Keeping it in the family
Until you're a parent, you cannot possibly appreciate how much is involved in getting every member of the family ready to get out the door each morning, let alone for a family vacation. Family vacations take a lot of planning and preparation. I know this from experience. I also know that it's worth it, because family vacations can provide some of the best memories of your life. Following are tips and advice to help you make your next family vacation memorable, more stress free, and above all, fun.

Involve the kids
Get the kids on board by involving them in the planning. Their specific role will depend on their age and your patience, but it could be colouring a map of the route, reading books or watching movies about the destination, helping to find a hotel within a budget, and planning which attractions to visit. They can also participate in the packing. Even small children can choose a favourite toy and book to pop in their suitcase (although it doesn't hurt for you to pop a few extras in your suitcase, especially if you suspect that your child has made a choice he or she will later regret).

Keep them busy
Books, toys, stickers, games, portable DVD and game players, books on tape, and music CDs to sing along with can all make a huge difference to how happy your child is while en route. You could ever put together an activity bag for each child, perhaps keeping it as a surprise for when they get into the car or onto the plane. Once you're at your destination, find a way for them to blow off some steam by playing active games or going for a walk on the beach. Physical activity is a great stress reliever for the whole family. (Try seat-bound yoga stretches in cars and planes!)

Carry extras
Extra moistened wipes, extra changes of clothes, extra snacks (buy extra drinks once you're through airport security if you're flying, because security rules restrict the amount of liquids you can bring in carry-on luggage), extra toys and books, and extra bottle or pacifiers. Expect that extra plastic, recloseable freezer bags will become your new best friend.

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Excerpted from Travel Best Bets: An Insider's Guide to Taking the Best Trips Ever, copyright 2008 by Claire Newell. Excerpted with permission from Whitecap Books. All rights reserved. No part of this excerpt may be reproduced except with permission in writing from the publisher.