Top Five Tips for Traveling With Children

Traveling is stressful enough - but traveling with children can be even more so, as anyone who has done so will verify. There are some steps you can take to ensure that your experience is as smooth as possible.

1) Involve your children in the trip planning

Many families who travel together maintain that the most successful trips are the ones in which each family member helps with planning. If your children are old enough, allow them to have some involvement and plan some activities, they can research at the library, bookstore or online. Find out what kind of things your children may want to do, such as sightseeing, museums or swimming.

Build in some down time into an otherwise busy itinerary. If you plan a day of activities and sightseeing, leave the evening free. As every parent knows, children can become tired and overwhelmed easily, especially if traveling in a foreign country, or suffering from jetlag. And most children enjoy keeping a journal or making a scrapbook about a major trip.

2) Choose your plane seats carefully

If you are flying with children, seating will be one of your biggest concerns. If you book as far ahead as possible, you have a better chance of getting seats together, although pre-reserved seats are never actually guaranteed. If you are unable to get seats together, always arrive early at the airport and ask when you check in, most airlines make a practice of "blocking seats" which can then be given out to passengers at check in. If you are a family with small children, the airline can almost certainly rearrange seats to seat you together at the time you check in.

Ask your airline or travel agency for seats on the front row (also known as the bulkhead row) if you are flying with small children. You generally have a little bit more legroom, your children can see the movie screen easily and you are within easy reach of two things that your children might need: the galley and the restrooms!

3) Don't forget your children's medication!

Don't forget to pack medication and toiletries for your children, as well as for yourself. If you are flying, you are generally able to take medication with you in your carry on bag. It's a good idea to carry a doctor's note or a prescription. Also, bring a small supply of medicines you probably will not need but will be glad that you had them with you - Tylenol, Benadryl and cough medicine.

If you are flying with small children, take something for your children to eat or drink during take off and landing, which can help to reduce the symptoms of changes in the cabin pressure. Small children often find the experience of popping ears frightening. A baby should be given a pacifier to suck on - this will help to minimize the popping of the ears, and have a soothing effect.

4) Keep your children amused

Make sure your children have toys and books to pass the time, whether you are flying or driving. One of the best investments you can make is a portable DVD player which can easily be used on board the plane, or in the back of the car. Don't forget to charge it up before you travel; and don't forget any extension plugs or adapters you might need.

Another good investment, especially if your child is reluctant to read, is a tape player and a selection of books on tape. Bring books that your child may have on their school reading list. Your local library may offer books-on-tape rental. Also, if your child a picky eater, you can ask your airline if they offer children's meals, although unfortunately many airlines have discontinued them.

5) Strollers, car seats and high chairs

One indispensable item may be a combination car seat, stroller and booster seat. The aptly named "Sit ‘n' Stroll" is manufactured by Safeline Kids and can hold up to 40 pounds of weight. Generally speaking, if you are traveling by air, you are allowed a car seat or a stroller free of charge in addition to your regular luggage allowance.

If you need to take a high chair with you, try to choose one that's portable, easy to pack and lightweight. You can actually purchase a high chair that clamps onto a table and folds up easily, to measure just over an inch thick - invaluable for crowded restaurants or the restaurant that's out of high chairs.