5 Best Winter Family Vacation Travel Deals for January 2011

We are Lucky Little Travelers (www.luckylittletravelers.com), a new website dedicated to family travel.  We have some great ideas for family destinations, and many fun places to go with your children once you are there.  We have free organized printable packing checklist for your children.  Lucky Little Travelers has In-flight entertainment ideas, packing list for checked luggage, packing list for carry-on luggage, optional items checklist, and important travel documents checklist.  We want to take the stress out of traveling with your children.  We are currently building, so if you don’t find what you are looking for please check back with us.

Tips to Find the Best Winter Vacation Deals for January 2011:

1. Resorts are slow in January; look for great deals at resorts.  The month of January reports the smallest crowds in resorts and parks (such as Disneyland, Disneyworld, Universal Studios theme parks, etc.). 
2. Avoid flying until after January 3.  Flights are more expensive and crowded during holiday travel.  
3. Look for flights that leave mid-day; they are less crowded with business men, and many times less expensive.
4. Best values on flights can be found from January 3 to early March.
5. The least expensive day to fly is Wednesday.

New TSA Rules for Holiday Travel Check Your Children's pockets to get through Airport Security Faster

Traveling during the holidays can be a difficult under normal conditions, but this year it is an even tougher decision for parents.  The new TSA security measure of full-body scanners involving x-rays or enhanced pat-downs are taking away from the joy of the season.  Either way, it is not an easy choice for parents.  Many pediatricians don’t approve of the x-ray exposure to young children.  Our best advice (http://www.luckylittletravelers.com/ ) is to check with your children’s pediatrician, before you book your tickets, for their recommendation on how you should handle the new TSA methods.  The good that comes from the TSA’s new rules is the assurance that everyone on board your plane is there with the same intention as you, to reach their destination without harm.
As you are emptying your pockets make sure to empty your children’s pockets as well.  Check your children’s pockets for items that may generate problems.  I have seen many parents empty their own pockets and completely forget about checking their children.
Take a look at our new website for other advice on traveling with children:  http://www.luckylittletravelers.com/   We have printable packing list for flight entertainment for children.  We also have packing list for children for both warm and cold weather vacations that can assist you with keeping your packing organized for a stress free vacation.

The New Controversial TSA Rules for Children

As a former teacher, I can honestly say children are a lot smarter and more understanding than most people give them credit for.  The new TSA rules are cause for great concern for many parents.  They have wisely taught their children that no one should touch them, thereby protecting their children from predators.  It is unfortunate that the past nine years has led our society to have to learn a completely different idea.  We all saw what happened on 911.  It must have been terrifying to be a passenger on one of those planes.  Personally, I do not like the new TSA rules, but I also take great comfort in knowing that when I or any member of my family is in the air, that we are safe from ignorant, evil, people who want to do us harm.

I think the children that will have the toughest time with the new TSA rules are the youngest ones.   If a parent is uncertain as to health risk involved with the new TSA body scanners, they should check with the person they believe is an expert on their child’s health, their child’s pediatrician.  If the pediatrician thinks the parent should choose to opt-out in favor of a pat-down that is what should be done.  It is our (www.luckylittletravelers.com) belief as parents we have the responsibility to explain to the child what is going to happen, in advance to arriving at the airport.  We also believe that parents should lead by example.  One parent or adult should go first, and make sure that their child is watching.  We also believe that a “practice” pat-down performed at home by a parent may help alleviate some of the fear that is involved. 

I don’t believe that anyone likes the new TSA rules, but we all enjoy the safety that it produces.

Parenting for Holiday Travel With Children and the New Rules of TSA

Traveling during the hectic holiday season is always nerve-racking, and the new TSA rules are tending to be cause for greater tension.  There is concern for the x-rays that the new scanning system emits are a health issue.  Our best recommendation is to check with your child’s pediatrician for their opinion.  A quick call to the pediatrician’s office can alleviate anxiety for parents, and help guide them in the best choice for their child. 

If the recommendation from the pediatrician is to Opt-out of the body scan in favor of a pat-down, we suggest that the parent lead by example.  Ask if you can be patted-down first, so that your child can watch.  Say hello to the TSA agent and address them by name.  Ask your child to watch what happens.  Then when it is your child’s turn, make sure that you introduce your child by name.  Be polite to the TSA agent, it may help to calm your child to see that you are not alarmed by what is happening.  Your child should never be out of your sight during any screen procedures.   TSA agents are currently doing a modified pat-down on children.

Describe to your child before you get to the airport what is going to happen, so that it doesn’t take them by surprise.  Explain to your child that you must be present in order for anyone to touch them, including doctors.  Make it clear that you will never allow anyone to hurt them, and no one will even try as long as you are present.