Wunderlich

ROAD TRIPS
1.Have each child pack a survival kit with games, coloring books, CDs, puzzles, etc. (This tip applies to any trip.) Make sure they avoid sharp objects like pens and pencils, since the slightest bump in the road could result in an injury. Crayons and markers are a better choice.
2.Cookie sheets and breakfast-in-bed trays are good flat surfaces for eating off of, sticking magnetic toys to and coloring.
3.Take a cooler packed with snacks, sandwiches and drinks and keep it in the car within easy reach. Dont forget napkins, tissues and wet wipes. And ladies, get some good roadmaps (men dont usually need them).
4.Maintenance is always less expensive than emergency road service so check the condition of tires, belts, battery, and spark plugs. Always keep an emergency kit in your car. This should include a flashlight, flares, tire changing tools, jumper cables, and a blanket.

PLANE TRIPS
5.Doesnt it seem that everyones luggage is black? Tie a colored ribbon to your bags so you can easily spot them. Or have Sports Express, Skycap International, Virtual Bellhop, Luggage Free, or Luggage Express ship your luggage to your destination before you leave home.
6.Bring snacks, water, a book or magazine and a deck of cards to keep you busy during long airport waits.
7.Wear comfortable clothing and shoes. Carry an extra change of clothes in case you reach your final destination before your luggage does.

FOR ANY TRIP
8.Gather legal or medical documents. Roll clothes into tight cylinders to save space. Pack breakables in the middle of your suitcase so your clothes will protect them. Pack a bag for dirty laundry and dont forget medications and a first aid kit.
9.In case of motion sickness, candied ginger appeals to kids. Fennel seed and peppermint teas help relieve nausea. Avoid eating greasy or salty foods before traveling; they can be hard to digest. Try a wrist bracelet that claims to cure nausea. Theres no research that shows they work, but no harm in trying.
10.Before you head off, make sure things at home are in order. Leave numbers where you can be reached in case of emergency; stop newspaper and mail deliveries; toss or give away perishable food; take out the garbage; pay bills ahead that will come due while youre gone; arrange for pet care; and wash all dirty clothes. Youre probably going to come home with dirty laundry so you dont want more greeting you when you arrive.

FYI: Babys Away is the largest baby and child supply rental service with over 50 locations throughout the USA. They deliver clean, quality equipment such as car seats, cribs, high chairs, strollers, etc. (www.babysaway.com)

And remember to leave extra space in your suitcase for souvenirs. Bon voyage!

Rosemary Chieppo has been a professional organizer, writer and public speaker since 1999. The costs of not being organized are enormous: time, money and stress. Organizing is the greatest gift people can give themselves; it clears the path to lifes more important destinations! Visit Rosemary's website at http://www.borntoorganize.com.