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