Kids always make our life merrier. Even when everything else fails to excite us, the kids will do or say something that brings back the smile. Taking your family to an exclusive destination will not only earn you some marks with your spouse, but also put you on a pedestal with the kids. It is therefore smart to think through the travelling plans if you are going to impress them.

There is nothing as heartbreaking as having your family taken to a shabby motel because you did not plan of where they are going to stay. Your kids will hate you if they miss an ice hockey game just because you do not have enough money to pay for a taxi to take them to the game.

Below are some of the things you need to have in abundance if your trip with the kids is going to be successful.

1. You need a lot of Patience

They say that patience is a virtual - you never know how much of a virtual it is until your teenage daughter runs off with a boy only to reappear at midnight after you have already reported the matter to the police. The small ones will throw tantrums in the malls demanding that you buy something that you cannot afford while the older ones will disobey your every instruction.

2. You need to have a large budget, and some pocket change

The kids will ask you to buy things that were not in the plan as well as force you to pay for some fun activities you did not know existed in your destination. Having enough money never hurts, but you also need to make some rules on up to how much they can get. If the ground rules are properly agreed, you will have no problems.

3. You will need some help

If you are a single parent, travelling with at least one adult relative will help you keep sane. If you are travelling with your spouse, you will need to hire a baby sitter for your own time. Trust me; you will need all the help you can get to properly manage the kids and at the same time have a little fun for yourself.

4. You will need to be strict

Whatever rules are applicable at home should also be applicable at your holiday destination. This is especially so with the teenagers who will try to arm twist you into giving in to some leeway just because you are on holiday. If the small ones should hit the bed by 8.00PM, let the rules apply during the trip too. If the teenagers should be home before 10.00PM, let the rule stand.

5. Have some 'me' time

You will need to slot in a time that you spend alone or with your spouse without the interruption of the kids. This ensures that you also have some fun during your tour. Without this, you will turn into a quarrelsome parent that embarrasses the kids among their new friends.

If you think of something else that can help you cope with the kids during your trip, feel free to apply it.