A strong rand combined with a plethora of special offers to everywhere from London to LA are helping to make overseas family holidays a reality rather than a pipe dream for more people. However, taking the whole family on a long-haul holiday is about more than just getting a good deal on the tickets.

The first thing to remember, says Lin Glass, British Airways Country Manager in South Africa, and mother of two, is that cut-price tickets nearly always come with strings attached.

"Increased competition between the international carriers serving South Africa has meant that there really are some very good deals on offer, but you’re virtually guaranteed that these will be restricted fares. This means that you can’t change your flights, cancel or get refunds, or that if you do there are hefty penalties."

So before you even think about booking, make sure you can get the leave, the family or friends you’re going to visit are expecting you (or that you have somewhere to stay) and you can organise someone to feed the dog while you’re away.

Be realistic about your trip

She also suggests being realistic about where you’re going and what you’re going to do when you get there. Rather than getting swept away by a seemingly fantastic offer just because it’s good value, consider that you’re taking children.

This means the length of the flights and connection times could be a factor — add a least 30 minutes per child for connections. Discuss the trip, what you’re going to do or who you’re going to visit and identify any pitfalls before you book.

Your basic planning should also include making sure that everyone has the necessary travel documents and that nobody’s passport is about to expire. If you need to apply for or renew documentation, find out how long this is likely to take before you hand over your credit card.

Let me entertain you!

Once you’ve done your homework and made your booking, think about how you’re going to keep the children entertained. Many airlines offer some sort of in-flight entertainment or provide toys for children, but remember you’re also going to end up spending time in airports — stressful places at the best of times!

For younger children Lin suggests packing some small, lightweight toys in your hand-luggage. These could include a favourite soft-toy or doll, a drawing pad or story book. Bring these out one at a time, so they don’t lose interest too quickly. You can even wrap toys in bright wrapping paper to add to their entertainment value.

Avoid electronic toys that make a noise and disturb other people or toys with parts that may get lost. Balls are generally not a good idea.

Many airports do have play areas for smaller children and you should be able to find out what’s on offer and where by asking at the information counter.

For children of school-going age, books, comics and magazines and drawing or writing pads can help while away the waiting time. You could even encourage them to keep a diary of the trip.

Don't get separated

Above all, keep a careful eye on your children at the airport so they don’t wander off. Make sure that if you do get separated from young children, whoever finds them can get in touch with you. You can write your cellphone number on their hand in indelible ink or write their name, your contact details, the airline you’re travelling on and flight number on a sticker and stick it to the back of their shirt. Alternatively, write it on a card and hang it around their neck on a lanyard.

It’s generally much less stressful once you’re onboard the aircraft. Some airlines, including British Airways, offer pre-seating for families where they’ll board parents with young children early, to give them time to settle on the aircraft rather than stand in long boarding — and boring — queues.

Be prepared

"A little preparation can take a lot of the stress out of travelling with children," says Lin. "Each year British Airways carries some 1.2 million children. We’ve accumulated this expertise in family travel and packaged it into a programme called Skyflyers — designed to provide a single, easy-to-access range of products and services.

"For example you can pre-order special meals for children aged between two and 12 by using the manage-my-booking feature on the ba.com website. You can also ask to have the children fed first, so you can get them sorted and settled before you enjoy your meal."

If you do need help disembarking the aircraft, wait until the other passengers have left and the crew will assist you. This is where allowing more time for connections can really pay off. It’s also worth asking if there are any fast-track immigration options for families travelling with young children.

Finally, don’t be temped to use your carefully hoarded frequent flyer miles to arrange a surprise upgrade for the family — it’s much less stressful to deal with a fractious child in economy than it is with pin-striped passengers glaring at you over the top of the financial pages.