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

I let my son plan our family trips

Take a waterproof case for your phone!!

Take lots of Imodium. I speak from experience, unfortunately.

always have spare clothes with you!

For me it’s go see as much as you can - you never know if you will be back there and you can sleep when you are home.

Be prepared and also be ready to abandon any plans!!

Take a sling nor baby carrier and don't worry about fancy change bags- a decent rucksack is best

Took my 3 year old to cambodia and Vietnam. Advice- use a decent company to help you plan the itinerary and have a good guide. Much easier when with children. Stubborn mule organised our trip

• Make sure that all family members know enough basics in the country's language to get by, particularly if lost etc.
• Everyone to have a card with brief contact details: name, where you're staying etc.
• Always be open to new experiences.
• Relax, smile, be open and friendly.
• Enjoy

A special bag filled with books, toys and activities reserved just for travel so they seem new and exciting!

I think I'm too late for the book give-away, but my tip is to keep an Excel spreadsheet on your laptop with everything you could conceivably need for any holiday.

When packing, simply print it off, cross off anything you don't need for that particular holiday, and voila - there's your packing list!

To make things even easier, I have mine in sections, e.g. clothes, toiletries, dog (when he was with us).

(If you like messing about with spreadsheets you could also add filters for different types of holiday for use before printing).

Take a good book to enjoy whilst on a long haul flight or chilling in a sun lounger poolside!

I always make sure I have plenty snacks with me and a phone sometimes good to look at photos in our gallery or to play scrabble or word games with the boys

Snacks and separating little bags with various things i.e. Change of clothes bag, cuddly toy bags, colouring pencil bag etc like those little IKEA sandwich bags!

I would love to read this!

For first holidays or those with young kids get a travel journal for them to write/draw in so they can remember it.
There’s also a great little pocket book that you can tick off things that you’ve seen in the airport. Really fun.

I have an ever evolving set of lists for what we need for going away. It started when my youngest was a baby and I realised just how much kit we were taking and how easy it was to forget things. It's amazing how often I forget my pyjamas if I try to manage without the list....

Put all your documents like passports and tickets in plastic zip lock bags. That way you can easily find them when needed.

Have a rucksack with all the essentials first aid, snacks, drinks, small games, new items book to entertain spare clothes so can keep going whatever happens. Don't stress over things you normally would at home chill out and enjoy

I've grew up living in 2 continents, 3 countries and 6 schools in the space of 12 years and loved every minute of it. It may not have been a conventional childhood but I learned so much.
Then added in another 3 countries in the next 10 years through work and uni.

Now a first time mum to a young 14 month boy and I can't wait to show him the wonders of the world and let him experience everything it has to offer.

I'd love to read this book to share some laughs, maybe get some tips and have something to look forward to during my (very limited) me time.

Best travel mantra: and one we've used for 14 month DS

We'll figure it out!

No matter what, we go with the flow, we'll figure it out. It's worked so far.

This book looks fab! My tips would be use packing cubes to organise your case (just done this for the first time thanks to Mumsnet advice and it's a game changer!).
Also, bring less clothing and do washing while you're there. If you're in a hot country, it dries in no time.
New books can entertain kids on the plane and shorten the journey.

Be ruthless with what you pack - less is more

Don’t be too rigid with plans. Have some ideas before you go but then go with the flow!

What a great idea for a book. Travelling with children is interesting. I learned early on to have no expectations of perfection - or anything close to it. As long as the clothes are clean, it matters not that nothing matches, and creases are not a thing! Enjoy the children's joy at seeing new places and experiencing new things. I have three boys and three girls (all now grown up), and travelled extensively with them. Calpol is a must, you don't want to be looking for a pharmacy in a foreign land, with a sick child in tow, and not be sure what you're buying. Anything else can be purchased along the way. It all adds to the fun.

Discuss plans as a family and give options and suggestions of activities so your boys (and girls!) feel involved.