How to Plan a Trip With Children

Traveling together is one of the most rewarding experiences a family can have. Road-tripping, catching the Big One at the lake and hearing Mom scream on the roller coaster all make it worthwhile. Memories are there for the making-get those bags packed!

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

1. Choose a kid-friendly destination. Any cruise or resort will likely trump a big-city visit if you've got a child under the age of 5. Most cruise ships and some hotels offer camplike programs.
2. Consider the perils of jet lag on long-distance vacations. If you don't know how your child reacts to significant time changes, factor this into your choice of destination. He or she (and you) may be up all night and sleepy all day for the first half of the trip. Instead of wasting the vacation, take a shorter jaunt closer to home.
3. Establish the rules of the road before you even leave the house.
4. Create a boredom survival kit for each child: Action figures, dolls, and plastic or stuffed animals for younger kids; books, drawing supplies and handheld video games for older ones. For a long road trip, borrow books on tape from the library or invest in a portable DVD player (starting at less than $200). Or set kids up with their own CD players and headphones.
5. Take advantage of younger children's sleep patterns. Hit the road early so kids stay asleep for the first few hours. Plan for an easy breakfast break. Or drive late at night if you're not exhausted.

Tips & Warnings

• Be prepared for mobile mopups with bottled water, napkins, plastic bags for wet clothing or trash, and wet wipes to wipe down surfaces and people.
• Pack the car the night before to avoid a frantic morning.
• Klutz.com offers a wealth of travel kits for all ages.
• Expect the best, but prepare for the worst. Pack a first aid kit, motion-sickness medication, barf bags and a change of clothes for each child.
• If you have a different surname than your child, carry a photocopy of the child's birth certificate at all times as evidence of guardianship.