NEW YORK, January 10, 2001 - Family vacations and getaways are definitely not what they used to be. No longer do parents limit their traveling to destinations accessible only by car. Air travel opens up a new world to family vacationing, with more places to visit and sights to see, but even when it comes to flying, these trips can be long and agonizing, especially when young ones are involved.

To help alleviate some of the stress and headaches that can result from the volatile combination of air travel and youngsters, outdoor recreation and adventure travel Web site GORP.com has introduced its Family Flying Guide. GORP's Family Expert Alice Cary draws from her own personal experience - she's flown with all three of her kids since they were infants and always prefers flying over any long family drive - in developing the Guide. Offering tips and advice to parents, the Guide can help make the flying experience enjoyable - or at least bearable - for you, your children and those around you. More importantly, these strategies can help turn family vacations into dream getaways.

Many behaviors acceptable in cars are no longer allowed in planes. Kids need to be as calm and quiet as possible in order to minimize any ill effects their behavior might have on other passengers unable to tolerate the noise and family dramas. Try waiting to board the plane. While families with young kids are usually permitted to board early, this is not always a good idea. Kids can get restless as other passengers enter the plane and get settled. Before leaving home, make sure to check flight itineraries and meal schedules and pack snacks and plan meals accordingly. Always bring along extra snacks, water, and drinks. While waiting for flights to depart, keep the kids moving in the airport; don't have them sit around. Use the time to burn off some energy, that way once on the plane, children are not as restless, tense, or jittery. Insist that children use the bathroom before boarding the plane. Airplane lavatories are very small, especially if you have to accompany young children. Instead of packing the entire playroom into the car's trunk, passengers are restricted to what they can carry on to a plane. Bring small toys, coloring books, and games to keep the kids occupied or consider putting together a"travel fun pack" filled with activities, travel-sized toys, and surprises for those long journeys. If all else fails, give the little ones an in-flight magazine and let them have a go at it. Consider bringing car seats for younger children, however, make sure to check that the seats are FAA-approved. Don't pack much more than what you really need. Keep in mind that you have to carry everything, as well as keep track of the kids. Backpacks can be very helpful as they keep hands free, spare clothes are a must for food or bathroom accidents, and pacifiers, bottles, or chewing gum can help prevent air pressure buildup. Finally, remember to relax and have fun - this is supposed to be a family vacation.

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