Traveling with your kids can quickly shift from a joyous celebration into a nightmare when big crowds, long airport security lines and delays leave the whole family in a bad mood! Rachael asks travel expert Nicole Hockin for her suggestions to make your vacation flawless from start to finish! **Plan Ahead.** "The holidays are here and to take advantage of great deals you need to do it now, prices are getting higher every day. And it's more than just price right now, it's about getting a seat, because of the way the economy has affected airlines and so forth they're cutting capacity so there's not going to be as many seats if you keep waiting," Nicole explains. "The good news is prices are down!" **Best time of day to travel with kids.** "I like to say we travel when a child is rested, not when a child needs rest." **What you can bring on the airplane.** "There's a couple things I want to make sure everyone knows before the holidays. You can take on liquid medicines, you can take on breast milk, formula, baby food and juice in reasonable sizes over 3 ounces, and they don't have to be in Ziploc bags," Nicole says. "The good news for moms is you don't have to pay for car seats when they're checked." **Have your kids pack, too.** "This is whether you are flying or driving. This will save you headache after headache, mommies, let them each pack their own backpack so they know what toys and books are in here." Just make sure to check your kids' choices in case they included liquids or materials that are not allowed on airplanes, such as one childhood favorite. "Play-Doh is similar to the materials used in bomb making materials," she adds, "so they will confiscate this on the spot, even if it's brand new!" **Best destinations for kids.** "Generally across the United States hotel prices are down 17%, it's a great time to travel, wherever you go. If you're trying to escape the cold and maybe you want to go somewhere warm - perennial family favorite is Orlando," Nicole says. "I can't stress enough why it's great in the winter - the temperatures are lower, the crowds are lower, the prices are lower and it's adorned beautifully for the holidays!" **Only Online! Get Nicole's road trip planning tips.** - Along with the roadside emergency kit, every road trip requires a bucket filled with garbage bags, baby wipes, and paper towels. All items take on multiple functions in the car whether its cleaning up car sickness or just a backseat spill. - Have surprise goodie packs with activity toys when the "are we there yet?" starts. - Arrange seating orders for children - switch along the way so everyone gets to see out of a window. Instead of stopping only at restaurants, try finding a park or playground for more active, refreshing breaks during long car trips. - Bring quiet toys and games and be sure to bring something to keep everyone entertained, but leave the singing toys and beeping video games at home. You and everyone else will be glad you did! - The most important tip of all is to be flexible. Lines will be long, traffic will be heavy, flights will be delayed and children (and adults) will get grumpy. But with just a little planning and an open mind, you'll survive and enjoy another family holiday!