| Traveling with children does not have to be a | | | | and happy. Time your flights to decrease your and |
| dreaded nightmare, as it's often depicted. As long as | | | | your children's symptoms of jet lag and you will be |
| children are kept entertained, they will probably enjoy | | | | grateful. |
| the flight. They will probably be more excited about | | | | When traveling with children, it is essential to be a |
| flying than you are, because they have had fewer | | | | skilled packer. You want to travel light enough so you |
| opportunities to do it. By flying with your children, | | | | won't be weighed down with your luggage, but not |
| you are adding many hours, sometimes days, to your | | | | so light that you have to buy a lot of clothes or |
| family vacation time. It might take you a day or | | | | extras when you arrive in your destination. It is |
| more to drive to Disney World, but you can be there | | | | difficult to pack properly for yourself and your |
| in a few hours on a plane. This adds to your time in | | | | children on a vacation, so make sure you give |
| the park, or wherever your family chooses to go. | | | | yourself plenty of time in advance. It will help to have |
| Plan your family vacation far in advance. This will | | | | a few days to add to your family's luggage, so you |
| afford you time to shop around for the cheapest | | | | can be sure not to forget anything crucial. Try to fit |
| tickets at the best airlines. Many airlines try to attract | | | | as much into as few bags as possible. You don't |
| families traveling together by offering special children's | | | | want to risk the airline losing multiple bags. Keep |
| meals and movies on the flight. Look around for a | | | | essentials like clean underwear and a toothbrush in |
| kid-friendly airline that will anticipate your child's travel | | | | your carryon luggage, just in case. |
| needs. If you are taking an extremely long flight, | | | | The most fun part of traveling with kids is packing |
| research the airports where you will have to spend | | | | their carryon backpacks. Here you can provide new |
| your layover. Many airports these days have small | | | | coloring books and snacks, interesting things for them |
| playgrounds and children's amenities that will give the | | | | to discover once they board the plane. They will be |
| kids a place to burn off their pent-up energy and let | | | | excited at new toys and activities. You don't have to |
| you rest. | | | | spend a lot of money. The novelty will be enough for |
| If you must fly a long distance, plan your trip so the | | | | the children. Keep a store of surprises for |
| longest part of your flight coincides with your | | | | emergencies, if the children become especially bored. |
| children's regular bedtime. This way they will be | | | | Always have an ace in the hole, a candy bar or new |
| occupied with sleeping during the most boring part of | | | | crayons for the kids to enjoy. This will ensure a |
| the trip and hopefully they will wake up well-rested | | | | pleasant trip for everyone. |