Sun and, above all, warmth: that's what many people want for their family holiday in winter. However, bathing temperatures and guaranteed sunshine can usually only be found in long-haul destinations. Is this also possible with children? The long flight, the time difference, the change in climate - doesn't that mean more stress than relaxation? Not at all, if the holiday is well planned. Sven Schikarsky, Head of Product at DERTOUR, Jahn Reisen, ITS and Meiers Weltreisen, reveals what you should look out for.

Sven Schikarsky one: Long-distance holidays - are they only for families with older children?
Sven Schikarsky: No, definitely not. Family holidays abroad can be very enriching for everyone and are also possible with younger children. Of course, a holiday with a baby or toddler is different to one with older children. This should be taken into account when planning and choosing a destination. A beach holiday on beautiful sandy beaches with guaranteed sunshine is particularly popular with young and old in winter, especially when the cloudy and cold season begins.

one: Which distant countries are suitable for a family holiday with young children?
Sven Schikarsky: There are quite a few. Mauritius, for example, is considered a very safe holiday destination with child-friendly, reef-protected beaches and very family-friendly hotels. Many of them offer a childcare programme and all-inclusive packages can often be booked. The Maldives are also ideal for a beach holiday with guaranteed sunshine. Here, guests should make sure that the hotel is family-friendly. The Dominican Republic is also an alternative due to its excellent price-performance ratio and many very attractive discounts for children. As almost all hotels are all-inclusive and offer a wide range of leisure activities for children, the additional costs on site are manageable. Thailand is also a popular holiday destination for families. The beautiful, gently sloping sandy beaches are ideal for children.

one: Are there any destinations that are better not to be travelled to with small children?
Sven Schikarsky: I would always make sure that the region is malaria-free and that the time difference is not too great. This is the case in southern Africa, but a safari with a baby or small child makes little sense. The children should be older, have fun on the tour and be able to sit still in the jeep during the safari drives. Many lodges now offer special activities for children from the age of six. Long-distance holidays with children are always possible, it is not a question of age. However, the holiday should be child-friendly and the age of the children does play a role here.

one: Which destinations can you recommend to families with schoolchildren?
Sven Schikarsky: There is plenty of choice here too. My tip is to think together beforehand about what kind of holiday you want. A pure beach holiday or a round trip with various stops? Round trips specially designed for families take the needs of children into consideration. In Thailand, for example, the DERTOUR round trip "South Thailand" is very suitable for children due to its varied programme and not too long travel times. The "Go4South Africa" adventure tour from the DERTOUR programme is also very impressive for young and old. The round trip was designed especially for families with short daily stages, family-friendly accommodation and a child-friendly accompanying programme.

one: Family holidays away from home - what should you pay attention to?
Sven Schikarsky: One point is medical precautions. It is advisable to seek medical advice at an early stage. Which vaccinations are advisable? What should be in the first-aid kit? Is there international health insurance for the whole family? For longer flights, children's essentials such as cuddly toys, dummies, nappies and baby food should always be packed in hand luggage. If special products such as baby food are needed during the holiday, I have to research whether they are also available in the holiday destination or pack a sufficient quantity. A good tip for relieving pressure in the ears on long-haul flights are lozenges or chewing gum. If you are travelling with a baby, you should try to get seats in the first rows of seats, as this is where the airlines' baby cots can be attached.