We copped a bit of flack when we told family and some friends that we were taking the kids to places like India and Nepal. It is only natural for those more conservative types to worry. I think they actually believed everyone will want to steal our kids! They also feared for their health. But if we are willing to chance our health by ensuring we knew how to manage the risks, then why should we be so concerned about our kids? After all, millions of kids live in these places, and they have less opportunity for medical help than we travellers do if they get sick (see medical info below).

It was so valuable to have kids with us, we found they opened so many doors for us that we wouldn't have even noticed if they weren't there. We got invited to local weddings, into peoples homes and lots of great places. Its because people view you as normal people with a family, not just your everyday tourist. So I encourage you to DO IT! Tell those doubting Thomas's to get a life!

One thing did stand out on our trip that was unexpected. Through the hours on planes and helicopters, the total of 64 hours on trains and 100 hours on buses, neither one of our kids ever complained on those long journeys. I guess there is a fairly simple reason for that. They were excited about their next destination! While watching the scenery pass by their windows, they, just like us, were wondering what new adventure was waiting for them at the journey's end. And that to us is what travel is all about. They both loved to read, so that helped to.

Acclimatisation. The kids did take a bit to get used to the poverty in Nepal and India. We arrived in Nepal first, so the kids had a relatively gentle introduction to developing world poverty (despite Nepal having a lower average income than India). The beggars were hardest for them to come to terms with, they just wanted to give to all of them at first. We explained to them the situation, and finally they felt good about giving a bit very occasionally to a beggar. We explained about not encouraging begging and that they can't help everyone, and that most local organizations would prefer westerner tourists didn't encourage begging for the sake of the local people's dignity.

Health. I would suggest thoroughly researching health and dealing with sickness, like we did. The diarrhoea diagnosis and treatment chart was extremely valuable for this. Unfortunately some of the medications it suggests are not suitable for children under 12, I have listed these on the health page, or check with your doctor. The flow chart came from a little book from a specialist travel medical centre, which also described treatment of other infections. Very useful, but it didn't specify children's medications, we researched that ourselves. Their link is on the health as well as links pages, but I have tried to include the most important info from it in the health page anyway.

School. Our kids missed one school term (there's 4 terms per year in Australia), and their teachers were very supportive. We used to spend the time while waiting for meals in restaurants for the kids to do their school work. They had to write in their journal every day, as well as a little bit of maths. If that wasn't enough time, we would just put a bit of rest time aside each day to do those things. This was all the formal school work they did and it was enough to prepare them for school when they got home. They were level with the other kids in most subjects, but ahead in maths! Also they were noticeably more confident.

Packs. Before we left, we took our kids in to a specialist travel outfitter to get them fitted for backpacks! It took a while too to find ones their size. However, we were trekking for days in the high Himalaya, so we had to get a good fit. Anyway, if you have time, take them in because if you are walking for any distances they really do need to fit their backs. We actually bought adult daypacks for the kids (decent size), not special kid's ones which may be more expensive. Important; make sure they have a padded waist-band, as many daypacks don't. Actually, in case you are not aware, this is important. A backpack should not be slung all from the shoulder, most of the weight should be on the hips, much less fatiguing. So you need a decent padded waist-band, and to be able to adjust the pack so that they CAN have most of the weight on their hips.

Pack books if, like ours, your kids love to read. Blake read everything from Star Wars books to the Dalai Lama's autobiography (which he loved) while we were away, and he read voraciously. Gemma (9) always had something to read too. You won't have too much trouble finding books on the road. Most places where tourists go (particularly budget tourists) have second hand bookshops or stalls (book exchanges) around it seems. It is a bit harder to find books suitable for the younger kids in them, but we always seemed to find something. Often we found local English-language kid's books relating to the country we were in. We got some great books of local stories and legends from India and Nepal, most of the thin ones we actually kept. It may take a while to search, but you should always find something. Also, pack a pencil case with scissors, glue, sticky tape and pencils for them to draw and stick things in their journals.

Things to do. Kids tend to enjoy things like elephant rides, camel safaris and that bamboo raft trip we did was a real highlight for them. They also loved all the markets that are so prevalent in Asia (and are a REAL attraction in themselves), and even the massive shopping centres in the cities. Other things like the various boat trips and such they enjoyed too. You know, the sort of stuff that kids like (and us adults). They also enjoyed seeing museums and the temples too, especially when things were happening. The temples are so colourful and exotic. After a while they did get a bit "templed-out" unless there were things happening. I will say though, that don't expect your kids to become instantly perfectly behaved just because you are off on this most amazing adventure! Ours argued and bickered almost as much as they would at home. I must admit this surprised us a bit. At least the setting was exotic! That's not to say they didn't like the trip, they LOVED it, and never ever became homesick.

Make the effort to seek out local dance and music shows in Asia, they are always very colourful and exotic. You will find them sometimes in some (touristy) restaurants or at local festivals. The best ones we saw and heard were in India, they are an incredibly musical people.