TOP 3 SUMMER TRAVEL TIPS

1)KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
-Remeber to keep all travel information in a single location (i.e. contact information for airlines, car rental agencies and travel agents, passport and frequent flyer numbers, and itineraries.)
-Create a "Before We Leave Checklist" to remind yourself of pre-travel chores before you step out the door. Never wonder again, "Did I remember to stop the newspaper?", "Did we notify alarm company?" or "Did we turn off the ice-maker?"
-Call ahead to hotels/timeshares, car rental companies and airlines to confirm reservations.

2)PACK IT LIGHT, PACK IT RIGHT
- Pack clothing, socks, underwear and personal items in zipper food storage bags to cut wrinkles, protect clothing, and organize suitcases.
-Pack children's clothing day-by-day. For easiest travel with kids, use large zipper food storage bags to pack a complete outfit for a single day. Dirty clothing can be re-stored in the bags.
-Put personal care kits for each family member in a zipper bag or cosmetics organizer. Include sample-sized bottles of shampoo, shower gel, lotion and sun block.

3) KEEP THE TROOPS HAPPY
-Pack the snacks! Airlines have cut back on meal and snack service. Carry small collapsing insulated bag and include a selection of healthy snacks to stave off the Cookie Monster.
-A visit to the Dollar Store can go a long way to amuse children while traveling. For maximum impact, package small toys, books, and games separately and dole them out one at a time.
-Cut "buy me, buy me!" clamor with a Souvenir Budget. Use an envelope for each child, and deposit a small amount of cash earmarked for gifts/souvenirs at the beginning of the trip.

FOR MORE SURVIVING SUMMER TIPS CHECK OUR BLOG WEEKLY.