Sometimes it cannot be avoided, taking a child under two on a plane for an emergency trip. Perhaps you have heard (or even experienced) horror stories of being trapped on a plane for two hours while a baby screeched the entire time. Maybe, too, you were the person who sat next to the harried mother as she tried to soothe her squirming infant. To be the harbringer of such misery is not a welcome prospect.

However, a plane trip with a toddler or infant need not be a harrowing experience, for the mother or other passengers. By taking precaution and taking care of your child, you can arrange for an easy ride.

Have the child’s birth certificate ready: Though you don’t need to purchase a ticket for a child under two (the child can sit on your lap for the flight), you will need to show proof of your child’s age and custody. Be sure to have your child’s birth certificate handy when you show your ID at check-in.

Consolidate personal effects and baby’s things: Most airports will allow you to take a stroller to your gate, though you will have to put the stroller through the X-ray. Therefore, be prepared to watch over your child in this time. A younger baby in a car seat will be fine, but remember to keep a firm hand on a toddler of walking age so he doesn’t stray. To this end, it is best to check in as much luggage as possible and carry only the essentials - ID, money, wallet, diapers and baby items. Rather than carry a purse and diaper bag aboard, it is helpful to consolidate everything into one bag. Less to carry, less worry.

Feed and change baby before boarding: Keep your baby clean and happy before boarding, and transfer that good feeling as you enter the plane. Try to coincide your baby’s mealtime as close to your flight as possible, and always keep snacks ready for the flight to calm any fits (graham crackers for a solid eater, an extra bottle for an infant). If you breastfeed, consult with the airline before your flight to determine if there are any privacy options, like the possibility of an extra seat in the back of the plane to use. If your flight is full, keep a baby blanket on hand should the need to nurse arise.

Sometimes, a trip will not always go as planned, and your baby may need changing during flight. Anyone who has had the arduous task of changing a baby on board a plane will tell you it is not easy! Consult with the airline before you leave with regards to your options. You may find, too, you are flying with some very understand passengers who may be willing to help.

Bring a diversion: A favorite toy or blanket, a book, or a set of keys may provide entertainment for a child unwilling to nap during flight. By keeping the child’s focus in one place during the flight, you can prevent fits and distraction of other passengers.

Have a bottle or pacifier for the descent: A child’s ears can be very sensitive to the drop in air pressure as a plane makes it descent. Just as your own ears “pop” so will the child’s, and it is a pain they cannot understand or bear. While adults will chew gum to relieve the discomfort, a child cannot do the same, so it is important to have a pacifier or bottle handy during descent. The sucking motion will help ease the pain of pressure for the child.

Planning ahead and proper diversion will help make a child’s plane trip easier, for the child, the mother, and fellow passengers.

Kathryn Lively is a freelance writer whose articles have appeared on various travel related websites, including Park Atlanta (http://www.parkatlanta.com), long-term parking for Atlanta Hartsfield Airport, and The Grand Summit Hotel of New Jersey (http://www.grandsummit.com).

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There are many, many ways for travelers to locate a great hotel to stay in during a trip away - whether it is for pleasure or business. The most common source of finding a hotel is usually online because it is the fastest way to search for many hotels in one area and you can usually
find an inexpensive, last minute option.

People travel for various reasons, and the purpose of their
trip will often influence their preference for hotel
reservations. Some travel frequently for business reasons
while others travel less frequently on vacations and
holidays. Whatever the reason, people will seek to find a
hotel that they feel comfortable in.

If you are traveling for business, it is always recommended
that you investigate the various hotel options before you
leave. Many hotels offer their regular business clients
special discounts on regular room rates plus other benefits
such as complimentary breakfast and newspapers. You can
save
yourself, and indeed your firm, significant dollars by doing
your homework. This is particularly important when
reservations are made at the last minute and would
normally
attract higher room rates. This usually does not occur if
you are a frequent guest at the hotel.

It is important to find a hotel you can relax in, when
traveling. This is particularly the case if you are a
business traveler, because the comforts of a quality
hotel are especially welcome when you are alone, away
from
home and tired and weary. Even the familiarity of the hotel
employees can help put you at ease.

