Kids Go! Travel Tips

• I enjoy planning our trips and I like to get the kids excited about the trip by involving them in this process. The Internet is an endless source of information, but when traveling to abroad, I do recommend Rick Steves' guidebooks and DVDs (to save money, check your local library for these).

• Let the kids earn their own spending money. Besides doing odd jobs around the house there are other creative ways for kids to earn their own pocket money. Our neighborhood recently had a yard sale where my little trekkers sold homemade organic cookies and juice boxes and earned $45! Not bad! Plus, it was a great lesson in entrepreneurship.

• Well in advance I start collecting the items that will make our trip more enjoyable, such as, new DVDs, sketch pads and pencils, journals, film - all the little extras that will make the trip extra special. Purchasing these far in advance is much easier on the wallet than trying to get everything the week before departure!

• Pack light! Keeping up with excited, energetic children is a workout in itself. There is no need to work up a sweat lugging a heavy suitcase. Pack only a few days' outfits and hand wash in the hotel bathroom (travel clothes lines are handy since there is no need for clothes pins). Choose the clothes you bring carefully; they should be of good quality, well fitting, and made of light, fast drying fabric. Bring only what you absolutely need. Pack trial- sized toiletries. Space bags are a great way to minimize bulk. I carry a "carry-on" sized suit case that can be wheeled or carried as a backpack.

• Leave early in the day! If we will be driving for 8 hours or more, I leave as early as I can. Getting 2 hours of driving in before breakfast can really make the trip seem shorter. To do this, I pack everything in the car the day before. I wake the children after I am ready and my coffee is in the cup holder. Once dressed and in their car seat, the kids usually fall asleep for the first hour or so.

• Some experts suggest stopping every 90 minutes for the kids to run around. I don't agree. This can quickly turn an 8 hour road trip into a 10 hour journey. When we stop, make it quick and keep on moving. We would rather have the extra time at our destination than at a fast food restaurant! I realize that kids are different, so if this style of travel isn't for you, do what works.

• Wrap individual snack packs. Wrap goldfish, pretzels or other treats in aluminum foil packets. My kids delight in unwrapping them to see what's inside. These controlled portions are a tricky way to keep the junk food consumption to a minimum.

• Don't forget it's a round- trip! Pack a gallon-sized Ziplock bag with small inexpensive items that will entertain your child --- coloring pages, party size Play-Doh™, a paperback book, etc. Then pack it into the bottom of your suitcase to use on the return flight!  

• Let the kids carry their toys and entertainment. My kids have a DVD player which they carry in a small backpack along with their coloring supplies and other toys. Be sure it's not too heavy since you don't want to end up carrying these!

• I love to use a small (letter-sized) accordion folder to organize our passports, tickets, reservations and credit cards. Traveling with children is not the time to be digging through a bag full of kiddy paraphernalia looking for your proper documents.

• Pack photo copies of passports and tickets into your suitcase.

• Unfortunately, pickpocketers prey upon distracted tourists, and traveling with children can make us prime targets! I always use a backpack-type bag such as The Mommy Bag. This frees up both hands for helping my little co-travelers, but as with any backpack, this leaves my bag venerable. I always secure my accordion folder inside my bag by putting it into a security pouch which is then fastened to the bottom of my bag. As another layer of protection, I secure the outside zipper or flap with a clip, diaper pin or whatever device can deter those clever thieves! Don’t forget to pin the kids' packs closed if they carry valuables.