Traveling with your baby or child can be quite an adventure. To help you understand the process, the Transportation Security Administration would like you to keep in mind that their job is to screen everyone and this includes babies and children.

Rest assured, you will not be separated from your child or children, but they will have to go through a screening procedure just like everyone else.

To make this process a bit easier you should plan on removing your child from his or her carrier so it can go through the x-ray machine. All of your baggage will need to go through the x-ray equipment, which means you may have to collapse your stroller or carrier. If your equipment is simply too big for the x-ray machine, then a security officer will have to check it individually.

If your child is able to walk without assistance it is preferred that he or she go through the metal detector alone. You are not allowed to pass your child to a security officer or to someone in front of or behind you in line. If the metal detector does go off when your child passes through you may be asked to assist with the screening.

It may take a bit longer to pass through security with your children so you should give yourself ample time. And make sure your children know what to expect so that they are not afraid by the security procedures.

You’ve all seen the horror stories of travelers caught smuggling drugs abroad. While carrying prescription medication probably won’t land in jail, it could mean a long delay at customs if it’s not immediately obvious that your medication is for personal use and is not illegal. Follow these tips to try to avoid any travel problems that might arise from carrying prescription medication into other countries.

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The world’s only diamond bearing site that is open to the public is located just outside of Murfreesboro, Arkansas and has produced more than 25,000 diamonds since it became a state park in 1972.

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Though the dollar has lost some value, Americans seem to be addicted to the joys of travel: In 2006, about 63.7 million U.S. residents traveled outside the country’s borders, enjoying international and overseas destinations, and you may be surprised at the 20 most popular international vacation destinations for Americans:

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If you’re looking for a break from the snow and cold this winter, give Wisconsin a try. It sounds like reverse logic, but the Wisconsin Dells are actually a secret oasis of whitewater fun, no matter what time of year it is.

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When I visited New York City for the first time last year, I couldn’t believe how much shopping I wanted to do. Around every corner I found a shop or store that was so well-known to me from television series or movies and I just had to go inside. Some didn’t quite live up to the name, and some were even better. Here are a few of the must stop shopping destinations in New York:

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If you’re planning on eating out for a special occasion in Sydney then the Pier Restaurant in Rose Bay is the place to go. The Pier just picked up the award as the Restaurant of the Year in the Australian Gourmet Traveller Restaurant Guide Awards, which are usually a good indication of a great place for a meal.

In Australia, especially along the coast, eating seafood is a must, and the seafood at the Pier is always fresh and superbly cooked. They even have specially trained fishermen providing them with the fish they need, caught and killed in the prescribed way so that they’ll taste freshest and best!

For travelers continuing around Australia, the top rated restaurant in Melbourne in this year’s awards is the Vue de Monde; in Brisbane, it’s E’cco and in Australia’s capital, Canberra, it’s Artespresso. While many people ask what typical Australian cuisine really is, the country is such a melting pot of cultures and foods that there’s no easy answer, other than to try these top restaurants for yourself and see what’s on the menu. But one tip: fresh seafood eaten anywhere along the Australian coast while looking over one of their magnificent beaches surely tastes better than most seafood in the rest of the world.

“Are we there yet?” comes the tired refrain from the backseat which makes you think that you’re stuck in a bad family movie. Family vacations can be a terrific way to see new things and get some great bonding time in but they can also cause a number of headaches and hassles. Long car trips are a source of many of those headaches as kids get restless and parents get impatient. Here are some tips for keeping the kids entertained during long car trips so that everyone can enjoy the opportunity that you’re getting to spend some quality time together:

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The Churchill Hotel is celebrating the completion of its $10 million renovation by offering the extremely discounted rate of $79 per night during the months of November and December.

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Quebec, Canada is unique in several ways: It is the only Canadian province to have been declared a nation within the country, it is the largest province by area, and it is the only province whose official language is French. It is also a prime region for winter sports–especially skiing.

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Taking a family vacation is the perfect time to work together with your children on a special vacation-related project. Depending on the age of your children, and the technology available on the journey, you could write a journal together, make a scrapbook, or even make a web page or blog.

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I’ve always known Rick Steves had a million guide books to his name but I discovered recently that he also has a line of luggage. The line has recently expanded from backpacks to include rolling suitcases that the company claims are every bit as practical as the backpack.

The 21-inch Roll-Aboard bag is a big departure away from packs that can be carried on your back. This is a really light bag with a lot of space. The compartments can be expanded, although it is only suitable for carrying as hand luggage when it’s in the unexpanded state.

If you’re traveling independently and will need to get around on public transportation or do quite a bit of walking, I still think a backpack is the only way to go. But perhaps if you’ve got transfers to hotels arranged and aren’t moving around too much between destinations, something like this Rick Steves bag might also do the trick.

The Yakima Valley, in Washington State, is home to over 60 percent of the wine grapes grown in that state. The region, located in the southern end of the Columbia River basin, is also a major producer of hops (used to make beer) and a whole range of fruits. Visitors to the area will find plenty to explore–wineries, orchards, museums, the scenic Yakima Canyon, and even a Native American-run casino.

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Couch surfing is a new trend for penny pinchers who still want to explore the world around them without paying a high price.

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