Summer's here -- at last. And all we can think about are holidays in the sun. But no parent can take their children abroad now without thinking of tragic Madeleine McCann. The toddler has been missing for over a year, and her disappearance from the Portuguese resort of Praia de Luz has led to much debate on just how we should look after our children on foreign holidays.

The plight of Derry couple Eamon and Antoinette McGuckin last week, when their three young children were temporarily taken into care during a holiday in the same country, has reignited the burning issue of just what constitutes safe, responsible behaviour towards children during family trips abroad.

It's easy to slip into holiday mode, and even the most attentive parents can become easy-going to a fault. But there are some simple safety tips to make sure you and your children have a great holiday.

1. Plan ahead

Even a last-minute booking should allow you enough time to do some internet trawling and buy a Lonely Planet Guide.

Find out as much as you can about where you're going and what kind of activities and attractions are going to be available. Discuss a plan for the time you're away with your children -- if they feel a sense of ownership over the holiday, they are likely to be a lot more co-operative. A general itinerary takes a lot of the pressure off you. You can decide before leaving on a mix of activities that will cater for adults and children alike. Some give and take is extremely important.

2. Money matters

Some places simply don't take credit cards, and have very few ATMs. This means that you will need to bring along enough cash, in the appropriate currency if necessary. Ensure that your hotel/apartment building will provide you with a safe, and only carry as much money as you will need during each trip away from your accommodation.

It is always a good idea for the children to have their own funds (within reason), so during the lead-up to the holiday, encourage them to save up for their own special treats during their time away. You'd be amazed how sensible even a very young child can be about money he or she has gone to the trouble of earning.

3. Are babysitting services properly registered

Many hotels and apartment complexes will have these facilities, but you should never rush into placing your children in the care of strangers. A few questions to your travel agent, and perhaps a phonecall to the tour operator before you leave, will be able to tell you whether or not you are being offered a reputable service. A Kids' Club or a hotel babysitting service, should meet the same standards of staff qualification, police checks, health, safety and hygiene as a creche. Many holiday operators insist on international standards of qualification and inspection of their clubs. Put your mind at ease, and ensure that your children are being supervised and entertained appropriately -- a good Kids' Club can make their holiday really special -- and give you a break from them. If you feel in any way uneasy about the club at your hotel, don't use it. Trust your instincts -- they are usually correct.

4. Pool/beach protocol

The accepted belief that a child can drown in a couple of inches of water is wisdom indeed, which means that you must be hyper-careful around the pool or on the beach. Also, be mindful of the added danger from that most awful of combinations -- the hot sun blazing down on pale, Irish skin. These are the two biggest risks while you are on holiday, and should be taken extremely seriously. Even if the pool at your hotel has a lifeguard (and most don't), you should still remain vigilant. Don't assume someone else is keeping an eye on your children. Set some basic ground rules with them on your first day -- they should stay close to your sun-lounger, in case you need to call them. If they are weak swimmers, they should remain in the shallow end or use the kiddie's pool.

The deep end can look very tempting to adventurous little eyes, so don't get too engrossed in your book. Take turns with your partner getting into the water with them.

There is a simple rule around sun cream: get the highest factor you can find, and apply it every hour. You might not mind getting sunburnt, but it is simple neglect if you allow your children to be. In sunny climes, hats are not just fashion statements, they are essentials.

5. Hydration and nutrition

Have a bottle of water with you at all times, and insist that everyone sips some regularly. Believe it or not, room temperature is best, as very cold water taken when the body-temperature is raised can cause an upset stomach. Dehydration can make you feel tired and ill, so if the children start getting grumpy, this could well be the cause. Keep them drinking.

Local food should be part of your holiday experience, so don't be afraid of it. But if you don't usually eat very spicy foods when at home, a holiday is not the time to begin, so be sensible in your choices. A common cause of upset tummies while on holiday is misuse of hotel buffets. To prevent such discomfort: a buffet should be seen as a self-service menu. In a restaurant, you wouldn't eat your desert first, nor would you combine spaghetti Bolognese with fish and chips for your main course -- yet we are all tempted to do this when a buffet is presented to us. Choose a sensible starter, main course and desert, and stick with that. You'll feel better afterwards.

6. Enjoying the nightlife

Most holiday destinations are very relaxed about children being out with their parents at night, and will even provide entertainment for the whole family until quite late. Bedtimes usually become very loose while on holiday, and there is nothing wrong with that.

Yet some basic safety procedures do need to be implemented. If you are planning on having a few drinks, one adult needs to remain sober to ensure the children are okay -- think of it as the designated childminder. That means that one or two sangrias should be the cut-off point, after which soft-drinks are the beverage of choice. Take turns in this role, so that each of you have a chance to let off some steam.

If you did it last night, then your partner can babysit tonight.

7. Have fun!

Enjoy yourselves, and return home refreshed and in one piece.

Shane Dunphy is a child protection expert

- Shane Dunphy