Taking a family vacation? Before you pack the suitcases and load the kids into the car, check out these five tips for traveling with children.

1. Prepare before you go.

Kate Edgecomb, a mother of three from Auburn, always prepares before leaving her house with kids in tow. “Before you leave, make everyone go to the bathroom. Limit all drinks, and try not to let kids drink during a road trip,” Edgecomb said. To keep your kids hydrated, pack fruit snacks or fresh fruit.

2. Plan for the worst. Pack for fun.

“If traveling with toddlers, bring extra clothing because accidents will happen,” Edgecomb explained. To keep sane behind the wheel, and to keep children happy, bring plenty of games and activities. Give tablets of paper and coloring books to the small kids along with a crayon so they can color while you drive, Edgecomb said. Portable DVD players, travel board games, and books are also popular ways to entertain traveling tots.

3. Find budget friendly family deals.

If chugging across America on a train, deals for children are plentiful. According to the Amtrak website, with the purchase of an adult ticket, “Children ages two to 15 ride half price every day. Infants under two ride free.” With extensive coverage, Amtrak could be an easy way to reach your destination.

If flying fits your family’s needs, check out local airlines for frequent travel deals. Most airlines have a policy where children under two fly free when an adult purchases a ticket.

4. Arrive ready for security.

Erik Dahl, of Dube Travel in Auburn, recommends getting to the airport early. “It takes a long time to get through security, especially with kids,” Dahl said. For domestic flights, arrive two hours before departure. For international flights, try to be at the airport three hours before takeoff.

Research recent Transportation Security Administration regulations before you fly. According to the TSA website, “Passengers can carry on as much breast milk and baby foods as needed. When passing through security, make sure breast milk and baby foods are declared to TSA security officers.”

5. Create an itinerary.

To get a quick start on your holiday, Dahl suggests renting a car at your destination before you depart. Dahl said, “A family of four going to Florida could rent a safe vehicle, like an SUV or a mini-van” and have the freedom to drive from Orlando to Key West when they arrive in the Sunshine State.

Once you arrive at your vacation destination, having a well-structured plan will lead your family to fun. Make hotel reservations in advance and pre-plan specific places, activities, or events to go to or see. As any parent knows, plans can (and often do) change, so leave room in your schedule for adjustments.

Traveling by plane, train, or automobile could easily turn an innocent family vacation into a rollercoaster ride of stress. But by following these five tips, family trips can become memories that will last a lifetime.

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