Travel Reference
In-Depth Information
Packing for Planes & Cars
FOR A PLANE TRIP
Pack the following in your carry-on bag:
• The number of diapers your child wears in a day, plus an extra three
• A changing pad in case the tiny restroom in the airplane has no pull-
out changing table
• A minimal number of toys—one coloring book and a stuffed animal
will suffice
• Bottles for infants, sippy cups and snacks for toddlers
• A goodie bag with surprises, like a Discman with a CD of music or
stories; books; or small plastic toys
For more comprehensive advice on flying with children, see “Get-
ting There,” later in this chapter.
FOR A CAR TRIP
If you will be renting a car in Hawaii, inquire about reserving a child
safety seat; most major car rental agencies have these available for a
small fee. (Avis, for example, charges $5 per day or $25 per week.)
Bring along the following to help your car rides go more smoothly:
• A cooler with drinks, snacks, fruits, and veggies
• A flashlight to help locate items that have rolled under your seat for
the 10th time in the last 5 minutes!
• Window shades for the sun
• Audiotapes of stories or children's songs. Many parents put a
TV/VCR between the two front seats so kids can watch videos.
Because a video lasts 30 minutes to an hour, it's a great help for long
stretches with nothing to do.
Other items to consider bringing include a first-aid kit, a box of
wipes for clean-ups, blankets, plastic bags for motion sickness, and a
change of clothes. Always have a cellphone in case of emergencies.
Kauai, bring a
warm jacket;
40°F
(4°C) upcountry temperatures, even
in summer when it's 80°F (27°C) at
the beach, are not uncommon. It's
always a good idea to bring at least a
windbreaker, a sweater, or a light
jacket. And be sure to toss some
rain
gear
into your suitcase if you'll be in
Hawaii from November to March.
6 Health, Insurance & Safety
TRAVEL INSURANCE AT A
GLANCE
Check your existing insurance policies
and credit card coverage before you
buy travel insurance. You may already
be covered for lost luggage, cancelled
tickets, or medical expenses. The cost
of travel insurance varies widely,
depending on the cost and length of
your trip, your age, your health, and
the type of trip you're taking.
TRIP-CANCELLATION INSUR-
ANCE
Trip-cancellation insurance
helps you get your money back if you
have to back out of a trip, if you have
to go home early, or if your travel sup-
plier goes bankrupt. Allowed reasons
for cancellation can range from sickness
