SOME parents with young children may shudder at the thought of travelling and keep putting of plans for holidays.

Not the Nai family, though.

With four children in tow - aged 11 years to 20 months - the Nais take family holidays every year.

Mrs Bernie Nai, 39, an accountant, said the kids do throw tantrums.

But sometimes they can't be bothered when things go wrong too.

She recalled a recent holiday in Japan when they got lost in the mountain town of Hakone, just outside of Tokyo.

"The kids were oblivious to the sense of panic the adults were experiencing as night fell and were still chatting away," Mrs Nai said.

Naturally, with children in tow, destination choices may be rather limited.

Adventurous couples like Madam Susie Low, who is in customer service, and her husband do like backpacking and enjoying the nightlife.

But there is no question of roughing it out now, in their yearly family holidays with their young sons, aged 9 and 7.

Madam Low, 39, said: "We cannot settle for (budget hotels) any more... children are more sensitive to changes in things like water quality."

Also, since young children have a lower stamina, planning a family holiday means avoiding hectic tour schedules.

Both Madam Low and Mrs Nai said they avoid going for tours that are jam-packed with activities because they need to have some flexibility for the young children to take naps.

But, it can be a tough act to juggle because, too much free time on long journeys can make children restless.

Although sightseeing and cultural experiences rarely interest their children, the parents try to make their holidays an educational eye-opener.

Mrs Nai said: "Witnessing children their own age having to peddle gifts in the streets in Chiangmai showed my children how privileged they are."

The families usually go for activities which will directly excite the children's senses and appeal to their imaginations, such as visiting vibrant theme parks.

FUSSY

Children can be fussy. Especially when it comes to food.

Madam Low said: "I encourage them to try local food. But dishes that are too spicy do not suit their diet."

To manage, Madam Low packs small packets of food seasoning.

If other food options don't suit the young ones, she simply sprinkles the seasoning on common staples such as plain rice to get a fairly tasty meal.

Mrs Nai usually gets hotel staff to write out their food requirements in the local language, which she uses to order at eateries on the trip.

With all this hassle for a family holiday, is it still worth it?

"Tending to the children's every need definitely helps in family bonding," Mrs Nai said.

- Swan Tan, newsroom intern

This article was first published in The New Paper on Apr 25, 2008.