If you are going on a backpacking holiday then there are a number of ways you can make travelling around and finding affordable food and accommodation much easier, and here are a few tips to help you whilst you are away:

• Ask an Expert – there are hundreds of forums online where backpackers share tips and essential bits of advice regarding a whole host of destinations around the world, so do a bit of research before you leave and arm yourself with the wisdom and insight of those that have gone before you.
• Train/Bus Timetables – backpackers normally spend a lot of time travelling on buses and trains during their trips, and you can check many timetables online now, and also print them off to take them with you.  This will help you to plan a basic outline of your travel arrangements, and could also help you avoid having to spend any uncomfortable nights on platforms waiting for missed train connections.
• Phrase Book – take a good travel guide and phrase book for the regions you will be visiting, and learn a few basic phrases before you go to help you get around a bit more easily once you arrive

If you are going to Europe on your holidays this year then remember that all holders of British passports are entitled to free health care in other European countries using the European Health Insurance Card (EHIC) provided by the Department of Health (www.dh.gov.uk).

This will cover you for any state provided medical treatment you need during your trip in Europe , through either accident or illness, and once you have received your card it is normally valid for 3-5 years, so can be used again and again.

Please bear in mind that this type of insurance will not cover you completely for every single kind of treatment you may require, and you may need to make a contribution to the costs of your care in some cases, so it can be a good idea to supplement this cover with some private travel insurance.  Also the EHIC will not cover you for free treatment abroad if this is the main reason for your trip.

Travelling with young children can be very stressful as any parent will know, and children can be inclined to be fussy and fretful when outside of their normal routine and bored and restless on long journeys, so here are a few ways you can help make the experience more pleasant for everyone:

• Keep It Simple – try to keep your travelling plans as simple as possible to reduce the duration of the journey, and book direct flights and avoid any transfers where you may have to spend hours waiting around at airports.  Also if you are going on a long flight or train journey book it overnight, and then your children will be able to spend most of the journey asleep, which will make it easier on both them and you.
• Pack Some Snacks – pack some basic snacks such as bananas, raisins, crackers and small boxes of cereal (and the occasional packet of sweeties), as it can be a long wait between meals whilst you are travelling, and also pack plenty of drinks to keep everyone hydrated.