Top Ten Family Vacation Tips #DriveHappy

This post is being written as part of a contest at Twitter Moms. Bloggers have been asked to share their tips for creating a fun family vacation that is free of distractions. Here are my top 10.
1. Invest in a portable DVD player. Some moms don't agree with me on this one but it is nice to have when you just need some quite time.
2. Bring a backpack filled with "new" things for your kids to do. They can use it in the car, on the air plane, in restaurants, etc.
3. Let everyone help plan your trip! Include you kids in what they want to do.
4. Be prepared to deviate from the plan. Anyone who has kids knows, the plan can change at any moment with an unexpected nap, or accident!
5. Don't plan too much in one day. When we took our 3-year old to Disneyland we scheduled to go back to the hotel twice a day for his naps. He was on a schedule and a cranky child makes for an unhappy vacation!
6. Don't spend a ton on souvenirs. Just let everyone chose one or two things.
7. For babies plan, plan. plan. My sister-in-law took a gallon sized zip loc bag and put a bib and utensils in it for every day they were traveling. Great way to remember babies are messy at times!
8. Don't think you have to do it all. Even if you only see a couple things, as long as you are having fun and relaxing it will be a trip to remember.
9. If traveling by plane remember small children may need something to help them with the altitude adjustment. Bring suckers, gum, pacifiers, or a bottle to help ease the ear discomfort.
10. Just HAVE fun!