| Traveling can be one of the most adventuresome | | | | Strict air travel regulations mean more time at the |
| and exciting times for families, but without careful | | | | airport. Because of long security lines, arriving at the |
| planning, your trip can become stressful. Here are | | | | airport two hours before your flight is highly |
| some tips to help make your pre-trip organization | | | | recommended. Remember, the TSA enforces strict |
| more effective: | | | | rules regarding what you can bring onto the aircraft. |
| Weather | | | | Know what you can and can't bring aboard. Stay |
| Before you go on any vacation, be sure to check | | | | up-to-date on the latest regulations by visiting before |
| the weather forecast for your destination. There's | | | | your trip. |
| nothing worse than not being prepared for the | | | | Charming Children |
| weather on your trip. Also, whatever time of year | | | | The more you can do to keep your children |
| you travel, be sure to pack a jacket. Even the nicer | | | | entertained on the way to your destination, the |
| days can turn into cooler nights. | | | | better. If you're driving, consider using a portable |
| Outstanding Organization | | | | DVD player, playing travel games, or singing songs. |
| You can never be too prepared for your vacation. | | | | DVD players, MP3 players and other electronic |
| To keep your home safe while you're away call the | | | | devices are also great on long flights. Don't forget |
| post office to have your mail stopped, contact your | | | | books! You can find children's books at your local |
| paper-boy to hold your newspaper, and put some | | | | library or bookstore that teach your kids about your |
| lights at your home on timers. When you leave, be | | | | destination and keep them entertained on the way. |
| sure to grab all the paperwork that you'll need. Make | | | | Familiarize |
| sure to have all of your confirmation slips, ticket | | | | While traveling to a new place can be an adventure, |
| vouchers, maps, and IDs so your vacation can go as | | | | you want to be fairly familiar with the area to avoid |
| smoothly as possible. Also, if you're traveling with | | | | driving in circles. Reading travel books, looking at area |
| children under two on your lap, airlines require the | | | | websites, and mapping out your locations will keep |
| child's birth certificate to prove his or her age. When | | | | stress levels low. To save on dead time, call |
| you get to the airport, be sure to write down where | | | | restaurants before you leave to make reservations. |
| you parked so yours isn't one of the many sad | | | | Many restaurants take reservations a couple of |
| families who lose their car! | | | | weeks in advance or more, and some even let you |
| Perfect Packing | | | | make your reservation online. |
| Make your packing list and check it twice, and when | | | | Explore, Experience, Excite! |
| you're finished packing, check it again. You don't want | | | | Finally, when you've booked your vacation and you're |
| to leave things behind. If you're traveling by air, pack | | | | ready to tell the whole family, do something fun to |
| all of your medications and essentials in your carry-on | | | | get them excited! Explore the area through pictures, |
| in case your bags don't follow you to your | | | | cook your family regional cuisine from the area, or |
| destination. Be sure to pack clothing that is | | | | have the kids do a fun art project. Anything you can |
| appropriate for the weather, and don't forget your | | | | do to make the experience even better for your |
| toothbrush! | | | | family will enhance your trip! |
| Remember Regulations | | | | |