DON’T pack the naughty drawer.  The only thing vibrating in the night should be your phone (and really you should turn that off).  Hot-who’s-your-momma?-  naughty-drawer level sex – just doesn’t happen when you travel with kids. 

DO pack a feel-good-sexy outfit for yourself.  Look hot and feel great.

DON’T over pack.  Unless you are traveling to a remote jungle – you will probably be able to find diapers and wipes in a grocery store at your destination.  Pack enough for your travel time plus a day (take it from someone who got laid over - without luggage - one family trip).  Also, carry toothbrushes in your hand luggage. 

DO take medications.  Though you can get by with foreign diapers stick to the pain relievers you know and trust.  I’ve had kids break bones and get 2nd degree burns on vacations. 

DON’T assume your kids will eat on the plane/train or road-side restaurant.  Take along sufficient snacks.  Ziplock bags filled with a favourite dry cereal and granola bars are great. 

DO take along some surprises for the travel time.  New dollar store toys, crayons & paper, tattoos and puppets are fantastic treats. 

DON’T get frustrated with the other parent as you travel.  You are in this together.  Communicate.  Share.  Ok – dictate if need be.

DO indulge in some electronic babysitting. Ignore the guilt just for today.  A portable dvd player and/or music device are great tools to entertain the kids and give you a break.

DO enjoy extended family travel.  It is great to combine a vacation with grandparents, cousins, etc...  However, remember to take a time out for yourself and/or your little family. 

DON’T abandon the home routine.  If you travel with little ones – you really need to put your foot down and impose nap time, snack breaks, etc…  Routine makes life easier – even on vacation.

Lastly, try to leave one chill out day at the end of your vacation to just “be” with your family.   A chill out day allows your family to rest and re-connect together.  We take one day – at home – to start the laundry and watch movies on the couch.

Caroline Fernandez lives, writes and does laundry in Toronto, ON. Her writing has been widely published in Canadian magazines for both children and adult markets. Her web credits include many parenting and family articles on sites such as this yummy mummy club.

Surf over to her popular blog at http://www.parentclub.ca/ for more tips from this travel Mom.