I love to travel, always have. But when I became a mom I wondered if my globetrotting days were over. When I couldn’t find a book on how to travel with young kids, I asked for travel tips from my friends, neighbors, the ladies at the nail salon and pretty much every parent I met. After years of traveling with two children and conducting numerous interviews with travel experts and childcare specialists, I have culled enough tips to fill a book. But these can get you started.

1. Print a packing list.
As a newbie Travel Mama, I was always worried I would forget something important, like diapers, formula, the favorite stuffed bunny … or the baby. I wrote out a long, detailed list of what to bring. This was time-consuming and stressful as I struggled to remember every single thing I needed to pack. It finally occurred to me to create a printable packing list with columns for every family member. Before you go fretting over how to create some big ol’ list, use mine. Go ahead and print out a travel with children packing list before each trip. That’s what I do!

2. Use snacks as a travel diversion.
A glorious way to keep children’s hands and mouths busy on the go is with snacks, snacks and more snacks. Start with healthy goodies like whole-grain crackers and cereals, trail mix and sliced fresh fruits. I also like nut butter sandwiches and protein bars because many travel snacks are carbohydrate-laden and I want to squeeze some protein into my kids’ bellies. Keep everything in separate containers and dole them out slowly to get the most bang for your snacking buck. 

3. Stagger busy and mellow days.
Be sure to schedule a down day after an up day. If you visit an amusement park, ski the slopes or tour ruins and museums one day, plan a mellow day at the beach, park or hotel pool the next. Over-scheduling or choosing kid-inappropriate activities will not be fun for anyone.

4. Book a seat for babies.
If you're flying, I recommend booking a seat for your baby or toddler, even though children under age 2 fly free. Not only is this the safer option,it also gives your family more room to spread out and relax. I know this is more expensive and may limit your travel capabilities, but I try to skimp on other luxuries like fancy meals and expensive souvenirs in favor of safety (and comfort).

Here’s what the FAA says on their website: “Did you know the safest place for your little one during turbulence or an emergency is in an approved child restraint system (CRS) or device, not on your lap?” They continue, “FAA strongly urges parents and guardians to secure children in an appropriate restraint based on weight and size. Keeping a child in a CRS or device during the flight is the smart and right thing to do.”

5. Keep travel toys fresh.
When I first started traveling as a mom, I read chat boards, visited toy stores and websites, and asked fellow parents for advice in my quest to find the perfect travel toys. When we returned home from vacation, I unpacked those meticulously chosen items and threw them into the toy box. On the next trip, I ran around the house trying to piece together a travel entertainment kit. I have since learned to hide the travel toys. A hidden toy is a forgotten toy. I always have my eyes open for a few new diversions to bring along on a trip, but it saves money and time to keep a separate bunch of toys just for travel. Looking for distractions for your next vacation? Check out the Travel Mamas Store, stuffed with my favorite travel games, puzzles, toys and crafts.

6. Be a germaphobe.
It’s no fun getting sick or caring for an ill child when traveling. Prior to leaving home, practice “kid lockdown.” Limit play dates and trips to germ-laden places like the park. Slather on antibacterial gel and wash hands often for the week or two leading up to your big trip. Pack every medicine and ointment you think you or your family may need while away, especially if going to a foreign country. You might be able to find the medicine you need at your destination, but who wants to make a midnight run for fever reducer or teething tablets in an unfamiliar town?

7. Ignore the haters.
For the most part, people are considerate and helpful. And then there are jerks. They may cut you off on the freeway, sneak ahead of you in line at the grocery store or glare at your baby on board an airplane. You can’t spend your life worrying about the jerks. If you’re really worried about other passengers hating you on the airplane, bring along some earplugs to pass out, or go one step further and buy them a round of drinks if your little one acts up. The best offense, however, is a good defense … especially when flying with children. Plan to spend most of your flight focused entirely on your kid, playing with toys and games, solving puzzles and reading books together. When other passengers see how engaged you are, they will probably give you a little slack; they might even offer to help out.

8. Bring double the necessities.
If traveling with a baby or toddler, bring twice as much formula, diapers, and bottles on the plane, car or cruise ship as you think you will need. You never know when an unexpected delay on the tarmac or inclement weather will delay your trip. You don’t want to be stuck with a hungry, wet, miserable child.

9. Make a plan but adjust as needed.
Plan out your days. Make naps and bedtimes a priority. Try to stick to a regular meal and snack schedule while encouraging healthy eating. At the same time, be willing to change plans when they don’t work. Obsessing over a rigid schedule will suck all of the fun out of a vacation. Throw some rules out the window. Let your kid indulge in some gelato or run with abandon through the sprinklers during a spontaneous trip to a park you’ve stumbled upon. After all, it’s your child’s vacation too!

10. Slow down and savor the moment.
Children live so much in the present moment that traveling parents are forced to slow down and see things as they do—right here, right now. And that brings traveling to a whole new and exciting dimension! Rather than trying to squeeze every desired site and activity into your vacation, focus on making the most of every moment with your kids. The museums, ruins and amusement parks will be there forever, but their childhood will not.

Colleen Lanin, a travel journalist and writing instructor (pictured above), is the founder and editor-in-chief of the popular family travel blog TravelMamas.com. She is also a regular contributing writer to the Today show website on nbcnews.com. Her book, The Travel Mamas’ Guide, provides helpful tips and humorous stories on how to travel with babies and children—and stay sane!