – make sure it hasn’t expired and be aware that some countries require you to have 6 months validity on your passport or you will not be allowed entry.
  
• Make sure you have the appropriate visa in place for the country you are visiting.
  
• Let your bank know you are travelling – nothing more embarrassing than your credit card being rejected at a client dinner because they think that it’s unauthorised or fraudulent usage.
  
• Taking a picture on your phone of your passport, ID and itinerary can save heartache later if these things need replacing or you need to prove to customs you have a return flight and can’t locate your ticket.
  
• Check the weather at your destination and pack appropriately.
  
• Pre-book airport parking on-line – can save you up to 50% off the daily rate at some airports.
  
• If travelling in the US apply for Global Entry or Pre-check programs. These allow pre-approved travellers to by-pass traditional security checks, which can save a lot of time, if done in advance.
  

2. Booking Your Flight

• Book a Business Class seat wherever the budget allows. The benefits are huge.  Leg room galore, room to comfortably use your laptop on the flight without impeding on someone else’s space, the ability to sleep on a flat bed and be rested for your first meeting.  Priority check-in and priority customs queues are also available for the Business Class traveller.  Don’t underestimate how important the lounge access is either – this allows you to work, rest, get a FOC (Free of charge) massage or eat a good meal before you board as we all know how scrumptious airline food can be.
  
• If the budget doesn’t stretch to Business Class see if you can book a Premium Economy Seat – this usually sits in between Business and Economy for cost and you get many of the same benefits as the Business Class traveller.
  
• Cheapest is rarely the best option for business travel. The cheapest flights are usually not direct and can have a number of stops along the route which can add up to 10 hours on a long haul trip with connections and wait time built in – this is precious billing time that can’t be recouped by saving a few dollars and you are unlikely to arrive rested at your destination.
  
• Try and book a flight that gets you to your destination in the morning so you can go straight to your meetings as keeping busy keeps the jetlag at bay and don’t plan anything for the first night so that you can get a good night’s rest and catch up on sleep.
  
• Use your points to upgrade if you can.
  
• If you are travelling Economy and do not belong to a Loyalty Program, some airlines will allow you to purchase lounge access which can make the experience much more pleasant.
  
• Leave enough time – NEVER assume the flight won’t be delayed. If you have an important meeting to attend fly out the night before if possible.
  
• Pre-book your seat – avoid sitting near the galley and toilets – check out seatguru.com for help with this.
  
• Check-in online to save time.
  
• Using a good corporate travel agent may seem like a thing of the past but you don’t tend to pay more and they take the stress out of the booking process for you – well worth considering.
  

3. Luggage / Packing

• Pack Once – Forever! Keep a set of essentials always packed in your carry on bag including toiletries, spare charger and cables.  This way you may need to replenish on occasion but it will save you time if you always have this packed and ready to go.
  
• Pack Light and NEVER check your bag in. This can save you up to an hour when you arrive at your destination and you don’t risk having your luggage go missing.  Ensure you have the largest carry on bag allowed but be aware the sizes can differ from domestic to international so check before you leave.
  
• Pack quick-dry, non-wrinkle clothes. Pack clothes of a similar colour and dress them up or down by adding accessories such as different coloured ties, scarves, tights or costume jewellery.
  
• Plan on wearing slip on shoes when you are flying as they will save time at airport check points and also for easy for removal on the plane.
  
• Wear your heaviest coat or jacket so it doesn’t weigh your bag down and also it will minimise it arriving creased and unwearable.
  
• Packing a checkpoint friendly bag isn’t a bad idea either – it allows you to have everything you need to go through the checkpoint separately in one place, which is a time saver in itself.
  

4. Loyalty Programs / Frequent Flyer

• Stick with one airline group if you can. The more points you get, the higher status you will be issued with and this leads to more upgrades, better service, quicker wait times i.e. priority baggage and check-in.  With a smile on your face - always ask for an upgrade.  It’s free to ask and you wont be any worse off if they can’t do it.  You may actually be surprised what they will do for you (especially if you have a high status with them).
  
• The same applies to Hotel groups. Even if you have booked a standard room when checking in ask for a room with a view – this will usually lead to an upgrade in room.  The more points you get the more money you can save on future room nights and you often get extra perks like business lounge access, complimentary breakfast and late check out.
  
• Pick a credit card that is linked to your loyalty program also – a quick way to help accumulate points.
  

5. Inflight

• As soon as you board set your watch to your destination time. Its important if you want to avoid jet lag to try and get into the destination time zone as soon as possible.  Sleep if it is night time at your destination.
  
• If you find yourself in an undesirable seat don’t be afraid to ask to be moved.
  
• Ask for an extra pillow or blanket when you get on which can help you sleep more comfortably – they go quickly!
  
• Keep hydrated, move around as much as you can to avoid things like DVT (Deep Vein Thrombosis) and don’t overdo it on the food or alcoholic bevvies.
  
• If you are wanting to sleep on the flight and it’s not a particularly long flight a good tip is to eat in the lounge before you board then you can advise the flight attendants you don’t want to eat and you can sleep straight away.
  
• Make sure you have good disposable earplugs. Some people love the noise reducing super expensive headphones but how you can sleep with those on is beyond me.  Buy some earplugs, just in case you aren’t given any and them along with a good eye mask and some herbal sleeping potions will allow you to, hopefully, get some rest (these are good for the Hotel too).
  
