Don’t leave home without your gadgets these school holidays

Sydney, 6 July 2011 - The number one tip for families planning on going away these school holidays: make sure you pack your gadgets, including mobile phones, I-pads, portable DVDs and mp3 players. In a question posted to 500,000 Facebook fans of the daily deals sites LivingSocial and Jump On It, the latest gadgets were chosen over past favourites for kids such as books and travel games like i-spy and spot the beetle for keeping them entertained.

Whether it’s a long car trip, train ride or even once you have reached your destination, fans thought the latest tech products were the most effective way to take the stress out of family holiday escapes. One respondent even thought a tracking device would be useful, helping you know where your kids are when they’re out.

Others thought mobile phones were essential, allowing you to keep in touch with your kids even when they are out exploring. And after a full day of activities, the tip for tired parents: put on a new release DVD leaving mum and dad to relax with a glass of wine.

But not all agree that gadgets are the answer. Bringing play mates along for the journey, books, games and chatting with your kids about landmarks all received votes for how to handle the holiday stress. One parent from Melbourne shared an unusual tip for keeping kids quiet in the back seat.

“Buy a packet of Freddo frogs and any time they misbehave, throw one out the window. They can have the remaining ones (if any) at the end of the trip,” says the facebook fan.

Whatever you plan, make sure you get the best holiday deal for your family by booking on LivingSocial Escapes. LivingSocial holiday deals require minimal planning, and each travel deal is listed for a week to give parents time to organise their family.

“Time out with the family is special and LivingSocial Escapes make covetable travel destinations affordable for families. Each travel deal experience on LivingSocial Escapes is authentic, accessible and requires minimal planning,” says LivingSocial Australia and New Zealand CEO Colin Fabig.

Just as LivingSocial lets people discover new services, experiences and attractions at deep discounts in their city or places they visit, LivingSocial Escapes help families find one-of-a-kind daily travel deals, packaged “nearcations”, or weekend excursions they might not typically pursue – all at up to 90 per cent off the normal price.

More information on holiday deals by Escapes can be found at http://escapes.livingsocial.com/