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1 0 T i p s S t r e s s F r e e T r a v e l

E-Ticket Holder - Please check with your specific airline using the website link below to confirm proper documentation prior to leaving for the airport. Expect that you will need a minimum of two hours at the airport for check-in prior to boarding.

5 T i p s S t r e s s F r e e T r a v e l

http://www.tsa.gov/404.shtm
Permitted and Prohibited Items on the airplane

http://www.viewtrip.com/
View your trip on line

http://www.travel.state.gov/
Passport information and forms

http://www.accuweather.com/welcome.asp
Weather information

http://www.quickaid.com/
Airport director

http://www.cdc.gov/travel/index.htm
Travelers Health Information

http://www.travelcurrency.com/index.jsp
Currency Conversion

http://www.customs.gov/
US Customs information

http://www.raileurope.com/us/index.htm
Europe rate information

http://www.travisa.com
Visa information

COUNT DOWN TO YOUR DEPARTURE Count down the last 30 or so days before the trip on a calendar. This will help create excitement about the event. You can add things like “Day 21: Shop for film, hiking boots, etc.” or “Day 5: Start packing.”

KIDS LOVE MAPS Trace the route of the trip on a map before leaving. This will give kids a better idea of how far they are traveling, where they are going, and what to expect. You can also bring the map on the trip to trace your route as you go.

MAKE A TRIP TO THE BOOKSTORE Purchase books and stories about the destinations you will visit on the trip, so that kids can have a better idea before the trip. Kids who have a basic knowledge of areas and cultures beforehand will have a greater understanding and appreciation for what they do on the trip. You can also read and discuss the books as a family activity.

KIDS LOVE ANIMALS When preparing for a wildlife-viewing adventure, buy a guide to the wildlife of the region you will be visiting. Take a look with your kids ahead of time, so that they will recognize the wildlife in its natural habitat – an unforgettable thrill! While on the trip keep a journal of all the species sighted.

PREPARE FOR YOUR FLIGHTS To make long airplane trips easier, pack your child’s favorite snacks and dole them out as treats periodically along the way. Purchasing juice boxes or bottled water once through security is also a good idea – that way you don’t have to wait for drink service on the plane. For younger travelers pack small bags of surprises for them to open on the airplane, every hour or so – small toys, coloring books and crayons, little games – will make the flight go by faster!

SINGLE PARENTS – BRING A NOTARIZED LETTER If the child is traveling with only one parent, or with another family member, have a notarized letter from the other parent (or from both parents if the child is traveling with a different family member) granting permission for the child to travel with that person. Be sure to have signed medical release forms.

DOCUMENT YOUR TRIP THROUGH PICTURES Give each child (age 6 and up) a disposable camera to take his/her own pictures of the trip. Afterwards, they can use the photos to make their own scrapbook of the journey. Collecting other things along the way, such as ticket stubs, pamphlets, etc. can also make an interesting addition to a travel scrapbook.

SEND POSTCARDS Encourage children to buy a postcard at each different destination visited. At the end of the day, they can write their comments on the back, creating a kind of memory album along the way.

KEEP A DIARY Create a travel diary in advance, writing each date at the top of a page. Every evening, set aside time for the children to write about the day’s activities. This is also a good activity for bus/plane rides. You can also bring along a glue stick for the child to add postcards, etc.

EVERYBODY LOVES SHOPPING Give each child a small allowance for picking out and buying souvenirs. That way, they will enjoy shopping time more when they can choose their own mementos of the trip.

DON’T RUSH IT Arrive at the airport early, at least two hours before your departure time, and more if you are flying internationally. This will allow plenty of time for security checks and any other extra security measures that may be in place. You can also check with your airline to see how early it recommends arriving at the airport.

PACK CAREFULLY Double-check the airline safety regulations. Be extra careful not to pack hazardous materials in your checked bags and be sure not to bring any banned items in your carry-on bag (Swiss Army knife, corkscrew, etc.). Your airline should have information on banned items on their website. For example, see United Airline’s website: www.united.com/page/article/0,6722,1035,00.html

DOUBLE-CHECK YOUR TRAVEL DOCUMENTS Check your passport to be sure it has at least 6 months remaining before its date of expiration. Make sure you have the required visas, if any, for your destination. Many countries may be paying closer attention to travel documents, and you want your entry to be as smooth as possible. For a list of foreign entry requirements, such as visas, by country, visit the US State

DON’T FORGET YOUR POSITIVE ATTITUDE Be prepared for long lines and heightened security, and keep in mind that these rules are in place to protect travelers. Be patient and remain calm. Be considerate to airline and security personnel. After all, this is your travel experience, and you’re about to embark on an adventure.