Tips on preparing to Travel with Kids

These notes are intended to help you prepare for taking a trip with children so both you and the children enjoy and get the most out of your trip. Travel with children can be frustrating and stressful, especially if they are bored, cranky or throwing a temper tantrum. With planning and preparation it can create great memories. Use some of these tips to help you make the most of your trip.

First, when booking your travel, try to book flights where the times compliment your kids schedules. This will make it easier if they aren't already tired and cranky.

Security at airports these days can be scary for children, explain to them in advance what they will need to do and that is for everyone's safety. Security particularly in the US usually requires you to remove your shoes, so make sure you and your children are wearing shoes that can easily be slipped on an off.

Make sure you have any allowed amounts of liquids and creams in see through plastic bags, the zippered kind. They do allow for some baby foods and medications so check with your travel agent if you need to take anything out of the ordinary that you aren't sure about.

Any medications and valuables should be in your carry on luggage.

Make sure any drinks are finished or disposed of before going through security.

If you are a single parent traveling with your children out of country ensure you have a lawyer certified letter from your children's other parent otherwise you may not be allowed to travel.

Have extra photocopies of your passports and travel documents, and keep them separate to the originals in case of loss.

Make sure you have appropriate travel and medical insurance for the whole family. It can get very expensive if you have an accident or a family member gets sick while traveling, so don't take any chances.

Take some suitable age related activities or toys for the children to keep them amused. Ensure they are toys that are not easily broken or hard to carry around, and preferably toys that the kids won't be too upset if they get lost or left behind.

If your children need a night lite pack one in your check in luggage. This is much preferable to having to leave a room light on for them.

These days planes are not providing meals particularly for short flights and domestic flights. They usually allow for the purchase of various foods on board, but if you know your child has a particular preference for snack food pack some in your carry on in plastic reusable containers that can be used again throughout your trip. Just be sure there are no liquids that are likely to be taken away if going through flight security.

Wet wipes are great for wiping hands and faces and won't get taken away as gel or other liquid items might.

It is also wise to carry a change of clothes or at least, underwear and nightclothes in your carry on luggage just in case your suitcase gets lost and you have to wait for it to arrive. If you're flying to a hot destination pack a set of hot-weather clothes, sandals, and a bathing suit so you can change immediately and enjoy the pool or beach. This is especially good if you are not able to check in for an early arrival or if the hotel takes a while to deliver luggage to your room. Kids are anxious to get out to the beach or pool and you can still enjoy your day without waiting.

If you take the time to prepare in advance you will have many happy memories with your kids and the small frustrations will easily be overlooked if everyone is having a good time.