It’s the end of the July and the schools have broken up for the summer. September seems like an awfully long way away and there’s some time to wait before a sense of ‘normality’ returns.

Like us, you’ve probably got a holiday planned and, if you have children, it can turn into a very stressful experience! So here are some tips we’ve found from Mumsnet contributors for a hassle free holiday:

1. Don’t go with your in-laws
2. Travel at night, with the kids in their PJ’s so that they sleep for the majority of the journey
3. Pack some of everyone’s clothes in each suitcase. Then if one goes missing, at least you’ve got something to wear
4. Wrap small “gifts” for long journeys and bring one out every few hours for good behaviour
5. Drink plenty of alcohol every day of your holiday!
6. Buy all toiletries when you get there
7. Don’t go with another family no matter how well you get on at home
8. Invest in a travel DVD player
9. Leave children at home with in laws and go to Sandals
10. Take a set of playing cards. The games you can play are fairly endless

and finally…

1. Have realistic expectations!

Disclaimer: Some of the advice given above is not entirely endorsed by Matchett!