Everyone is so focused on the big things, i.e. where will we stay, how are we going, what attractions will we visit first, that they tend to forget many of the small details that can be downright annoying, if not something that spoils your vacation.

Baby Bother - Traveling with a baby? Before you go, find out where the nearest pharmacy/department store is for buying diapers and other supplies. You’re not going to want to pack a huge bag of disposables. Also find out whether you’ll have access to a crib, and highchairs in the restaurants.

Montezuma’s Revenge - This can happen in more countries than Mexico. Just a change of diet, let alone bugs in the water, can cause miserable intestinal upsets, especially with kids who are willing to try almost anything in the way of food and local treats. Be sure to pack diarrhea remedies, stomach soothers, and pain relief tablets for both adults and children. These may be available at your resort, but in foreign destinations can be outrageous prices.

Did You Pack - The sunscreen, windburn cream, bug repellant, etc.? According to where the family is headed, you’re bound to need extras like this, and in tourist destinations you can be miles from town without a car, and the victim of a captive market for necessities. Don’t forget the other personal extras that can mean comfort over long days, including hats for the sun, extra cotton socks to change when you’re doing a lot of walking or hiking, and spare gloves for winter vacations because sooner or later somebody will lose theirs,

Money Matters - Carrying a large amount of cash, is never wise. Not only can you lose your wallet or have it stolen, but people have a tendency to spend more with cash in hand. Use traveler’s checks, a debit card, or credit card instead. Remember to carry these in a safe place, such as a money belt worn under your shirt, so that it can’t be taken from your hotel room, or drop out of a pocket. When traveling outside of the country, find out what the currency is at your destination. Decide if you will acquire some before you leave home, or exchange U.S. dollars when you get there. Before you make any exchanges, check with the hotel/resort, as well as local stores/banks. There are often better rates with merchants, than where you are staying.