'We're on vacation!' Tips for easy travel with your children

Traveling with children is an art form. Perfecting it may take a bit of finessing, some creativity and a little common sense. However, the outcome will be a relaxing vacation your family will never forget.

Nicole Howell recalls a memorable travel experience with her husband and 2-year-old daughter, Mya, during a nonstop flight from Chicago to Tacoma, Wash. The trip was Mya's first plane ride, and the overly anxious mom tried to make sure she had all her ducks in a row. "I felt very prepared," says Howell, who brought along extra diapers, a change of clothes for the toddler and a spillproof cup for Mya. "Everything was going fine until my daughter accidentally knocked over my cup of orange juice on me. I didn't think to bring a change of clothes for myself."

Luckily an observant flight attendant had a T-shirt that the soaked mom quickly changed into. Most parents know to expect some turbulence when traveling with their children. Whether you travel this summer by plane, train, car or bus, there are ways to make vacationing with your children a pleasurable experience for everyone.

TIPS FOR AIRPLANE TRAVEL WITH CHILDREN

Booking Your Flight and Seating. Always book your flight at non-peak travel times when flying with children, travel experts say. Also, check with the airline in advance to see if you can use an empty seat for your child should one become available. If your child is under 2 years of age the toddler will be allowed to sit in your lap. However, for safety and comfort, buy an airline seat for your child. Some airlines discount seats for babies by 50 percent. You can even bring along your child's car seat--make sure that it's Federal Aviation Administration-approved. If your child weighs up to 40 pounds, the American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that a car seat be used on an airplane. Also note that children cannot sit in the exit rows aboard planes.

Let's Roll. Don't check your stroller immediately upon entering the airport. The stroller can help you carry things that you'll need and will come in very handy if there are flight delays and your child needs a place to nap. Later, you can check the stroller at the boarding gate as you would a piece of luggage.

What To Carry On. A week prior to the trip, create a list of items that you will need. Be sure to pack your carry-on bag with necessities such as baby wipes, extra diapers, a changes of clothes for both you and the kids, baby bottles and/or sip cups. Bring along bottled water and or juice boxes. Also pack healthy snacks in the event the children are asleep during mealtime.

Prepare For Boredom. As anyone who has traveled with children knows, kids need to be entertained. The technology boom has made the job of parents easier with portable DVD and CD players. For smaller children, consider buying a new toy to give to your child on the plane. Or reintroduce an older toy to them. Also, coloring books are a convenient, inexpensive standby.

The Ear Factor. Many children, as well as adults, suffer from ear pain during flights, especially during landing and take off. To help equalize air pressure in your child's ears, have them drink liquids during the flight, which encourages swallowing and allows the eustachian tubes to open. Check with your pediatrician who can prescribe a remedy for ear pain, especially if your child has an ear infection. Children older than 3 years of age can chew gum to help with ear popping. Infants can suck on their bottle or pacifier to help ease the pressure. Pack a first-aid kit for all modes of travel

TIPS FOR ROAD TRAVEL

Some families will head for the open road this season. Going to the annual family reunion, for instance, can mean being in the car for extended periods of time. Parents should plan strategically when the kids are along. Consider these suggestions for travel by bus or car:

Timing Is Everything. While planning for your road trip, leave very early in the morning or later in the evening in order to avoid traffic.

Safety First. Most cars come with child locks on the doors. Always use them while your child is in the car. Also, make sure that car seats or booster seats are used for smaller children.

Do Your Research. Half the fun of a family vacation should be the trip itself. Pack a picnic lunch and make sure that you will pass a park or good resting place where you can relax with the children. Be sure to freeze some of the juices and bottled water the night before so that you can have cold drinks when you stop. Plan your travel route so that you can stop at a family restaurant.

Make Frequent Pit Stops. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends that you stop every two hours in order to give the children a break. If a child is feeling carsick, taking a break can help ease the queasiness.

Road Trip Fun. In order to quell the "Are we there yet?" mantra from your children, there are a number of activities for them to do in order to help pass time. Have a travel scavenger hunt and print a list of things that your children can watch for. Some families even make up their own games.