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Whatever your mode of travel, there will be special challenges if you take the kids along. The key to sanity is some careful planning - and a calm, unruffled approach.

* Where Should we Stay? *

If you are planning at stay at a bed and breakfast, do some research. Many bed and breakfasts are not suitable for children. However, you may be able to find a ‘farmstay’ - a bed and breakfast on a farm that allows your kids to interact with the animals. This can be an unequalled family experience - especially for city dwellers.

Staying in a hotel? Do they provide extra cots and/or cribs for children? Do they have a restaurant with a kids’ menu? Is there a playroom or playground on the premises? Are there children’s activities nearby?

* What Should I Pack? *

Use common sense. Every family is different. Check the following list and pack what is appropriate for your household:

- Small first aid kit

- Liquid anti-nausea medication

- Liquid Tylenol

- Individual-sized tissues

- Moistened hand-wipes in individual packs

- Paper towels

- Photos of the kids and important details regarding medications

- Telephone numbers of doctors (at home and at your destination)

- Copies of passports, birth certificates, custody documentation

- Decks of cards, favorite toys, children’s books

- Coloring books, crayons, mechanical pencils, paper

- Crossword puzzle books, erasable pens, highlighters

- Windbreakers, slickers, umbrellas

- Sunglasses, hats, sunscreen

- Plastic bags from grocery store checkout (for storage and cleanup)

* Diaper Disposal *

There are scented disposal bags available - or you might want to pack some small zip-lock bags. Plastic grocery bags or newspaper bags can also be used. The solid matter should be disposed of down the toilet. Next, roll the diaper up with the soiled area facing inwards so that you have a compact bundle with the plastic on the outside. Place the diaper in the zip-lock bag, seal most of the way, then press out as much air as possible while you complete the seal. Discard in a bathroom garbage container or outside garbage bin.

If you are outdoors and there are no outhouse or bathroom facilities nearby, you should carry the entire diaper contents with you, disposing of appropriately when you find a garbage bin or bathroom. DO NOT leave diapers or diaper contents behind. Besides polluting the environment, some animals are attracted to human waste. Protect the environment even more by making sure that you purchase biodegradable diapers (or switch to cloth).

If you must carry soiled diapers along with you for any length of time, you might want to consider packing a few deodorant disks or a baking-soda based scented deodorizer.

* Snacks *

If your children are finicky eaters, chances are you will encounter problems with airline and restaurant meals. Pack a few nutritious snacks. Snacks may include fresh fruit, granola bars, individual-size cereal boxes, cheese and crackers, raisins, unsalted peanuts - or snack-size containers of applesauce, puddings, and fruit cocktail.

* Boredom *

Boredom is always going to be a problem. Even a half-hour trip seems like a long time to a young child. The easiest and most accessible boredom solution is YOU. Use the time to interact with your kids. Ask them questions. Get them to tell you stories if they are old enough. You can keep young children entertained by telling them stories - complete with sound effects of animal noises, whistles, and whatever else you can invent.

Play guessing games like ‘I Spy’ with older kids, or get them involved in some children’s cards games. Although games like ‘Go Fish’ can be played with a regular deck of cards, there are many games with special, brightly-colored decks made just for children. Do an internet search for ‘card games for kids’ and you’ll find plenty of resources.

* Inactivity *

Sitting still for long periods of time is not a natural activity for children. If you’re on a plane, train, or bus, get up and take a walk down the aisle once every hour. When travelling by car, find an appropriate pullout and play frisbee or go for a short walk.

* Relax - Lighten Up - Unwind *

Treat every family trip as an opportunity to connect with your children. Relax, enjoy their unique personalities, and enjoy yourself!

* There are many more travel tips available at 1000tips4trips.com.

* You’ll find more travel articles and lodging links at triple1.com.

* Search for more ideas at this page of search engines.

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Perhaps jet lag is the culprit. Crossing time zones while you travel is just one of the causes. Some advance knowledge and preparation can result in a more enjoyable trip.

PRIMARY CAUSES OF JET LAG

* Crossing two or more time zones: This is worse on eastbound flights because you have to adjust to an earlier schedule.

* Lack of sleep before you travel.

* Physical exhaustion from doing too much too quickly just before you leave.

* Dehydration: Aircraft air is very dry. Drink plenty of water (not soda, coffee or tea). Some people take their own bottled water with them.

* Disruption of the body’s normal wake/sleep schedule (circadian rhythm).

* Alcohol consumption: Alcohol contributes to dehydration. At altitude, affects of alcohol are magnified several times.

* Stale air: Aircraft air is not as oxygenated as outside air. It also contains odors and minute particles emanating from passengers, crew, luggage and the aircraft.

* Inactivity and lack of exercise.

* Climate change.

POSSIBLE SYMPTOMS OF JET LAG

* Slow reflexes - especially dangerous while driving

* Sluggish thought processes - resulting in poor decisions

* Sleep disturbances

* Poor appetite

* Headaches

* Sinus irritation

* Gastrointestinal upset caused by unfamiliar food and water

* Fatigue

* Anxiety

* Disorientation

* Irritability

* Swollen extremities (especially feet and lower legs)

* Sweating

COPING WITH JET LAG

* Acclimate yourself before you leave. If practical and possible, schedule your alarm clock and meals for the new time zone a day or two ahead of time.

* Don’t leave all your packing until the last minute.

* Make sure you get a good night’s sleep before your departure.

* Choose appropriate flights so that you can arrive well in advance for activities like business meetings. Aim for daytime flying (in both directions).

* Set your watch to the new time zone as soon as you board the plane.

* Stay on schedule with medications.

* Drink plenty of bottled (not local) water.

* Avoid salad or foods that may have been rinsed in local water. This will help to prevent diarrhea - which can contribute to dehydration.

* Get up and move around instead of sitting in your seat for long periods of time.

* Wear shoes a half size larger to accommodate swelling feet.

* Once you arrive, don’t spend all day cooped up indoors. Get out in the sun and fresh air.

* Take a hot shower before going to bed. This helps to retune your body’s circadian temperature rhythm. The drop in temperature after you get out of the shower will make you start to feel drowsy.

* Schedule appointments when you are most likely to be rested.

EVERYBODY IS DIFFERENT

* Recovery time, as a rule of thumb, takes about one day per time zone crossed.

* Some people are more adaptable than others and exhibit very few jet lag symptoms. Children almost always fare better than adults.

* The more ‘laid back’ you are about schedules and daily routines, the more likely you are to cope well with jet lag.

With a little advance planning, your next plane trip could be the best ever!

Kathy Steinemann recommends the following websites:

* Over 1000 travel tips are posted at 1000tips4trips.com, including many relating to air travel.

* 111 Travel Directory also has travel resources and articles available.

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