Tips for travelling with children

The key to having an enjoyable vacation with children is keeping them occupied. Buy a small, hand-held toy that they can play with on all modes of transportation. Reading and coloring books make great, portable sources of distraction if the toy loses its novelty. But don't invest a great deal of money when you do this in case the toys get lost en route.

If your child is old enough, make sure he or she knows the name and address of the place where you're staying while on vacation. If not, attach a small purse to your child's belt loop containing identification information. Be sure to include your name, hotel address and consulate telephone number.

Bring snacks for your children whenever you're taking a major excursion such as sightseeing, a flight or a train ride. They may not like the limited selection of food available on public transportation or they might want snacks between meals. Travel sickness medication is, of course, a must.

If your destination is in a different time zone, try to adjust your child's sleep patterns gradually before the trip.

Always carry a recent photograph of your children so if they do get lost when you're on vacation, you have a current picture you can show to officials.

Check if your hotel offers any children's activities during the day or babysitters for the evening. These kinds of services help make the vacation more fun for parents and children alike.

Finally, try to encourage your children to keep a travel diary. It’s a great way to pass time, it will stimulate their imaginations and they will always have great memories of their trips. Get them involved in researching your destination before you leave as well. This will help ensure their interest when you arrive.