• Many airlines allow you to connect to and use data when in-flight these days, sometimes for free and sometimes at a cost, it can be worth taking advantage of this so you can use the time you are sitting on the aircraft to work/prepare for your meetings.
  

6. Accommodation

• Stick with the one Hotel Chain if you can so you take advantage of their loyalty program.
  
• Plan on booking your accommodation closer to your meetings rather than the airport.
  
• Book online for your hotel – it’s usually cheaper than going direct.
  
• If required ask for late checkout/early check-in – it’s rare that they won’t do it for you.
  
• Check out sites like Trip Advisor for room tips – you don’t want the room above the 24 hour nightclub!
  
• When you arrive at your Hotel ask for a room with a view (regardless of what you have booked) this will usually ensure you get an upgrade or better standard of room.
  
• When you enter your room, sit quietly and listen for traffic or an over-active air conditioning system. If the noise level bothers you I suggest you get them to move you immediately as the noise will be more noticeable when you are trying to sleep.
  
• Take advantage of the Hotel amenities. The business lounge can be a good place to unwind or you can hold meetings there without having to pay for a meeting room and it is a great place to network. It’s also well worth trying to do some exercise if you can so use the pool or gym or go for a run – some hotels have a running concierge who will go with you at a pre-arranged time in the morning and it’s a chance to see the local sights.
  

7. Car Hire

• Again, stay with the same hire car company and you can save up to an hour waiting in a queue to pick up a car – priority pick up is essential.
  
• Check to see if the rental company covers toll roads.
  
• Rent a car with the full tank of petrol option because we all know there is never enough time to get fuel on the way to the airport and you don’t want to risk not being able to locate a petrol station either.
  
• Be mindful of the traffic rules for the country you are in; or in some cases, especially in Asia, be aware that traffic rules don’t actually seem to exist so be careful!
  

8. Travelling With Technology

• You need to be able to communicate with your contacts when you are away and you need to be able to continue to work so the right technology that doesn’t cost you a fortune is a must. Bill Shock is to be avoided at all times!
  
• You can’t always rely on being able to access WiFi so forward planning is necessary. Buying or renting a portable WiFi device like our roamingDATA one is a great solution.  It enables you 24/7 access for a daily rate so you also get to control your costs. www.roamingdata.com.au .
  
• Some Hotels will supply free WiFi but some charge a hefty rate so a portable WiFi device is often the better solution. It also means you aren’t relying on cafes, hotel lobbys and the airport to be able to conduct your business seamlessly.
  
• A good data solution is a must. Some countries have low technology settings so be prepared that you may need to tether your devices to your portable WiFi device or your Phone.  You don’t want to miss doing your presentation!
  
• We all know that by switching your home country mobile phone to international roaming will mean incurring a huge phone bill. You have options.  If you are travelling to multiple countries then a Roaming SIM may work for you.  You have the same phone number across all countries and the rates are generally much cheaper than what your home network provider will charge you.  www.roamingsim.com.au
  
• If you are travelling to just the one country a Local Country SIM may suit you better. This will generally give you access to really cheap local rates for phone and data.  Be mindful though that to call back to your home country you may be charged big bucks as you will be utilising that carrier’s international roaming rates. 
  
• It’s more important to ensure you have a data solution organised than a phone solution. With Whatsapp, Skype, Viber and FaceTime (all data based apps) you can stay in touch these days without needing to actually make a physical phone call.
  
• Don’t forget to pack travel adaptors so you can keep your batteries charged.
  
• A spare cable is also useful.
  
• Using apps like google maps can churn through your data so downloading and saving maps you may need before you leave home can be useful.
  
• Worth considering taking a spare phone for your Roaming SIM or Local Sim so you can still check your messages once a day on your normal mobile without having to take the SIM cards in and out all the time.
  

9. Cultural Tips

• Know when to TIP! Tipping knowledge is mandatory – to tip too little can result in a most unpleasant experience and can be offensive.  In the US its very important to tip as the majority of income for service workers comes from tips – 20% is a good guide.
  
• Have some local currency to enable you to tip.
  
• Always check bills to see if the service charge has already been applied.
  
• In Asian countries a key for good tipping, especially if you are a repeat visitor, is to tip on arrival and let them know you expect good service and you will reward them for it. This applies to Hotels and Car Drivers in particular.
  
• Know local rules around currency, alcohol, cigarettes and consumer goods.
  
• Eat what’s offered to you, even just a small try can stop people being offended by your behaviour.
  
• Don’t over indulge in alcohol – many cultures find this offensive.
  
• Know the language! Key words such as Thank You, Please, Goodbye and Hello in their native tongue can really mean a lot to the locals.
  

10. Conclusion - Kindness

If you travel a lot you know it’s not the glamorous lifestyle many people think it is.  Its tiring and just plain hard work. It’s really important not to take your grumpy mood out on the overworked hotel and airline staff.  A smile, a nice word and some kindness will get you a long way – FAKE IT if you have to. Besides it just simply being the right thing to do, it’s these people who have the ability to upgrade you.

It doesn’t cost you anything to be friendly but it can make the difference between a late checkout, a better room, a flight upgrade or it may just make you feel good knowing you have made someone else smile.  Never underestimate the power of being nice!

Happy Travels!

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