We’re packed! Tickets, passports, magazines, baby wipes, boiled sweets, colouring books, crayons and wallet are all safely ensconced in my hand luggage and we’re off to the airport on our holiday. Now we all look forward to our annual summer holiday with the excitement of a dog that’s discovered the remains of a big mac on the side of the road! But does it actually live up to the glossy brochure promise and can it ever be anything other than the usual trials and tribulations of family life, with the only difference being that hopefully the sun is shining and two of you have developed the runs?
The airport check- in is our first port of call and also the first cause of stress. Let’s assume the queue isn’t too bad and that most other travellers have been conned into paying for online check- in, hence leaving it clear for me and mine to glide through with ease. If we’re on an early flight then I’m already at a disadvantage by not looking my best, having woken at 3am in order to get the kids ready, feed the cat, triple check the bags and give ourselves an extra 30 mins just in case the taxi fails to turn up. So being met by a glamorous check in girl, with perfect make up, chalk white teeth and a fixed grin, isn’t a great start.
