T raveling with grandchildren can be a rewarding experience... or it can be difficult ... or both. Success for both kids and grandparents depends on planning, patience and creativity.

Some ideas for making your trip enjoyable, especially if traveling with kids five to 10 years old...

Be reasonable. Your energy level probably isn't what it was 20 or 30 years ago. Added to this, young kids can be particularly draining. Don't try to do too much traveling or sightseeing each day.

Contact Mom and Dad. The needs of each child are different -- but children in general must feel confident that they can talk to their parents whenever they want.

Best: Make sure children call home when they reach their destination. After that, tell them they can call home whenever they want.

Keep trips short. This varies among children. Older children can stay away from home longer than younger kids, especially if the younger ones haven't spent a lot of time with their grandparents. For children five to 10, keep initial trips to no longer than a week.

Take it easy. Problems are going to occur -- logistics, sickness, weather. Don't let them ruin a trip. If you're uptight, this will transfer to your grandchildren and that will only make the trip unrewarding and difficult.

Consider kid's time. No matter how you're traveling, you're on kid's time. That means it will take longer than expected. Make sure you're relaxed about it.

Pack medical supplies. It's always good to keep a few things on hand, especially when traveling with kids. Include: Tweezers, adhesive bandages and a spray disinfectant, children's nonaspirin pain reliever.

TRAVELING BY CAR

Rotate toys, seats and food. There are lots of things to keep in mind when traveling by car. The first rule is to rotate -- seats, toys and food. The diversity will keep the kids occupied and happy.

Important: Make sure you have the right car safety seat(s).

Keep stomachs full and bladders empty. Children are always happiest when they're comfortable. Keep them content with full stomachs and empty bladders. So -- leave time for pit stops.

Minimize mess. Bring food that doesn't create mess. It is also important to pack low-sugar foods. Bagels, some cereals and fruit are good choices. Bring cold water instead of juice, ice tea or soda. Reason: Kids drink water only when they are thirsty -- so this will keep bathroom stops to a minimum.

Keep fun high and noise low. Pack different games and activities to keep kids occupied. This might include books, simple travel games -- plus a portable radio and tape player with headphones. For everyone's sanity, take games with low noise levels.

Take excursions. If you're going to be traveling by car for several days, build in some sightseeing stops. Just trying to get to a destination as quickly as possible becomes stressful.

BY PLANE

Go direct. Air travel brings its own set of challenges. Yet because it involves a restricted area over which you have little control, it is best to keep it as simple -- and quick -- as possible. Take direct flights whenever possible.

Leave treasures at home. It is always a good idea to pack some activities along with you to keep the kids occupied. But it is also wise not to take anything on a plane that's treasured or easily lost.

Pack snacks. While food is almost always available on a plane, it might not be available when you want it. And kids aren't always patient. Take something along to meet those cravings, like fruit, juice or a granola bar.

Travel north/south. Kids adapt to many things better than adults. Jet lag, however, isn't one of them. Therefore, it is best to avoid time changes by traveling north/south rather than east/west.

INTERNATIONAL TRAVEL

Kids adapt surprisingly well to going overseas. They almost always find something they like to eat and they are usually curious about seeing new sights and meeting new people.

However, it is wise to take a few things along. You might bring a letter from their parents stating they're on a trip with their grandparents. That could come in handy at a border crossing. Also remember to pack a soft washcloth, mild soap, tissues, a half roll of toilet paper and... a jar of peanut butter.