Barbara Correa writes about work and family for the Los Angeles Daily News.Holiday travel dos and don'ts
Time for a little travel talk. If you are about to fly off to visit family someplace else, or take a long car trip, here's some quick dos and donts. If it's too late for this year, keep it mind for next.
DO: Fly JetBlue, where every seat has a little TV screen and Animal Channel. Alternatively, pack a portable DVD player and enough entertainment to get through the flight, or the drive. If you're against TV in the car like me, pack it someplace hidden, so nobody sees it, but you have it just in case.
DO: Buy cheap surprises like nutritious snacks or small toys, wrap them up and then make a big deal out of presenting them to the kids once every hour.
DO: Know the rules of flight. Bone up on what you can and can't pack in your carry-on luggage; have everyone wear easily removable shoes. TSA Web site
DON'T: Do nonstop flights. If you get stuck on one of those horror story tarmac delays, my prayers are with you.
DON'T: Wing it. The more planning you do, the more fun the trip will be. Before you go, research weather at the destination and get information on a few activities you can do with the kids. You may not need them, but it's good to have a plan B. If you're driving, try to find things along the way -- parks or outdoor gardens or picnic areas -- that might break up the trip.
Happy Trails!