My Airfare Secrets                                                                                  Bookmark If you are planning to travel with your children, here are a list of practical tips to help make your trip an enjoyable one:      1) In your child's backpack or carry-on, pack such items as small toys, crayon box, coloring books, small cars, dolls, CD/cassette player with headphones, video games, deck of cards, snack and sweets like candy and chips, and light weight books to keep your children distracted during the trip.    2) In the parent's carry-on consider packing items such surprise toys, a bottle of water for cleaning up, small box of tissues, travel wet wipes, aid kit, doctor's phone numbers, anti-bacterial hand spray, current picture of your children, extra clothes for changing, and additional zip lock bags for emergencies.    3) It's a good idea to take such food items as crackers, small cereal boxes, small water bottles, and any snacks like M&M's. 4) Take extra wipes, diapers, and other basic items and put them in your glove compartment. 5) Do not forget to pack a monitor so you can keep tabs on your children as they sleep when staying in a hotel room. 6) Consider using transparent bags for carrying little items for your children; this helps make your life easier when traveling. 7) Make it a point to carry no less than one clean change of clothes in your car for emergencies such as spills. It's not a bad idea to pack a lot of plastic grocery bags to handle such accidents. 8) Bring such fun items as a small hand mirror with a protective case, a hand-held calculator, and music tapes for children. 9) Plan in advance for potty breaks during your drive; carry either a frisbee or a bottle of bubbles to pass the time. 10) To reduce boredom consider changing seats when you return to your car after a break.   Dining   1) Make sure that you stop by restaurants that have a play area so your children can burn up energy. 2) At the restaurant, ask if the restaurant provides highchairs and a kid's menu. 3) You might want to take books and toys to the chosen restaurant when there's a long line.   Other Tips   1) Call in advance to learn if a prospective hotel offers equipment for rent such as play pens, cribs, and roll-away beds. 2) Find out at the hotel room if it's safe for young kids. See the balcony doors and ensure they are locked. Then check the windows to learn how easy it is to open them. Also, check each outlet and add outlet covers to be safe. 3) Strongly consider staying at a family-friendly resort. This will make your life a lot more easier. 4) Do not plan too many activities for yourself and your family; this may cause all sorts of conflicts and headaches.   Learn how you can get up to 75% off on plane tickets by reading a review on My Airfare Secrets