There are a number of practical ways parents can make trips with children more enjoyable for the kids and less stressful for the parents. The most important thing to remember when traveling with children is to try to maintain as much normalcy as possible. For example,

• Get your children up as close to their normal hour as possible, and put them to bed at the usual time.
• Always maintain discipline during an outing or extended trip. Children need and want to have the structure they are used to. Parents should not change their normal rules just because they are away from home.
• Avoid the temptation of substitution meals of junk food during trips or outings. If you are taking a long trip in a car, stop regularly for food or carry a cooler of nutritious food.
• Find the time while traveling to give your children some exercise. Children are used to getting some exercise each day, but they may be required to remain seated for hours while traveling. If you have airplane layovers, take long walks in the airport. When you are traveling by car, stop regularly for walks, foot races, or a swim, if possible.
• Take along little packages of soft toys and nutritious snacks for children. Airlines don't always cater to the tastes of children, so snacks can come in handy.

Written by E. Christophersen, Ph.D., author of "Pediatric Compliance: A Guide for the Primary Care Physician."