The Secrets of Traveling With Kids

The secret of traveling with kids? Leave the kids at home.

Just kidding!

Play time in the pool at the Hyatt Regency Aruba.

(Courtesy Hyatt Regency Aruba)
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Seriously, a family vacation is the perfect way to spend some quality time together, but you need to plan ahead to make sure you don't drive each other nuts. It's not fair to expect kids to automatically "behave" just because they're on vacation. So what's the secret to a successful family trip? Here are six tips to help save your sanity.

SECRET NO. 1: Interact on Road Trips

You're headed out on a family road trip and you're all packed into one vehicle. It's a potential recipe for disaster. A lot of parents figure the best thing they can do is distract their kids with videos and iPods, but AAA spokesman Robert Sinclair says if kids are older there's a smarter choice.

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"Parents should try quizzing their children on state capitals, vocabulary, geography, etc. You'd be surprised at how quickly the miles go by when the family brains are working together," said Sinclair. Also be sure to plan some fun stops along the way so you can all get out and stretch your legs. You don't want to spend too much time cooped up in the vehicle.

SECRET NO. 2: Plan Mile-High Entertainment

As the mother of four daughters between the ages of 2 and 5, Doreen Serio says she created a "must-have" flying checklist to help her family get through long flights.

She said, "Flying with children is always challenging but it helps to bring along books, videos, video games, flashcards, puzzles, stuffed animals, dolls, coloring books and lots of treats."

Serio says the key is figuring out what will keep your child entertained. And you might even consider buying them a new toy or game for the trip. Also be sure to bring extra food for everyone in case you're delayed.