Airports are crowded, busy, and dangerous places. With today’s airline security restrictions, it is almost impossible to get through check in and boarding quickly. You can do a few things to make your airport experience as pleasant as possible.

Call the airline or check your national airline security website to find out the acceptable size and weight of your luggage. Also, double-check the items that are allowable in your carry on and stowed luggage. These standards change from time to time.

Get to the airport on time. The old advice was to arrive at the airport several hours before your flight is scheduled to leave. Now, however, this depends on the level of airport security. Be sure to check with your airline carrier the day of your flight.

Airports are a kidnappers dream. Busy, distracted parents and bored, excited children are the perfect combination for disaster.

In order to give your child your full attention, carry as little as possible. Either bring along a luggage carrier, hire a skycap, or have a friend drive you to the airport and help you with luggage.

Know where your departure terminal is. It’s no fun to think you know where you’re supposed to be, only to find that you’re at the wrong terminal. Sprinting through an airport and dodging crowds with kids in tow is not fun and is a good way to miss your flight.

Remember, your child will have to go through airport screening procedures. Explain the process to your child well before the trip. Spend time discussing what will happen and practice going through an imaginary metal detector.

In depth security checks are random, don’t assume that you will be skipped just because you are traveling with children. Even babies and pregnant women are not exempt.

With a little forethought and preparation, navigating the airport in preparation for your flight will be easier and virtually painless.

Nothing is more maddening than checking in to your hotel after a long trip to find someone has made a mistake and the hotel is over booked. With tired kids, and tired parents, keeping your cool is difficult, but doing so will go a long way to helping you get through.

Be polite. Yes, a mistake was made, but it’s likely that the person you are talking to is not the person who made the mistake. If you are calm and polite, the desk clerk is less likely to refund your deposit and send you out to find another hotel.

If possible, have your spouse or adult travel partner take the kids for a bite to eat in the hotel restaurant or to the parking lot to run off steam. Working out a solution will be easier if your children are not next to you reminding you how tired they are.

Ask to speak to the hotel manager. He or she may be able to send you to a neighboring hotel. Remember that the hotel you have reservations with is under no obligation to keep your reservation under emergency circumstances.

Understand that in very small towns, there may not be another hotel. In that case, the hotel manager may ask you to share a room with another guest. Obviously, not an ideal situation, but if the next town is seventy- five miles away and you are exhausted, you may not have any other option. In that case, approach it as an adventure, a chance to meet someone you would not have met otherwise. Be gracious and understanding toward your roommates. They are in the same situation that you are.

Check the local business directory for a nearby bed and breakfast.

If you leave the hotel, don’t forget to get a full refund. Sometimes in the heat of the moment, refunds are forgotten.

It’s eternally frustrating to find yourself in a position of needing something only to root through your carry on luggage bag to and not find it. With airline security rules becoming stricter, knowing what to bring on the plane can be difficult. Always consult the airline before packing for your trip.

There are a few things which, as a general rule, you should keep with you at all times while traveling. Keep this list handy while you pack your carry on bag. It will help ensure you don’t forget anything important.

Diapers - Figure one diaper per hour in the air. It’s likely you won’t need this many, but it’s always better to have too many than not enough.

Baby wipes - Wipes are convenient and versatile. Not only are they great at cleaning diaper messes, but also work wonders on messy hands and faces, too.

Comfort items – Flying can be stressful for young children, so it’s important to bring along their favorite snuggle toy or blanket

Small blanket – Depending on where you are in the plane, it’s possible your child will get cold. While most airplanes do have blankets, they are not usually washed between flights. Better to bring your own. If breastfeeding on the plane, be sure the blanket is large enough to give you some privacy

Snacks – Many airlines are not serving snacks anymore, so bring your own. Good airplane snacks include crackers, cheese sandwiches, a favorite dry cereal and cut fruit.

Drinks – Airplane air is dry. Be sure to bring plenty of bottled water for you and baby. Don’t forget the sippy cup or straw, if baby uses them

Activities – Let’s face it, there isn’t much to do on an airplane. Bring coloring books and crayons, books to read, and a favorite toy.

Clothes – Spills and accidents happen. Remember to pack at least one change of clothes for each of you.

When taking an infant along on a road trip, there are many things to consider. Prepared parents will have a smoother trip, and a much happier baby.

First off, try to plan the trip during baby’s normal nap time. If you’re lucky, your little bundle will peacefully sleep the trip away and arrive at Grandma’s well rested and ready to play.

The most important thing you will have with you when you travel with your infant is your diaper bag. Before your trip, stock the diaper bag with diapers, wipes, several changes of baby clothes, baby’s favorite blanket, snacks for both you and baby, and several of your baby’s favorite toys. Don’t forget to pack bottled water, formula and bottles, if your baby uses them. For extended travel, the plastic, disposable bottle inserts are probably best. You can throw them a way and don’t have to worry about washing or sterilizing bottles.

 For the breastfeeding baby, you’ll need a medium sized blanket for nursing rest stops, extra breast pads for mom, and your portable breast pump, if you use one. If baby uses a pacifier, be sure to bring an extra or two

Think ahead to your destination. If there is a significant temperature difference, be sure to include clothes appropriate to the area.

A baby sling or other wearable baby carrier is essential when traveling.  Baby may feel insecure or afraid in unfamiliar surroundings. Wearing your baby will allow you to carry and still have your hands free for other things. A baby sling can also double as a nursing blanket or comfortable place for baby to nap.

Be sure never to wear your baby while driving in the car. Every baby should be strapped safely into an approved car seat while traveling.

If you baby is taking solids, be sure to pack some of their favorite easy to eat snacks. Crackers, dry cereal, and soft fruits work best.

With a little planning, you and baby can arrive at your destination with a minimum of stress.