Tips for Driving or Flying the Family This Christmas

It's been three years so it's time to take the children to see their grandparents, maybe you decided to drive since airfare for 5 people is just too much due to the high oil prices this year. Whether you are driving or flying and no matter what circumstance you're in this holiday season, there are several things to remember that could make your trip easier.

1) Keep Documentation-. A week or at least a few days before traveling make sure that all travel arrangements have been secured and confirmed. The last thing you want is to fly into another city and discover that all rental car locations are out of cars to rent. Carry a copy of all documents you may need such as emails of rental car confirmations, or flight information, hotel reservation confirmations and if you pre-paid make sure you bring proof of that. Have a valid Identification card for everyone in the family, airlines will request this. If you are traveling to another country make sure you have all passports. Keep all this information in a water proof bag that will be kept with you at all times.

2) Vehicle Maintenance- If you have decided to take your own car then you need to make sure it's running properly and it's up for the trip. Personally I would suggest renting a car if yours is over 5 years old and you are traveling over 4 hours. But if you think your car can make the trip then take it in for a routine maintenance check up. Be sure they change and fill your oil; check your spark plugs and all liquid levels. Check all the exterior lights and electrical components. Check air pressure in the tires and take a fully functional spare in the trunk. Take an emergency Preparedness Kit.

3) Carry an Emergency Kit- Some may say its bad luck but its better safe than sorry to take with you an emergency preparedness kit. The kit should include items that would come in handy if you were stranded on the side of the road or if involved in a vehicle accident. Some such items include: A flashlight, emergency food items, water, a flag to hang on your antenna, warm clothing, screwdrivers, roadside assistance numbers, cellular phone, insurance cards, and lawyer's number. In case you get a flat tire, carry a tire iron and jack and learn how to change a tire- trust me ladies, it's easier than you think just carry wet wipes to de-grease your hands afterwards.

If you are traveling with babies make sure to bring a diaper bag, trash bags baby food.

4) Take entertainment- If driving take a portable DVD player with DVD's or MP3 player, or Portable video game. If flying you can take these things in addition to surprise gifts in case your plane has been delayed or cancelled. Take your child' favorite thing it will keep them content and happy while traveling and being in unfamiliar places.

5) Take Medications- Don't forget to refill and bring all your families medications. Check with airlines about restrictions on medications. Oxygen cannot be taken on planes. (Women, don't forget the emergency feminine hygiene products).

6) Beat the Rush- Try to travel a day before other people will start traveling or try leaving on the holiday itself since most people won't be traveling on that day. This way you can avoid crowded roads or airports. Trying to keep 3 kids together in a bustling airport can be a daunting task so get there early enough to have time to check in, go through security and make your flight.

7) Travel Light- The more people in your family the harder this will be but you will get more gas mileage the lighter the car is and planes will only let you take on so many bags. The more you take the more you are at risk to lose as well.

8) Pack Important Items in Carry on Bags- Pack the most valuable items in bags you can stow under your seat or just don't bring them at all. Have you seen the movie "Meet the Parents" well Ben Stiller's Character was forced to check his bag containing the engagement ring and the bag got lost. You can imagine how that would ruin your trip.

9) Secure Safe Lodging- If at all possible book your room in advance. Be sure to check its ratings and location. If you know someone who lives in the city you are staying in ask them which one they suggest. Try to get a room that opens up to an interior hallway, and stay at hotels that have room cards instead of keys because each card is reprogrammed for each new guest.

10) Send Presents Back Home- Don't try to cram the presents you receive into your luggage because we all know your clothes don't fit back in the same suitcase they came in even with out all the presents.Send the presents for them there and send the ones you receive back home.

11) Eat Light & Healthy- Your stomachs will surely suffer if all you eat is fast, greasy fried food when traveling. Try to keep it light and healthy like fruit and vegetables. The last thing you want is to have to go number two on the plane or in a bush on the side of the road. Because when you gotta go you gotta go!

12) Take Bathroom Breaks- Take breaks every hour and a half if you are driving. If you are traveling with kids then this is going to happen anyways but try to get them to go all at the same time. Its unhealthy for you to hold it when you need to use the restroom. You can develop urinary tract infections from not going and sitting for longs periods of time.

13) Pull Off the Road if You Feel Tired- Please don't try to drive when your eyes are shutting; you could kill your family and others if you fall asleep. Check into a motel or if there are none around then pull off the road, lock the doors and take a 10 minutes cat nap. Or get your partner to take turns driving.

14) Check Flying Restrictions if Flying- Check with the airport for restrictions they have on what items are allowed or not. If an item you are trying to take on a plane is not allowed they can confiscate it from you. Check the Transportation Security Authority website to get more information.

15) Report to Airports Early- Most likely there will be many people traveling around the same time as you for the holidays so arrive at the airport early. If you haven't flown in several years; security has been extremely tightened. It will take twice as long to get through check out than it did 8 years ago. Try to get to the airport 2 hours to an hour and a half before departure time.

16) Stay Alert-Whether you're on the road or in the airport. Tourists are taken advantage of every day. Keep your cash to a minimum and keep your wallet in the front on your body. Ladies keep your purse diagonally across your chest and in front of your body . Don't leave your bags unattended at the airport; they could be stolen or jeopardized.

17) Get the Best Deal- When planning your trip get the best deal on airfare, hotel rates and rental cars by visiting, www.travelocity.com, www.expedia.com, and www.hotwire.com.

18) Take a Map- Yeah you could stop and ask for directions but what if you are in the middle of nowhere. With a map you can take the nearest cross street to find your location. Don't put your family at risk by getting lost in an area you are unfamiliar with.

19) First Aid Kit- Buy a first aid kit and bring it with you or make one that contains: bandages, adhesive stripes, alcohol, peroxide,or bactine, gloves, scissors, gloves, cold pack, band-aides, tweezers, and sting and bite treatment. You never know what can happen out on the road. So its better to come prepared.

20) Have fun-The most important family travel tip of all is to have fun. Have fun while driving by singing songs or playing games try to involve the whole family. Have fun while flying by watching in flight movies or playing word games. And have fun with the family members you went to visit. Family is important and should be cherished. Be safe out there!