Tips for taking a low-stress trip

Rosemary Chieppo, author of the book "Clutter, Chaos & the Cure," offers tips for organizing a low-stress summer vacation.

•Make sure everything at home is in order so returning is more enjoyable. Arrange for pet care, pay bills due before return, halt deliveries, take out the trash and wash dirty dishes.

•Roll clothes into tight cylinders to save space when packing.

•Pack a bag for dirty laundry.

•Leave extra space in suitcases for souvenirs.

•Put everything back in its place upon return.

She advises parents to pack a child survival kit with games, books or iPods for long car trips, plane rides and airport waits.

When traveling by airplane, Chieppo suggests carrying on an extra change of clothing in case your luggage ends up lost.