Nothing makes a bigger impression on a family holiday than the first 24 hours.

No matter what your friends or the travel agent told you or what the brochures showed, often first impressions can be a let down. You can't help but visualise in your mind where you are going while the actual place is always somewhat different.

Some places can turn out to be a mistake, your sister-in-law might have loved it but it just doesn't work for your family. Unfortunately you can never find out what a place is really like until you go, most will turn out to be great, a few won't.

The best course of action, as Grandma Doris would say is, "always look on the funny side of the situation" - children will simply follow your lead, if you see the funny side they will too.

The first 24 hours will also be you're most expensive - you are the new kids on the block and the locals know this and act accordingly. Try not to worry about this, you will soon find your way around and be able to economise later. Ensure you have enough local currency to see you through, especially if you are arriving at night, at a weekend or during a public or religious holiday. Check out Links for World Public Holiday information. If you follow our Packing Guides you should have everything you might need and thus avoid having to go out and find an open shop in the first 24 hours.

This is the time you need to recuperate and relax and get to know your resort in an enjoyable way not rushing around trying to find nappy cream or child's toothpaste.

Prepare for bad weather - even if you are heading for a destination in the 90o's mother nature loves to spring surprises on newly arrived holidaymakers.

Let the children play after being cooped up travelling, they need a day just to have fun and will soon forget any hardships they went through to get there and will develop a positive feeling towards their new holiday home.