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TOP TRAVEL QUESTIONS: PART TWO

© Lain Ehmann

1. The guidebooks I read always give the "good" restaurants and the fancy places to stay. They never have information suitable for families who have two kids in diapers and think that McDonald's is a night out on the town. Where can I find useful information?

There are several good travel books out there for families. Check out the series by veteran traveler Eileen Ogintz. She has five "Taking the Kids" travel books out now, each focusing on different areas of the country. Other sources include your regional parenting magazine - these publications often include "getaway" information from areas near and far. Last but not least, e-mail me here at Suite101.com. If it's an area I'm not familiar with, we'll put out the call to our readers and see if we can't come up with some suggestions for you!

2. I get really nervous traveling to a new area with my kids. I don't know what it is, but it is just so anxiety-provoking to not know which stores have diaper changing stations, where the good playgrounds are located, and where to buy inexpensive kids' clothes, if I need to. How can I tame my worries and learn to enjoy my vacation?

See the answer to Question 1 above. The best way to tame those travel jitters is by talking to other parents who have been through the same experience, or by reading about your destination. Forewarned is forearmed! Don't be afraid to open up to your friends, neighbors and family and tell them your worries. More likely than not, they'll share stories of their own.

Also, don't be afraid to strike up conversations with complete strangers while traveling. Kids make a great ice-breaker, as you probably already know. Ask your traveling companions, parents you meet at the park, etc., for advice! Everyone likes to be asked for their opinion.

3. What if my child gets sick while we're away from home?

A sick baby is hard on Mom and Dad at any time, but if it happens while traveling, you may think you've seen the worst. Fortunately, though, most places in this country (and others, too) are fairly civilized. You'll most likely be able to find Baby Tylenol, a nose aspirator, and a doctor. Check with the front desk of your hotel or motel. Or, if you're not at a hotel, look under "24-hour emergency care" in the yellow pages. Don't be afraid to ask for help as soon as you think you might need it. That slightly flushed look on your child at noon may turn into a full-blown fever at 10 at night - when it's too late to get help.