The tears, the whining, the overabundance of energy. Traveling with children can seem like a daunting prospect. Nobody wants to be the mother or father of the baby who won't stop screaming on the airplane or the moody youngster who wants to go home before you've even left.

Traveling with children, especially little ones, can actually be a great experience for everyone. With some careful planning and a few helpful tips to follow along the way, your family vacations and day trips can be a breeze.

Pack Wisely

Be picky about what you pack. Bring only what you need, but remember that sometimes the simplest items are the most important. Teddy bears and blankets can be just as important as medications and clothing. It's also a great idea to spread your children's things among various pieces of luggage so you're not left in the lurch if one all-important bag gets lost.

Remember when you used to pack some of your own personal essentials in your carry-on luggage? Well, those days are gone. When kids are in the mix, your essentials become diapers, bottles, extra clothes, snacks, toys, games and more!

Keep the Routine

Plucking kids out of their daily routine to get on a plane or train or go on a long car ride can cause some chaos. You'll have better family vacations by making sure you maintain as much of your child's routine as possible. Here's a great tip: Bring your infant's crib bedding along with you - the smell and feel will be familiar and encourage better sleep. And again, that all-important teddy bear or blankie can go a long way to ease homesickness or discomfort.

Make it an Adventure

Don't forget that one of the reasons you did all that vacation planning was to be sure you all have fun. Travel, whether it's to an exotic destination or a family reunion, can be a time for new experiences. You can nurture a child's sense of adventure at a very young age and spark their natural curiosity by asking questions. Push them out of their comfort zone by trying new activities. Give them more responsibility by involving them in the vacation planning. The more kids are involved, the more unforgettable the experience will be for all of you.

Traveling with children definitely requires a lot of preparation, so taking advantage of any shortcuts, tricks and tips will make it much easier for you. Worried about forgetting something? Consider making a to-do list beforehand. This way you'll ensure a fun-filled, stress-free vacation that you and your children will remember for a lifetime.