In theory, a family ski trip could be the ideal holiday; plenty of fresh air, quality time as a family and built-in entertainment for the kids. But what happens when the children get bored, grouchy and tired, they don’t like the food and your nerves are well and truly frazzled with making sure they don’t stray onto the black run?

Some careful planning and a well-selected resort should ensure that none of these typical problems impede upon your holiday, and could even mean that the adults get a break too!

The most important factor to consider is location, location, location.

Choose a resort that is not too far-away (a long flight with restless, airsick children is never going to get you off on the right foot), has alternate activities on offer, such as swimming, tobogganing and kids clubs to keep interest levels up, and has the option of a kids ski school. The latter really can prove to be life-saver, as well as giving the little ones a fighting chance of getting down the slopes in one piece; it also affords adults a bit of relaxation time too.

The location of your accommodation within the resort also requires some careful thought. Too far from the slopes and you risk losing their interest before you even get there; never underestimate the effort of walking in snowboots, or the effort of carrying a child who is wearing snowboots!

You may also want to consider whether you want self-catering or catered accommodation depending on when, and what your children like to eat.

Any good ski holiday tour operator should be able to help you consider and plan for all the specific requirements of a family ski holiday, so look around and you may just find that the ideal ski holiday package is out there!

From the 8th September 2010, the US are charging $14 (approx £9) to enter the country. The fee is to use the compulsory Electronic System for Travel Authorisation, otherwise known as ESTA.

$4 of this is considered an administration fee, whilst the remaining amount is to provide a fund to promote US tourism.

The ‘ESTA’ use has been in place since January 2009, but this is the first time the US has charged to use the compulsory system. Britain are one of 35 nations which are part of the Visa Waiver program which requires visitors to complete the ESTA.

The ESTA is currently free until the 8th of September and lasts for 2 years, so anyone traveling to popular US destinations including New York, Las Vegas and LA or on holidays to Florida should get it before this date before you have to pay!