choose, inexhaustible. Taking children on trips expose them to new experiences, sows family togetherness and builds memories for tomorrow. But traveling with children is rarely fun and games. Besides the inevitable squabbles, many bathroom stops and instant need for drinks and snacks, there are important health, nutrition and safety issues for parents to consider when traveling with their children.

For overseas travel, there are additional health considerations, including travel immunisation, malaria prophylaxis and what to do in the event of a medical emergency.

Before starting on a family excursion/vacation especially international travel -- the children's immunisations should be up-to-date. For international travel, this strategy is essential because diseases that are practically eradicated from Bermuda, such as measles, diphtheria and rubella are still common in some countries. And polio, which has not been reported in the western hemisphere in the past four years, continues to be reported in many parts of the world.

In Bermuda, children generally receive vaccinations at an age when they will respond with optimal, long term protection. While they may be susceptible to some of the diseases at younger ages, there is little chance of exposure to these diseases increasing, especially when children have close contact with local children.

Since one dose of a three-part vaccine series gives little immunity, routine immunisation schedules may have to be modified prior to international travel.

The illness children experience while traveling are usually no different then the ones they have at home. When deciding what to pack in a "travel medicine chest'', parents can check their medicine cabinet at home and review recent visits to doctor and pharmacies. This will give them a good idea of what medicines to pack. In addition to medicines other items to include would be typical first-aid products such as band-aids, antiseptics, tweezers as well as paediatric pain relievers, cough medicines, cold remedies and nasal decongestion spray.

Medicines should be labelled carefully and never combined in the same container.

When travelling abroad, parents need to carefully check the labels on the medicines that they buy for their children. Many remedies contain aspirin, antibiotics and other substances generally contra-indicated for children.

Families travel comfortably throughout the world using a variety of modes of transportation -- from bicycles to airplanes, and buses to cruise ships. Each mode has its benefits and pitfalls.

AIR TRAVEL: Air travel is one of the safest forms of transportation available in the US. Routinely published FAA and industry statistics demonstrate that air travel is far safer than automobile travel. Currently under debate is whether the infant car seat should be used during the flight or checked with the family luggage.

AUTOMOBILE TRAVEL: Many families opt for automobile travel for their vacation.

This cost-effective option gives families more control over their itinerary.

In the event of a problem, the driver can pull over at the nearest stop sign and address it. The down side of automobile travel is that the time spent in-transit is greatly increased, which, depending on how well the children travel, can be difficult for some families. A common complaint for some children during automobile travel is "car sickness''. Since the condition is easier to prevent then cure, parents should do well to follow these suggestions if their children are prone to car sickness: Don't travel on an empty stomach, but avoid large meals just prior to and during trips; Give frequent drinks of cold water, fruit juice or soda; Keep the car cool and well ventilated; Don't smoke; For small children adjust the car seat for a level view out the window; and Travel at night when possible.