Like many of you, I never checked bags before I had kids. I traveled all over the globe without ever spending a moment at the dreaded airport baggage carousel. But now that I do have kids, packing light is about as achievable as, say, time travel.

So, forget packing light. Aim for packing lighter instead. Here are a few suggestions to help. You’ll still be checking bags, but at least they’ll be lighter bags.

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It’s true…when traveling, calories are still calories. Unfortunately, the increase in temptation, long days and lack of routine can push you to make poor food and exercise choices. Here are some tips to help keep you healthy and fit on your next vacation.

Pack the goods. Having healthy snacks like fruit, veggies and nuts on hand can go a long way and they are a much better choice than the street vendor or fast food joint on the corner.

Snack often. There are times when traveling that it’s easy to lose track of time and forget to eat, which means your blood sugar can suffer and open a world of other problems. Don’t let yourself get hungry and have a snack. Read More >

My family is about to hit the road for most of the summer:  kids are heading to Grandma’s house for a few weeks, and they’re also taking a mission to Mars at Space Camp.  Throw in a couple of family vacations, and that’s a lot of packing!  How do you get them to help?  Try these tips.

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The following post is by a special guest blogger: Sharlene Earnshaw, Trekaroo’s Blog Editor.

I remember the first time I ever flew without my mom and dad like it was yesterday. I was 12 years old and my little brother and I were flying up to Seattle to stay with my aunt for a couple weeks. I felt a mingling of excitement and nervousness at the prospect of doing something without my parents.

On that first flight, I had no idea that my nerves were probably outmatched by those of my mom and dad. After all, they were sending their babies up into the sky alone. It turns out our experience was a great one and led to many more journeys up north sans parents.

This past summer, I had a chance to experience the other side of the coin. My 11-year old niece and 13-year-old nephew flew from Texas to California, and I suddenly became the aunt on the receiving end. We live in a post-9/11 world and it was not as simple as just walking up to the gate and picking up the kids anymore.

Luckily, as long as you know what to expect and follow a few simple rules, things can still be easy. Here are my tips on how to make that first flight a great experience for both parents and children.

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