Thinking of taking the family on a vacation? A little planning can help keep the kids occupied and safe, and keep you sane on your family trip. Take moment to read our list to help make your trip more enjoyable for everyone!

1. Remember to choose a location that is kid-friendly. Look for a resort or cruise line with lots of activities, a kid's program and kid's menu. Our vacation expers can recommend the best destination, cruise or resort for your family.

2. Consider an all-inclusive resort, a cruise or a condominium/suite to control extra expenses.

3. When staying in a hotel, request "connecting" rather than "adjoining" rooms. Adjoiniing rooms are side by side, but may not have a door that connects the rooms to each other. Remember that requests are just that..and NOT generally guaranteed until arrival.

4. Allow extra travel time.

5. When traveling by car or on a long flight, be sure to bring your child's favorite toy or book and a snack. Pack a "goodie bag" with a new book or small toys to distract a cranky child on a long flight.

6. Include older children in the decision-making process.

7. When flying, book nonstop or direct flights to avoid the hassle of a long layover and changing planes.

8. Give children a brief description of where they are going and what to expect so they will feel more comfortable with their new surroundings.

9. Allow "down time" for everyone during your trip.

10. Try to maintain the child's sleep cycle. Don't plan activities too early or too late if your child doesn't usually keep that schedule at home.

11. Pack a one-day supply of clothing and necessities in a carry-on bag in case your luggage gets lost.

12. Keep our phone number handly just in case an unexpected situation arises.


If your family is flying, please know that every person, regardless of age, must undergo screening to proceed beyond the security checkpoints at airports. Even babies must be individually screened. You will not be asked to do anything that will separate youf rom your child or children.
Screeners are specially trained and understand your concerns regarding your children. They will be approached gently and treated with respect. If your child becomes uncomfortable or upset, you will be consulted about the best approach to resolving your child's concern.


THE SCREENING PROCESS- X-RAY:

All carry-on baggage, including children's bags and items, must go through the X-ray machine. Examples include: diaper bags, blankes, and toys.

All child-related equipment that will fit through the X-ray machine must go through the X-ray machine. Examples include: strollers, umbrella strollers, baby carriers, car and booster seats, backpacks, and baby slings.

When you arrive at the checkpoint, you should collapse or fold child-related equipment and secure items that are in the pockets, baskets, or attached to the equipment. You will place these items on the X-ray belt for inspection. Plastic bins are provided to deposit such items.

When child-related equipment does not fit through the X-ray machine, the equipment must be visually and physically inspected.

Ask screeners for assistance to help reunitey ou with your bags and child-related equipment, if needed.

ALERT! Babies should NEVER be left in an infant carier while it goes through the X-ray machine.

NOTE For up-to-date information regarding what is permitted or prohibited from being in carry-on luggage, please visit the website at www.tsa.dot.gov.


THE WALK THROUGH METAL DETECTOR:

The screener will need to resolve the alarm for both adult and child if something sets off the alarm as you are carrying a child through the metal detector.

Babies and children must be removed from their strollers or infant carriers so they can be individually screened.

You may not pass the child to another person behind you or in front of your during this process.

Do not pass your child to the screener to hold.

The screener may ask for your assistance with secondary screening of your child.

If you child can walk unassisted, it would be best to have the child walk through the metal detector independently.

CHILD WITH A DISABILITY: if your child has a disability, screeners may ask you what abilities your child has in order to determine the best method for screening (e.g. carry the child through the walk-through metal detector, hand-wand procedure). If your child has a disability, screeners eill never attempt to remove the child from his or her equipment. This will only be done at the discretion of the accompanying adult.

BEFORE YOU REACH THE AIRPORT:
Please allow yourself and your family extra time to get through security - especially when traveling with younger children.
Call your airline or ask your Great Escape travel expert for information on recommended check-in times for your departure airport.
Talk to your children before coming to the airport and let them know that it's against the law to make threats such as, "I have a bomb in my bag". Threats made jokingly ( even by a child) can result in the entire family being delayed and could result in fines.