Do you have children? Do you travel? Well then the tips below should help ease some of the stress that comes along with planning and packing up to hit the road for summer vacation.

As summer approaches, we begin thinking about our summer travel plans with the family. Whether you travel with young children or adolescents, it's important to make considerations to make traveling as simple as possible.

1) Do your research:
When planning your vacation, you'll likely make reservations or plans for certain attractions or activities. If this is the case, make sure you're aware of things like:

• An attraction's hours of operation
• Customer reviews
• Prices
• Nearby attractions
• Parking
• Possible traffic

Taking these things into consideration will provide you with useful information for developing an agenda for your family vacation.

2) Map out an agenda:
This may seem like a no-brainer, but having an agenda set in place will allow you and your family to get the most out of summer vacation. It's also important to map out an agenda according to the make up of your family. When traveling with small children, having a strict itinerary is best because having planned activities cuts down on free time when they can get fussy. On the other hand, if you're traveling with older children or adolescents, prepare an agenda with openness to an unplanned activity. As children get older, they may enjoy the element of spontaneity.

3) Budget Accordingly:
As the economy continues its recovery, many families still face financial burdens -especially when it comes to summer traveling. Once you've done your research, write out how much every element of the vacation will cost including:

• Flight arrangements
• Hotel Accommodations
• Gas prices
• Admissions to local attractions
• Menu information for nearby restaurants

Budgeting for a vacation is no easy task. When traveling, remember that anything can happen. If possible, try setting aside a certain amount for any emergencies that may arise. For additional help be sure to check out this cool tool aptly named Budget Your Trip.

4) Be conscious of gas prices:
If anything has gotten in the way of your family's summer travel plans, it's gas prices. The cost of gas can add up, especially if you're traveling long distances. Keeping a fuel log can help determine how much you're spending on gas as it pertains to your family vacation budget. Also, it's important to remember that the price of gas can vary from region to region. It may help to research gas prices in different areas along your route before you set out on the road. Doing so can help predetermine stops along the way where the family can take bathroom breaks while you fill up. This saves both time and money, which can be equally valuable for your family vacation. Use GasBuddy.com to help maximize your fuel savings.

5) Keep the little ones occupied
Sitting still for long periods is not a quality that many kids endear. Packing some snacks and games can really help to exert some of that energy. Make sure to pack these items in an easily accessible spot. For more information and ideas on family fun games check out wejustgotback.com

6) Check and double check everything you've packed:
Again, this seems like a no-brainer, but it's vitally important. After all, there's nothing worse than having to use part of your vacation budget to buy an item you forgot at home. Develop a check list of the things you would never want to go without while away from home. It's a good rule of thumb to remember that you can never pack too much underwear or socks -especially when traveling with children.

Other things to remember are:
• Appropriate clothing
• Appropriate shoes
• Snacks for children
• Bathroom items
   o Toothbrushes
   o Toothpaste
   o Shampoo
• Sunscreen
• Medications

We hope you find this list helpful! Don't forget to check out some of the great getaways, not far away that you'll find in Warren County - Ohio's Largest Playground!