INVOLVE YOUR KIDS IN THE TRIP

By including children in planning the trip's details, you encourage cooperation. Point out your destination on a map, read something of interest about the place, and search the Web together for more information. Ask your kids what they want to see and also find out how they'd like to unwind after arrival. Many kids head straight for the hotel swimming pool.

LET GRADE-SCHOOLERS PACK THEIR OWN CARRY-ONS

Give them some basic rules (one sweater and one book), then let them include those items that make them feel comfortable.

TURN YOUR CHILDREN INTO TRAVEL REPORTERS

Give your kids a disposable camera, notebooks and even a portable tape recorder so they can chronicle this family trip. During airport layovers, have your kids interview you and the other passengers.

Klutz Press (800-558-8944) offers booklets and games for kids eight and older. Their activity book, KID'S TRAVEL: A BACKSEAT SURVIVAL GUIDE, is filled with word games and puzzles.

For more tips on flying with kids, click on the following links: Plane Advice about Kids, Plane Sense Checklist, Flying and Child Safety Seats, Plane Trips with Babies, and Flying with Toddlers.

Jeanne Muchnick is the former editor of BABY MAGAZINE.

Please keep in mind that phone numbers, addresses, and prices are subject to change. Updated August 2005.