Home Away From Home

Traveling to Grandma's and Grandpa's house for a weekend (or more!) can combine the best of two worlds -- getting away from it all, while still enjoying the comforts of (someone else's) home.

But staying with friends or relatives can be tough if you're not prepared for the challenges of such an arrangement. Unless you have the most understanding of kin, vacationing in someone else's house is not Holiday Inn with a built-in babysitter and laundry service. By following these rules and thinking things through before your trip, you'll be able to enjoy your vacation -- and your relatives -- without too much trouble.

1. GET READY TO BABYPROOF. Even if your mom has little ones underfoot on a regular basis, chances are you'll find some areas -- a medicine cabinet, an open cupboard under the sink, exposed electrical outlets, an unguarded swimming pool -- that are hazards waiting to happen. When you don't live with children, you aren't used to thinking of the possible dangers such items pose. As the parent, it's your job to take a trip through the house as soon as possible upon arrival to duly note and develop an action plan for potential threats.

While your host will likely be glad to make reasonable accommodations (moving a lamp or two, relocating her prize collection of fragile Limoge figurines), don't expect her to change her entire lifestyle just because the kids are in town for a week or two. If part of the house would require too much effort (like the garage or home office), simply make that room off-limits for the little one and ask that the door be kept closed, and possibly locked, for the duration of yoru stay.

2. PACK LIGHT. While some items -- the port-a-crib and the car seat, for instance -- are indispensable, you'll probably be able to survive for a short time without your jog stroller and diaper genie. Sure, life would be easier if you had all your assorted equipment with you, but be mindful of the space limitations of your host's home. And do try to contain the mess as much as possible. If you're staying in the guest room, make sure to do a sweep of the house each day and round up stray socks, Legos, and other items that have escaped.

3. STICK TO YOUR ROUTINE, BUT BE FLEXIBLE. If Parker and Polly go to bed at 8 PM every evening and your in-laws are nightowls, don't be afraid to pack the kids off at their normal hour. But do try to accommodate your host's lifestyle. If they dine late, for instance, feed the kids cheese and cracker "hors d'oeuvres" so they don't starve.

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