BEFORE YOU LEAVE
* Start the trip a couple weeks before you leave by marking the days off on a calendar. Waiting can be very exciting.
* At the same time, make a list of what to pack, You decide on the type of clothing, but let the children choose their favorite items. A week before departure day, go over the list and clothing choices with the kids to make sure everything fits and is in good repair.
* Let the children have their own bags, such as a back-pack or a small carry-on with rollers. A couple of days before the big day, let them pack their bags. Let them include a small favorite toy and book to read. In your carry-on bag, pack hard candies, gum and wet ones. Your bag will also include a surprise toy for each child in case of unexpected wait times at airports or train stations and a disposable camera for the kids.
* The night before departure, at bedtime, discuss safety and security rules, like where to meet if you get separated and who to call if the adults get sick.
* Decide on how much money the kids can spend each day for anything they want.
* Make an itinerary of each day's plans and include a couple of activities that are flexible and optional. Make time for free time. Also include hotel numbers, contact names, confirmation numbers and transportation information.

ON THE ROAD
* If you are traveling by car, bring pillows.
* Keep the kids occupied with the I-Spy game, or the game where everybody takes turns naming countries in alphabetical order until one by one they run out of countries. Let the children create a travel game. Like count how many red cars on the highway, or how many convertibles.

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