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Summer is fast approaching, and that means that the kids will be out of school soon. Families will be beginning to plan their summer vacations. For many people, this will mean crossing international borders. Here are a few tips to make your cross-border travel a bit smoother.

Make sure you have your passport: If you're going to be traveling internationally, you will need to have a passport. While there are a few countries that don't require visitors to have a passport, these are the exception, rather than the rule.

With the institution of the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI) in January 2007, Americans and Canadians can no longer freely cross the Canadian-American border by air without a valid passport or Nexus Air Card. If you planning to cross the border by land or sea, you are currently able to do so without a passport, though this is expected to change in the future.

Have a child travel consent form: If you are traveling with minor children, you may require a child travel consent form. This form is required in situations where a child is traveling with only one parent, or with organizations or family members other than the child's parents.

Having a travel consent letter will also avoid hassles when boarding airplanes, seeking medical care for the children in your care, and crossing international borders. This form is especially useful in divorce/separation situations. Most airlines recommend that all adults traveling with minor children have a travel consent letter for both international and domestic flights.

Pack a set of spare clothes: If you're going to be flying this summer, don't forget to pack a spare set of clothes in your carry-on luggage. While thousands of travelers fly from one destination to the next without hindrance, horror stories of lost luggage abound. Having a change of clothes will help make your trip a little more comfortable in the unlikely event that your luggage is lost.

Arrive at the airport early: If you're traveling to another country this summer, chances are you'll be flying. With ever tightening security restrictions, line-ups at security check points and boarding gates don't always move as quickly as they used to.

Arrive at the airport at least 30 minutes earlier than you think is necessary. This will give you plenty of time to clear security, and will reduce the chances of missing your flight if there is a problem getting through security.

Remember these tips during your travels this summer:

* Make sure you have your passport

* Have a child travel consent form

* Pack a set of spare clothes

* Arrive at the airport early

Whenever you're traveling--whether internationally or domestically--there is room for error. Luggage sometimes gets lost, and security problems can cause boarding delays. There is nothing you can do to completely avoid these problems. But, if you follow the tips listed above, you'll be more prepared to deal with any problems that may arise.