Drooling over Heaven on Earth Kids, a new book by Sarah Siese about the world’s best family holidays, (according to the blurb) has got me thinking. It’s a great read that showcases 46 plush hotels and upmarket package holidays all over the world.

Scanning the gorgeous photographs of happy, sunkissed children, I could almost imagine my two in their place, splashing in the sea under the watchful eye of nanny while I tootle off to the spa for a bit more than my usual wash and brush up. Then I woke up. The book makes travelling with children look as easy as ABC - and that’s just not what we’re hearing here at Times Online.

Our inbox tells another story, completely. Particularly when it comes to travelling with babies and small children. While the parents of this age group are possibly the most in need of a break, they are also concerned about taking their children out of their familiar environment and routine. Will they wreak havoc on the flight? Will they sleep? And what about all their stuff, for God’s sake? Do you have to go to the Himalayas to get a Sherpa?

It’s the same on the parenting websites. While there are people who post about round-the-world travel with three-year old twins or exclusive resorts in the Indian Ocean, most simply want to know how they go about organising a holiday that everyone will enjoy and that won't break the bank. For parents with children in this category, it may be the first trip they have organised with children so they simply do not know what to expect.

I’ve had a trawl of the sites and come up with a list of new parents' FAQs and added my thoughts. Post a comment below if you have any advice, or e-mail us at yoursay@timesonline.co.uk

Does my baby need a passport?

Are you serious? It’s nine years since children were required to have their own passports (children included on a parent's passport before October 1998 can continue to travel on it until they reach the age of 16, or when the passport expires). Passport application forms are available from your local Post Office or, if you don’t have one near by, from the UK Passport Agency (0870 5210410). Applications take about three weeks to process – although you should allow for longer in busy periods, the run up to the school holidays for example. First passports for children cost £45.

It is important to provide as good a photo as possible of your child to avoid the application being rejected. The rules for under fives are not as strict as for older children, but tricky enough. The face must be full on, eyes open and adult supporting hand not visible. More information from the Passport Agency.

Er, what’s an EHIC, and do I need one?

The European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) entitles the holder to state healthcare treatment in the EEA (European Economic Area) countries and Switzerland. The main difference between them and the old E111 form, which EHICs replaced in 2006, is that each individual travelling requires one (you only needed one E111 form per family). In many countries, state healthcare does not cover all the things you would expect to get free of charge on the NHS. For this reason, you should also take out travel insurance. In fact, some insurance companies require you to have an EHIC, others will waive the excess charge if one has been used.

You can get hold of the cards very easily online, by calling 0845 6062030, or at your nearest Post Office. Visit the Department of Health website for more information on what treatment is covered, and how to use the card.

Any hints on surviving the flight?

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