No doubt you've met parents with infuriatingly well-behaved children who will tell you that family holidays are a piece of cake; that their little angels always sleep through flights, never whinge on long car journeys or turn their noses up at foreign food.
For most of us, however, getting family holidays right is all about making compromises. You won't please everyone all the time, but you can ensure that all ages have at least something going for them. Ten things that should definitely go into the equation are:
1. Water
Whether it's the sea, a lake or a swimming pool, most children (and plenty of adults) consider swimming an intrinsic part of every holiday.
2. Food
Don't skip the local flavours entirely, but always ensure there's something on the menu that kids know and like.
3. Friends
Opportunities for interacting with other children of their own age is particularly important for tweens and teens and organised kids' clubs are usually a big hit with children and allow parents some adult time.
4. Gear
Plan and pack with military precision to ensure you've got everything you need, especially if travelling with a baby.
5. Versatility
Research your destination, accommodation and activities carefully to make sure they meet the needs and ages of everyone in the family.
6. Challenges
Banish boredom by ensuring there are plenty of new experiences and adventures available for both you and your children.
7. Money
Don't feel you have to spend a fortune to have a memorable family holiday. Boat trips and sandcastles, surfing and rockpooling, dangling crab lines off a harbour wall... it's the simple (and inexpensive) pleasures that often make family holidays a success.
8. Attitude
Children quickly pick up on stress or anxiety, so try to stay relaxed, particularly during long journeys.
9. Expectations
Keep them realistic; remember that what you might find interesting might bore your children senseless. Don't chastise them for ignoring the architecture in Venice's Piazza San Marco in favour of feeding the pigeons.
10. Fun
What it's all about. Travelling with kids might not always be easy, but try to keep the stressful (or just downright miserable) moments in perspective. You'll laugh about them in years to come.
* Mark Hodson is Editor of 101 Holidays