How to Plan Family Friendly Road Trips

It's spring time. That means time off from work is usually on its way for most adults, and kids will be out of school or taking a break from their studies. Summer is near. Time to start planning a family friendly road trip that can be enjoyable.

Difficulty: Moderately Easy

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Supplies are listed throughout the article

1. Decide where you and your family are going and map out how long it will take to get there. This will determine the amount of supplies you will need for your road trip. Be sure to allow time for restroom breaks!

2. Keep in mind the ages of all your family members going on the road trip. Try to include supplies for every age group, including the adults!

3. Prepare a shopping list for groceries. The easiest way to store these is in a cooler. Keep the items that do not need to be exposed to water in ziploc bags or stackable tupperware containers.

4. Suggestions for food supplies for the trip: snack crackers, cubed or sliced cheese, carrot sticks, some sweet snacks, such as Teddy Grahams or Nilla Wafers, bread, sandwich meat, or lunchables. You can also include packaged nuts, individual cookies, and of course drinks.

5. For kids, let them have a map of the trip as well. They can keep up with where they are and how much longer the trip will last. Spend some time, with the kids, researching the sites you will see on the road. Consider using resources such as "Which Way USA" from Highlights for great geographical information and games about specific states.

6. If appropriate for your family, pack a portable DVD player and some family movies. Try to avoid movies that only appeal to one person in your family. It should be something that won't be annoying, even for the driver.

7. Books on CD are great options. Instead of buying them, head to your local library and see which ones you can check out for your trip.

8. Make some CDs for your family to listen to of each family members favorite songs. Put them in random order. Encourage lots of singing along!

9. Give each kid a disposable camera. Put them in charger of documenting the road trip. You'll get lots of interesting pictures and perspectives.

10. Encourage all family members to bring along a journal and write about the trip. You can turn these into scrapbooks, along with the pictures, later.

11. Pack some travel friendly games, such as Brainquest. You can also bring just the cards from Trivial Pursuit. There are lots of games designed specifically for road trips, so find some that your family will like and that will fit your budget.

12. Give yourself enough time to stop at the off the beaten path places. Those make the best memories. Enjoy each other's company. Have a great time together as a family!