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Win a copy of Kate Wickers new book Shape of a Boy

106 replies

BexMumsnet · 15/02/2022 13:49

Hi All,

We have an exciting giveaway for you - 50 FREE hardback copies of Kate Wickers new book Shape of a Boy. If you’ve ever needed a laugh-out-loud travel memoir, by the mother of three boys, then this book is for you!

Kate shares the life lessons learnt on her family’s travels, from overcoming disappointment in Thailand to saying sorry in Japan, discovering perseverance in Borneo and learning about conservation in Malaysia. Kate’s vivid evocation of the highs and lows of family time make you belly-laugh and bring a lump to your throat.

Shape of a Boy captures the essence of being a parent in the thick of it and learning on the hoof. Inspirational for anyone who has travelled with a baby, toddler or teen, it is a life-affirming read for every wannabe-traveller.

While Kate's mantra is ‘have kids, will travel’, we want to hear what your best travel tips (or travel mantras) are when you travel with or without kids! The first 50 people to comment below will receive a free copy of Kate Wickers new book, Shape of a Boy.

We can't wait to read your posts!

MNHQ

Win a copy of Kate Wickers new book Shape of a Boy
Win a copy of Kate Wickers new book Shape of a Boy
OP posts:
Gusthemouse · 15/02/2022 16:46

To use a safety pin to clip the zip of your handbag to the material.... invisible to the eye so pickpockets if they try you will feel a sharp tug!

presidentgerbil · 15/02/2022 16:42

I like to plan an itinerary so I know where we are going and when, and find things we can do if it's raining, very useful for Cornwall! Lots of snacks and activities, new little toys. Try to plan outfits to avoid taking too many clothes.

wibdib · 15/02/2022 16:40

Would love a chance to read this please!

My travel tip is to keep a master packing list on your computer or phone, and use it, whenever you travel. Admittedly mine is probably slightly OTT - it's a spreadsheet that has grown over the years to incorporate long and short trips, UK and foreign travel, reminders of jobs to do associated with travel, last minute reminders of things to do as you leave the house so you don't have to worry that you've left a window unlocked or the oven on etc - but it always makes much easier when I need to travel.

Having a plastic wallet with print out of the paking list to travel with, kept with my passport, travel insurance and any other travel documents, as well as separate photocopies of those docments - 1 version to put elsewhere in my luggage and 1 to leave behind with someone trusted. And a scan of each saved as a PDF and emailed to myself on Gmail (called something different) another version.

I try to update with new things after each trip, as well as noting when I take too much.

Completely different tip for traveling by car - take a cool bag with a small chopping board, sharp knifeand kitchen roll with you - makes it much easier to have impromptu picnics while travelling or out. Cucumber is particularly useful if travelling with kids - using IKEA or similar cheap picnic plastic beakers are easy to for kids to hold without spilling and cucumber sticks can help to keep kids hydrated without needing lots of open bottles in the car!

Nsmum14 · 15/02/2022 16:38

When tiny, take lots of snacks, to keep them entertained! Small things like smarties and cut grapes, that you can make last a while.
Deep breaths, and know the journey will have its challenging moments.

TrialofTrials · 15/02/2022 16:23

My travel tip is... if you forget anything you can buy most of what you need wherever you are going most of the time. So don't stress

Midnightstar76 · 15/02/2022 16:21

My best travel tip is be prepared for any travel delays with a good book for yourself and everyone else

Mychitchatdays · 15/02/2022 16:14

Be prepared for delays! Bring food and water. Different entertainment choices.

Barababam · 15/02/2022 16:13

My best tip is: relax and go for it! It’s never as bad as I fear

Barababam · 15/02/2022 16:12

I’m only travelling with two boys but good to know what three boys bring! Would love to have a copy of the book.

TrialofTrials · 15/02/2022 16:09

I have 2 boys. My best mantra is ... this is a phase. You will grow up and miss it. Doesn't always work but i try

popsocks · 15/02/2022 16:04

Best tip if you take regular medication is to order more than you need. If you get stuck somewhere, you should have enough on you to see you through

Bundlesofchocforme · 15/02/2022 16:02

My best travel tip is to research and plan for my own dc but not to rigidly, and not follow the guide books or what friends enjoyed, our best holidays have been ahem unconventional but brilliant fun as we did it our way.

trumpisagit · 15/02/2022 15:59

Best travel tips are take more clothes than you think, and always a football.

Bundlesofchocforme · 15/02/2022 15:59

Wow I would love to read this.

trumpisagit · 15/02/2022 15:58

Yes please, I would love to read it.

SE13Mummy · 15/02/2022 15:27

Roll, don't fold. Train your children to pack their own stuff as young as possible.

OldTinHat · 15/02/2022 15:27

That is one brave author! I have two (now adult) sons and we only managed caravan holidays in Cornwall. That was stressful enough 😆 I imagine this book would be a jolly good read!

Stomacharmeleon · 15/02/2022 15:27

Sorry mantra.... got too excited and pressed post.
I have a journal or book and try and get a rough idea planned. I have two boys on the spectrum so would also prepare them as much as possible for journeys etc. where we would be stopping, what we would be seeing.
We had some great holidays.... they are all nearly grown up :/

Wilma55 · 15/02/2022 15:26

Use mini packing cubes and put outfits together. Eg one pair of trousers 2-3 tops and a cardi/jacket.

godeeva · 15/02/2022 15:25

With 2 boys and a husband at home, this is perfect for me. Truly travelling with boys is a constant lesson in adaptation.

Stomacharmeleon · 15/02/2022 15:24

That would be wonderful :)

Chakraleaf · 15/02/2022 15:19

Organise and bullet point. We are a family of SEN and this works wonders.

Plus, breathe!

Asuwere · 15/02/2022 14:57

We haven't travelled far but frozen drinks are good for long journeys.
Also travel vacuum bags are great for saving space when packing!

NewModelArmyMayhem18 · 15/02/2022 14:44

Take half of what you think you need (in terms of clothes/shoes), and do your research (but be open to being flexible!).

Starfish78 · 15/02/2022 14:38

We do lots of research about the country we are going to and attempt to learn a word or two in that language. We look up different places to go or things to do while we will be there and write a list of them