How to Survive a Road Trip

Going on a road trip starts out to be a lot of fun and then there is yelling and throwing and temper tantrums and boredom, and you haven't even gotten out of the drive way yet! Here are some tips to help you survive your next family road trip.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patience

1. 
   Earphones for everyone.

   Make sure that you have lots of things for the kids to do in the car. Not just a video player, but hand held video games, coloring books and reading books. Disposable cameras are inexpensive and can entertain yourself and your child. Keeping a few toys in reserve as a surprise will perk the kids up. There are also travel games that you can buy and this would be a great opportunity to introduce your kids to board games. Consider purchasing a couple of movies that your children have not seen. One for them to watch midway to your destination and one to watch midway back. Everyone should have a pair of earphones except for the driver.

2. 
   Picnic Time

   You may have a map and you may have calculated each and every stop, but you or your kids may need more breaks than you realize. Take advantage of all the rest stops that you see on the way. Let the kids burn off some energy. Do an internet search for parks on the way, too. Stopping and getting drive-thru food and taking it to a near by park to eat can rejuvenate everyone. Plus, your kids can play on the swings and slides.

3. 
   LA Freeway

   Organize your car. Have all the car game supplies in a small box. Boxes are much easier to get things out of than putting them in a suitcase or travel bag. Bring small individual blankets and small travel pillows for each passenger, an emergency kit, cooler and wipes or hand towels, and several trash bags. There will be times on your trip will you will not be able to stop to get things and you will want them handy.

4. 
   Apples

   Bring along a cooler to keep snacks and drinks. Carrot sticks and apples can be a welcome treat and are easy to prepare before hand. Stay away from chips and cookies as they are messy and the crumbs will be forever in your car.

5. 
   Shoes

   Keep a change of clothing, shoes and sweaters in the trunk of the car but easily accessible so you don't have to open a suit case to find them. Keep a trash bag with them in case the old clothes are wet or you have to stash a web diaper till you get to your next destination. Keep your sunscreen and hats handy, too. You never know when you may need them.

6. 
   Family Road Trip Photos

   Bring stamps and your address book. At your final destination drop off your disposable camera to have the film developed. When you pick up your pictures, have your children and yourself pick out some photos, write the address on the back, put on a stamp, and mail it to their friends and families, and even yourself before you head back home.

[christye]

on 6/29/2009 I need to remember the earphones next time!

[Alrady]

on 5/29/2009 Good steps for enjoying a road trip. One of the best times with the teen was taking a LONG road trip with the teen driving. AWESOME