You wait all winter to enjoy the perfect vacation with your family. Follow these tips to ensure your trip is enjoyable for everyone.

1. EAT WELL Getting away from it all shouldnt include taking a break from healthy eating. Make sure your children eat well-balanced meals and wholesome snacks, including plenty of fruits and vegetables.

2.STAY ON SCHEDULE Try to maintain your childs sleep schedule as closely as possible. The added activity and fresh air may even increase his or her need for a little extra shut-eye.

3.TAKE A BREAK It may be tempting to squeeze as much as possible into your trip, but overdoing it can cause kids to feel overwhelmed. Scheduling some downtime into your vacation will leave everyone feeling refreshed and ready for the next activity.

4.SUN PROTECTION You dont have to be at the beach to get sunburn. If youre going to be outside, bring along plenty of sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher. Apply often and dont forget noses and ears.

5.COMFORTABLE SHOES Summer sandals look fashionable but do not provide the support needed for a lot of walking. If youre visiting an amusement park or other vacation spot where your children will be spending most of the time on their feet, opt for a well-fitting tennis shoe. Cotton socks will absorb perspiration and provide protection against blisters.

6.BE PREPARED Nobody likes to think of injury or illness when theyre packing for vacation, but with kids, anything can happen. Bring along a First Aid kit that includes adhesive bandages, anti-bacterial cleaner, bee-sting ointment, fever thermometer, fever reducer and the pediatricians phone number. Since your child will be exposed to a new environment and possibly new foods, include a liquid antihistamine, such as Benadryl, to treat unexpected allergic reactions.