Family Vacation

Traveling with the whole family

Tackling a road trip with kids can seem like a terrifying task without the proper tips and tricks up your sleeve. But with careful planning and lots of provisions, it can be comfortable and enjoyable for all.

The Best Travel Tips

Here are some things to keep in mind as you prepare for your road trip:

• Bring lots of activities to keep your children occupied. A good idea is to bring a backpack for each child, filled with age-appropriate toys and activities such as books, cards and crayons. If you want to add an educational element, buy some trivia books about your destination or have the kids following the route on their own maps. Travel bingo can be fun for the whole family, and printable cards can be found online.

• Get them out of the car. Food is a crucial component of travelling, but after sitting in a car for hours, children aren't too keen on sitting still in a restaurant. Go to a fast-food joint with a ballroom or an indoor playground. Let the kids burn off their energy and bring some plastic containers so that they can eat later in the car. Another option is to have a picnic in a park with food from a grocer or deli, and let the kids play catch or Frisbee. If there's really no time to stop, try for something that isn't as messy item from a drive-thru menu.
• Prevent discomfort. A combination of food and driving can make many children car sick. Prevent this by having nausea-prone kids take some motion-sickness medication before hitting the road. Peppermint candies or ginger snaps can help soothe nausea, and if you go to travellingwithkids.com, you can get some specially made motion-sickness lollipops. If all else fails, be sure to bring wet naps, air freshener, an extra change of clothes for everyone and large plastic tubs with lids just in case there's no time to pull over.
• Keep it fun! Road trips aren't just about the driving. There are many interesting sights to see to break up the mundane scenery of asphalt. Find out what attractions your driving route boasts by visiting roadsideamerica.com. The site lists everything across North America, from pet cemeteries to the world's largest frying pan.

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