How to Travel Long Distances in a Car With Young Children

Traveling a long distance by car can get extremely tiring. With young children, it is even worse, particularly if you want to keep your hearing and your sanity. With a little planning and forethought, you can make a long car ride with your children as fun as the vacation itself. Here are some tips.

Difficulty:

Moderate

Instructions

Plan Ahead

1. Bring small, fun games that young children can play apart or together. Crayons that write only on certain paper are wonderful! Find travel games at most stores.

2. Pack soft snacks and non-spill cups and keep them close at hand in the car. It is sometimes necessary to eat while traveling on long-distance car trips.

3. Pack that favorite toy, stuffed animal or blanket. Children keep still more easily if their buddy is with them.

4. Lay down towels under car seats or wherever the children are sitting. It is much easier to wash clay and crushed food out of a towel than fabric upholstery.

Traveling Days

1. Place children a seat apart from each other if possible. This eliminates the dreaded "touching" factor and allows for a sharing spot.

2. Drive at night when the kids are asleep. This may be the only time the car is quiet. Relish it!

3. Play music that the kids like and are familiar with. A few "Dora" lyrics never hurt anyone.

4. If you have a portable DVD player, run their favorite movies while you drive. Young children can watch the same movie several times. Let them.

5. Point out special new scenery as you pass it. Young children who live in the plains, for example, are amazed when they see mountains for the first time.