If you are traveling as a tourist then it is probably
important to you that you find a hotel that is located close
to the attractions. Many of these offer promotions and
discounts to the surrounding attractions as a means to
attract and encourage additional business. By researching
your hotel options before arriving - perhaps using the
Internet, you can save yourself both money and time - both
of which you will need for your vacation.

Travelers can find a hotel over the web, through the
newspaper, in magazines, or by making contact with a travel
agent. Depending on the age and interests of the traveler,
the hotel they choose can vary. Many people select to stay
in a hotel that is located close to the airport, or to the
city’s attractions such as shopping centers. This means
that the traveler can sometimes avoid renting a car if they
find a hotel in a central location. Cities with public
transportation also make this easier. Depending on the
traveler~s budget, they can find a hotel with wonderful
accommodations in great tourist spots. Preparing ahead of
time helps to guarantee the best rates and available
options for the ultimate trip.

The author loves to travel and visit new places. Through her
many years of travelining, she has come up with many tips
and recommendations which has helped her and her
clients to return form their vacations and travels feeling well
rested and relaxed.

Annastasia Rizzo is passionate about hotels and
is the webmaster of RTC
Hotel

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So, you’re finally going away for your well-deserved vacation. Don’t let careless packing spoil a great holiday. Airport security systems have changed and has become much tighter. You might want to think about leaving some items at home and there are also some items that you might want to think about taking along. Here are some items to think about taking with you for a smoother trip and holiday:

Bottled water: many people are afraid of causing delays at the security checkpoint and some may insist that you finish it in front of the guards. Sipping water regularly while you fly can alleviate much of the discomfort that flying can cause. Also, depending on your destination - it can be very useful to have a bottle to fill with drinking water.

If you are diabetic it goes without saying; but even non-diabetic travelers will benefit from having some small food items on hand. Food wouldn’t usually bother security guards. Keep some small sugary and high protein snacks on hand to curb low blood sugar levels.

Baby Wipes will most likely be needed as well even if you don’t have a baby. If you eat something sticky and can’t get up to go to the bathroom these will help.

No matter where you are going you will need to find some secure way to carry your money and valuables. Your passports and credit cards will cause a vacation ruining mess for you and your family. If you travel often then it might be worth your while to invest a bit in something special and practical. Money belts are one way to carry around your valuables but they sometimes look bulky and obvious. A fanny pack is another idea. It depends on where you are going. You don’t want to draw attention to yourself or to your nerdy lime green fanny pack. Depending on where you are going you may want to leave jewelry at home. Foreign criminals are just looking for unsuspecting Americans.

Some kind of portable entertainment system is essential if you are traveling alone for long periods of time. It isn’t only techno junkies that can benefit from one of the many portable entertainment systems. Delays can be expected if you fly and you will be glad for something to keep you amused. Load an iPod with some of your favorite music and you have an instant mood lift wherever you are.

Another item that could be useful is a first aid kit. Even if you don’t need one - it will be reassuring that you are equipped for any emergency. Include headache tablets, some Mylanta is a must and anti-inflammatory. There are some excellent small travel first aid kits available nowadays.

Packing a plastic bag or two into your bag is a good idea. It will be a handy at some stage of your trip. Plastic bags have an uncanny way of being both useful and hard to find when you need one. Roll it up - won’t take any space and you will find a use for it at some stage of your trip. Otherwise you might land up having to pack your wet shoes in with your clothes.These are just a few tips to ease your trip stress. Since 9/11 air travel has changed and it’s important to keep this in mind when traveling. Plan ahead, be prepared and most importantly - have a great trip!

Christine Bettridge has loved writing since childhood. She has written Plays, poetry and many articles. Her latest e-book End Time Secrets recently released by Cypress Street Publishing has caused an order craze in the religious world. It can be ordered and downloaded right now through the publishers website at End Time Secrets and she also is the editor of the article directory, Above All Content Visit her blog at: The Bible Sound Blog

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