By now you've learned that traveling with children is an acquired skill. It takes thought, planning and certainly patience. Just hours ago, police were called to the Delta terminal at JFK to handle unruly passengers outraged by travel delays. Getting home for the holidays can be especially stressful, but according to our globe trotting friends at Ciao Bambino having the right "goodies" in your bag will make the trip a lot less bumpy.

Editor Amie O'Shaughnessy's biggest piece of advice for travelling with kids: Snacks. Travel writer, Nancy Solomon, mother to 4 children under 10 (oy!) knows about this all to well. Nancy says she packs a carry on "that looks like she's prepared for a national disaster."  She advises not just packing carbs and foods that are full of sugar because it could leave your child feeling uncomfortable and loopy. Instead, pack foods that are full of protein, won't perish and of course take a long time to eat:

*Dried Fruit

*Fresh Fruit -- This can be purchased at the airport before you board the plane to avoid any mushing or leaking through security.

*Cheese -- String cheese is always great. Kids in enjoy pulling one shread at a time (again, something that takes a long time to eat/do!)

*Balance Bars - Protein bars are great for energy and are filling

*Raisins

*Yogurt

*Cereal-- Nancy recommends bringing cereal that you don't normally allow your kids to have, such as Fruit Loops. Not only will they enjoy the treat, but they can string it together and make necklaces and bracelets. AGAIN, something that takes them a long time to eat/do!

Now that you've packed the best food, their favorite toys, electronics and maybe a recent celebrity magazine if you're lucky, don't forget other essentials:  Diapers!

Safe travels!