BK … before kids. We travelled a lot. We lived in various parts of the world. We penny-saved our way around Europe. We had adventures. We did an around-the-world trip in six weeks. We hiked. We home stayed.

And then kids came.

Having kids halts many, but it didn’t stop us. Before our daughter turned one, she had been to Bali. Before our son turned one, we took them both to Phuket. And now, at three and five, they have returned to Bali.

We’ve also had plenty of camper trailer holidays, interstate trips and holiday-home getaways. Yes, the travel has tamed down, and is nowhere near as adventurous as our travels before, but we are doing it.

Here are some tips to get you to Asia … with the children:

1. Don’t call it a holiday. It’s travel. With kids. These are two very different types of “getting away”; do not get confused.

2. Resorts. Pay for the luxury. The pools, the other adults, the restaurants and room service. It all comes in handy when you need to hang around for sleeps and early nights (before restaurant opening time in Asia).

3. Don’t expect to tour much. Can you imagine going on an organised day tour with two little ones? Crying, toilet stops, noise, all long day. Instead, hire a car and driver, and go at your own pace. You can see what you want, stop for nappy changes, not worry so much about screaming kids and go home when you have had enough.

4. Meet the locals. The locals love to get to know kids, and it is so much fun for everyone. Sit and play with local kids, then laugh as restaurant staff fight over who looks after the baby while you eat. People will speak to you more – and not just those trying to sell you something.

5. Take nappy wipes and anti-bacterial spray. You will need it. Use everywhere, all the time.

6. Strollers are handy in the heat, even if they have outgrown them at home. Whiney kids are kept quiet when they don’t have to walk. And soon enough, you will be used to sharing the road with the cars, tuk-tuks and motorbikes. I believe they know what they are doing, so trust in them and just walk straight.

7. Take snacks and known food from home. Packet fruit, crackers, etc, are handy when you have fussy eaters.

8. Make sure your room has dark curtains for sleeping during the day – and doors that completely close to keep out mosquitos and bugs.

9. Get a nanny. We got Holiday Nanny Berta and loved her. The kids took to her within minutes, whisking her away to show off our resort.

10. Take a trip without the kids.

It is worth it – no matter how hard.

Heidi Linehan is a location photographer and writer based in Adelaide. You can read more about her travels on her blog, Heidi Who? Photos.