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

[BexMumsnet]

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

Ooh this sounds perfect, I'd love a copy. I'm an avid reader, will read all sorts.

So my best tips are:

Find out as much as you can about the area you're travelling to, I tend to try and buy a book or Google the area for places to visit. I also get a phrase book so that I can learn the language a little. Find out where the best restaurants are, usually I look on TripAdvisor.

I roll all my clothes up because I find I can fit more in my case and they don't seem to crease. Tbh mainly I only take a rucksack if possible, I don't really visit places where formal clothing is required.

Oh this sounds so good, as a mum of two boys who have travelled with us to over 22 countries i think this would give me some fun to read.
Travel tips for us are to put the worries to one side but stay safe, don't try and shelter the kids too much, you are travelling for a reason… to see life from other cultures and veiw points. Plan well with time for sightseeing as well as downtime and finally book the nicest hotel you can afford the last night of your travels, blissful to relax and get clean for the trip home! This however may have something to do with the fact that lots of our trips were a bit off the tourist routes as DH is a wildlife photographer 😁

I have three boys. The furthest we have attempted with them so far is a trip to Denmark. The most adventurous was a trip to Shetland which involved a coach, a plane, a train and an overnight ferry and a hire car. My top tips are: find out what car seats the hire company will provide and get to grips with the fitting instructions beforehand! Also, on long journeys, freeze drinks for the kids. Keeps them cool and stops them necking a whole bottle in five minutes and necessitating three consecutive pee stops (on a bloody motorway). That's all folks!

Research, research, research!!
Especially where to stay & the type of accommodation. Is it child friendly? Near to amenities? Are the sleeping arrangements suitable? (We've fallen foul of the latter before!!)

We always encourage the children to pack their own things but make sure we check it (again, we've learnt from previous experience!!)

Lots of snacks & activities for the journey.

Be flexible and don't over-plan.

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

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

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

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

Plus, breathe!

That would be wonderful :)

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

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

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 :/

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!

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

Yes please, I would love to read it.

Wow I would love to read this.

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

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.

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

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

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

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

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