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Natasha Kobran thinks that the key to smooth travel with children is being honest with what can be accomplished.

Having recently taken a nine-hour car trip to Vermont with her two small children, Kobran, 32, of Frederick and her husband, Cam Petke, opted for driving rather than flying to lower costs and allow for more flexibility with what they could pack.

But because both their daughters are at an active age, she knew it was unrealistic to expect them to stay in the car all day.

"What are your expectations for your kids? Are they realistic? If you help create a situation where they can be at their best, you can expect things to go well," Kobran said.

The family decided to break up the time in the car by staying with Natasha's parents, who live six hours from Frederick, for a night.

If a family does not have that option, Kobran suggests knowing the route and your own favorite spots to stop. Her family keeps note of "clean, easy, family-friendly" places for breaks that have worked for them in the past that "fit everyone's needs: coffee and something for the kids."

When thinking about a family trip, Diane Laubach, travel consultant at Travel Place in Frederick, says the first thing to do is decide on a location that interests the whole family and then think about the budget.

"It's a good time to travel price-wise right now. There's some really good deals," Laubach said, giving examples of inexpensive flights to Mexico and all-inclusive packages at resorts.

But she also says to "think local" and "out of the box," noting that Frederick is close to the mountains and beaches, and that there are trains easily available to get to major cities along the East Coast rather than flying.

"We're very fortunate in this area because there are so many places to get to within hours," Karen Kephart, travel manager at Travel Place, said.

Lynn O'Rourke Hayes, editor and owner of FamilyTravel.com, thinks traveling with your whole family can provide good quality time that is essential to growth and development.

"Travel provides one of the most effective methods of creating secure and long-lasting bonds with your children," she wrote in an e-mail to The Gazette. "You can have unstructured and unplugged time together. It is quality and quantity."

Kephart suggests to keep costs low, avoid taking bigger trips during peak times of travel, such as summer and holiday breaks, when rates are higher. Laubach said that off-peak days can also mean a savings, such as traveling Wednesday to Wednesday rather than Saturday to Saturday.

If flying, get cheaper fares by "shopping around for airports since we have three in the area," Kephart suggested.

O'Rourke Hayes said to also keep in mind that sometimes "the best things in life can be free.

"Scenic drives, beautiful beaches, festivals, parks, wonderful entertainment and cultural experiences are offered at little or no charge across the country."

A variety of fire company carnivals are scheduled throughout June, July and August in Frederick County.

O'Rourke Hayes also suggests visiting national parks, "where special deals … and family-friendly programs are being offered" as well as searching online for "last-minute deals, background information on your destination, best rate guarantees and special offers."

In addition to keeping costs down, keeping stress levels low is important when traveling with a family. Again, Kephart says traveling at off-peak times will help reduce aggravation because airports and other places will be less crowded, reducing delays and wasted time. "Have activities and snacks on hand," she added. "And pack your patience."

Adam and Keri-Ann Henson of Frederick have learned a few tricks of the trade when it comes to traveling with a family. Having recently returned from an extended trip to Zambia in southern Africa with their two children, ages 4 and 2, both say that, while there are many challenges to traveling with kids, the rewards are great.

"It pulls you out of your day-to-day routine. It allows you to bond together over a new experience," Keri-Ann said. She adds that travel allows reference points to build on in the future by saying to a child, "Remember how you were scared and uncomfortable but ended up loving it?"

The Hensons believe if parents stay flexible and set realistic expectations for the trip, seeing new places through the eyes of a child can be pretty special.

"Sometimes they are completely oblivious," Adam says, giving the example of a time his kids were sleeping in the middle of a safari with animals all around them. "But other times, they provide the most insightful commentary on being in a new place and experiencing new things."

Both the Hensons and Kobran suggest a bag of tricks filled with things such as new crayons and paper, small puzzles, activity books and stickers for younger children.

"Novelty is key," Keri-Ann Henson said, adding that she takes along things her kids have never seen before and even gift-wraps the items to add to the surprise. Kobran said when she has things to entertain her kids, the trip "is always better than I expect it will be."

O'Rourke Hayes said planning ahead is key. "Give your kids responsibilities like packing their own clothes, a carry-on backpack, games and even snacks," she said.

"Then relax and enjoy the good company of your family. Before you know it, you'll be packing them up for college!"