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Anita Naik is a writer, ex-travel journalist and mum who now writes the Living with Kids blog for Kidstart. Launched in 2008, www.kidstart.co.uk is a free loyalty club that rewards families with money for their children when they shop at a wide range of retailers and service companies. KidStart is free to join and members can get money back at more than 250 high street locations and at over 450 online retailers.

Cheapflights: What do you always do when you travel – any routine procedures?
Anita Naik: Yes I always travel with as little luggage as possible and only one small bag for hand luggage. Even being a family of four we only take one suitcase. It makes grabbing kids and running for gates ten times easier. Plus I’ve learned from years of travelling with kids that you will always forget something but most airports/cities will have it.

CF: What is your travel pet peeve?
AN: I hate people pulling cases on wheels very slooowwwly behind them and tripping my kids or me up. It happens all the time in airports and drives me bonkers.

CF: What is your favourite kind of trip?
AN: My favourite trip is definitely a long flight to a far-flung beach location, though lately this has been somewhat spoiled by my kids shouting, “Are we there yet?” When the plane hasn’t even taken off.

CF: Best destination you have ever been to and why?
AN: Australia. I absolutely love Sydney and the Sunshine Coast for lifestyle, weather, food and all the outdoor things you can do. Though Kyoto and Tokyo in Japan are a very close second. One because Japan is an amazing place to visit with kids, and two because the Japanese are the most charming people in the world. Always ready to help you out. Plus they love kids.

CF: Where in the world offers the best value for money?
AN: America if you want to go the distance because it’s great value for money and you can’t beat it for things to do wherever you are, and whether you’re with kids or not. In Europe, Bulgaria is brilliant for family beach holidays especially in the summer when weather is hot. Also it’s still cheap to fly there and great value when you’re there.

CF: Where would you pay to stay? Is there anywhere you think offers great value and a great deal?
AN: Florence, Italy. I travelled in Italy as a student and loved it though we stayed in a youth hostel so I would love to go back and stay somewhere very Italian and smart. Plus Italy is a great place to go with kids, the Italians are very family-friendly. Plus food is cheap, and Florence quite possibly is the most beautiful city in the world.

CF: What is the best airport you have flown from and is there a tip to make this airport experience great?
AN: I actually love London Heathrow. It always brings back exciting travel vibes for me as it did when I was a kid. Plus, it has brilliant shopping and I love that they have free Wi-Fi. My one tip for Heathrow is to follow twitter.com/heathrowairport before you travel and while you’re there as they keep you updated on cancellations and what good stuff is happening in terminals.

CF: When you fly, is there a tip you can share to make the experience a great one?
AN: If you’re going with kids take blankets as they smell of home and are softer and warmer than airline ones and help them to fall asleep quickly. If I’m on my own, I take my own headphones as they are better quality if I want to listen to music or watch a film and I take my own snacks as I hate airplane food.

CF: If there was one travel nightmare trip, where would it be to and what would it involve?
AN: A long-haul flight to Australia with no stop over by myself with two under 5’s. I think my most mums would relate to that!

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About the author

Oonagh ShielContent Manager at Cheapflights whose travel life can be best summed up as BC (before children) and PC (post children). We only travel during the school holidays so short-haul trips and staycations are our specialities!

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