Take plenty of water bottles if you are going where you will be walking a lot, such as to a large amusement park, and make sure your children drink water at least every two hours so they don't get dehydrated.
Hand sanitizer and baby wipes can be used for cleaning children's hands if there isn't a bathroom around. Use them before your children eat or after they touch things used by many others, such as escalator handrails.
Pack multivitamins and give them daily.
Pack a simple first-aid kit with adhesive bandages, antibiotic ointment, alcohol wipes and gauze. Don't forget medications for pain relief, allergies, diarrhea and motion sickness.
Take sunscreen (regular and waterproof), even if you don't plan to be in the sun much. Plans can change. Don't forget aloe vera in case someone ends up with a sunburn.
Avoid eating street food, if possible; it is often poor quality and can cause food poisoning.
Make sure children get enough sleep while on vacation. They may be excited and want to stay up late, but they'll need energy for all the activities.
Dress your children in bright colors so you can spot them in a crowd if you get separated in an airport or on a crowded boardwalk.
Help your children memorize their address and your phone number, if they haven't already, so they can call you if they get lost. Write down an emergency contact and put it in your child's pocket.
Give a family member a copy of your itinerary that includes the places you will be visiting, when you will be visiting and the hotels where you will stay.
Make sure the children are always secured with seat belts or in car seats when traveling in the car or on an airplane.
Go over road safety rules with children.
Take portable CD players or iPods for your children so they can listen to their favorite music when flying or in the car. This will also keep children from fighting over what to listen to on the radio.
Pack plenty of snacks, but nothing with hyperactivity-inducing sugar. Stick to trail mix, crackers and fruit.
Puzzle books that have crossword puzzles, word searches and other games can keep children entertained. Children always seem to enjoy Mad Libs. You can also play family games like "I Spy" in the car.
Make frequent stops if you're on the road so your children can use the bathroom and stretch their legs.
Make a place for a small pillow and blanket for each child in case he wants to sleep in the car or on the plane.
