If you have kids, you can’t just stuff a few pairs of shirts and pants into a duffel bag and take off for a day trip, a short weekend or a month long holiday. If want your vacation to be a vacation –relaxing and enjoyable, you need to plan and pack for your trip carefully.

Packing Advice
Depending on what type of vacation you are taking, your travel checklist will vary. Here is a list of essentials that every parent should carry:

• Tissues – wet & dry
• Books, Crayons & Toys
• Hand sanitizer
• Snacks & Drinks
• Lollipops, candy or chewing gum (relives ear pressure in case of air travel)
• Medicines & Dr. numbers
• Change of clothes (in case of travel sickness)
• Caps & sunglasses

Note: If you are flying, make sure that these items are in your carry-on bag.
One to two weeks before the trip, create a checklist; from clothes you need to snack and drinks to purchase. As the ’D’ date draws closer, slowly gather and store all items on your checklist in a single place. This will greatly reduce the chances of you forgetting something such as junior’s favorite soft toy without which he cannot sleep. 

Assign each family member including the tiny ones a task to make them feel involved with the trip. For example, let pack a small bag of books, games and toys. This will not only make them feel like they are a part of the decision making process but will also help keep them entertained during the journey.
Tip: Pack your own bag of entertainment goodies for your kids from a toy he hasn’t played with for a while to a book she hasn’t read.

Driving Advice
Children have short attention spans and are used to fixed routines. This is a dangerous combination, when you have to drive for several hours. A good way to prevent disruptions in your children’s routines and sleep patterns is by driving during the night. Another benefit is that you will not have to make multiple pit stops (thus extending the journey) and you won’t have to ensure countless hours of ‘Are we there yet?’
If you are not comfortable driving at night (always remember your comfort is also important), leave before sun-up. Pack your pajama-clad kids in the car with your baggage and take off. By the time they wake up, you will have covered at least part of the distance.

Flying Advice
If you are flying with your kids always make sure your carry-on bag has the essentials – a lollipop or sweet to deal with ear pressure and some kind of entertainment. For a small child maybe a drawing book and crayons. For an older child, you can carry a comic, a storybook, a game boy or an ipod. In fact, if you have a video ipod, or a PSP, you can load favorite movies or songs to entertain your little one. 

If your child is allergic to anything (peanuts) or has been sick recently, make sure that you carry the medication in your carry-on bag. In case of emergency, having the medication is your luggage is pointless. 

If your child is fussy about what he eats and drinks, it is a good idea to carry a few of his favorite drinks and snacks.

Let your children work off their excess energy before they board. Walk around with them. If there is a play area, let them run around. This will hopeful mean that they will sleep during the flight or will be pleased to sit and color peacefully.

Always pack changes of clothing in your carry-on bag as accidents happen.

Children wander. Take your eyes off them for two seconds and they can disappear. Keep a picture of your child's face with you in case he gets lost in a crowded airport. This will make it easier for authorities to help you locate him.

These are just some of the many ways you can ensure that your long awaited vacation doesn’t turn into a nightmare.