BEFORE YOU GO

• Research basic information about your destination
• Leave a copy of your itinerary with a trusted family member or friend
• Make a list of important emergency information
• Go over basic safety information, rules, and procedures, such as what to do if you get lost or sick

GETTING PACKED

• Travel light
• Pack essentials in your carry-on bag
• Bring childproofing supplies, such as electrical outlet covers and baby gates
• Bring along a basic first aid kit
• Remember the rules for what you can carry on and what needs to be checked when flying. These rules also apply to liquids such as milk or formula. Visit the Transportation Security Administration website to learn more about these rules.

ON THE ROAD

• Make sure that your children are in approved child safety seats as required by the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration:
  • Infants (under 20 lbs.) should be in rear-facing convertible seats with harness straps at or below shoulder level
  • Toddlers (20-40 lbs.) should be in forward-facing convertible seats with harness straps at or above shoulders
  • Young children (more than 40 lbs.) should use a forward-facing, belt positioning. Booster seat with the lap belt fitting low and tight across the lap/upper thigh area and shoulder belt snug across the chest and shoulder.
• If your children are old enough not to need a child safety seat, make sure they wear their seat belts
• Never leave your children alone in your car

AT THE AIRPORT AND IN THE AIR

• Explain safety and security procedures, rules and instructions
• Instruct your children to cooperate with airport security officials
• Tell your children not to make jokes or false threats about security issues
• Your children should be in approved child safety seats if they require them. The requirements for child safety seats in cars also apply to airplanes.
• Check on requirements for strollers, diaper bags, and other baby and child equipment

IN YOUR HOTEL

• Check your hotel room for potential hazards, such as electrical outlets and furniture with sharp corners
• Find the nearest fire exits, fire alarm, fire extinguisher/hose to your room
• Teach your children basic emergency procedures, such as what to do in case of a fire
• Keep potentially hazardous items, such as toiletries, out of kids' reach
• Supervise your kids at all times

OUT AND ABOUT

• Supervise your children closely, particularly in public restrooms, large crowds, and near swimming pools or bodies of water
• Set ground rules for curfews and safety issues
• Make sure your children cross streets with your supervision
• If lost, instruct your kids to go to an agreed upon safe place and stay there
• Dress your kids in distinctive or brightly colored clothes to make them more visible
• Write down your contact information on an index card and place it in your kids' pockets to make contacting you easier
• Tell your children not to take anything from a stranger or go anywhere with a stranger
• Check play areas for potential hazards, such as sharp edges or openings where your children could get stuck
• Make sure your kids have and use proper safety equipment, such as helmets and life vests, for any activities that require them

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL TIPS

• Did you know that children of all ages need a current, valid passport if traveling anywhere outside of the U.S., including Canada and Mexico? If your kids don't have a current, valid passport, visit the U.S. State Department's Web site to apply for or renew their passports. There are also special requirements for minors that apply to passports
• In addition to a passport, your kids may also need a visa to visit some countries. Check with either the U.S. State Department's Web site or your host country or countries' tourism or foreign affairs Web sites
• In case of emergencies, contact the nearest U.S. consulate or embassy