Tips On How To Survive (And Make The Most Of) Car Trips With Your Family

This year marks the seventh August we have traveled from the Lower Hudson Valley in New York to the happy shores of Dewey Beach, DE, for a fun, relaxing, and sunny vacation before the start of another school year. This is a trip I look forward to annually and we have created some really great memories with our kids and my parents. When the weather is great (hot and sunny on the beach) it can make for a fantastic time. The challenge is *getting there sane* with our three children and my parents crammed into our van for the 4 1/2 hour trip.

Our children are ten, four and two, and long car rides can become a nightmare even when the destination is fun in the sun. Here are some tips I hope you and your family can use the next time you don't want to fly and need to keep your children happy and occupied...and yourself at least somewhat sane.

Traveling Tip #1-Bring Organic Snacks And Water:

One remedy that always seems to keep the kids distracted at least for a little while is food and beverages. If you are traveling a long way, offer the kids some healthy snacks with water to satiate their little bellies, keep them hydrated, and calm hunger-induced crankiness. Stay away from sugary treats because you don't want to make your kids more anxious and hyper. Also, you don't want sticky hands touching bodies or anything in your car. Some snacks I like best are whole grain pretzels, organic granola bars, and organic yogurt-covered raisins. These snacks also make the least mess in the car, as per my own experience.

Traveling Tip # 2-Open The Windows And Sun Roof:

If the temperature is moderate enough, open your windows (and sunroof, if you have) and let in some fresh air. This will help air circulate into your vehicle and tame irritable family members. Do close the windows and run the AC or heat if needed. Just make sure the temperature in the car is comfortable.

Traveling Tip # 3-Play Games Together And Sing Songs:

Everyone on the planet is familiar with "99 bottles of beer on the wall" and as goofy as it is, singing this song or "Row Row Row Your Boat" can be fun and help pass the time. Another thing we do is play "I Spy." Think of some interesting things to spot and it will keep the kids occupied and give them a chance to use their minds-be creative! We can play, "We're going to the beach house and we're going to bring..." Let them practice the alphabet and see what interesting things you all can come up with and try to recall later. Remember to enforce turn taking early on if not the games can cause more drama than you desire.

Traveling Tip #4-Travel Around A Scheduled Naptime:

If your children are really small, there are advantages to traveling during an anticipated naptime. This will ensure your child will not be cranky and make things easier for everyone in the car.

Traveling Tip #5-Take Potty Breaks:

Getting out and stretching your legs helps break up the trip and ensures no one suffers from leg cramps. Also, if you're drinking all the water and keeping hydrated like you're supposed to, you will need to stop and find a restroom. Thankfully, most highways have rest stops for this very reason. Get out, potty everybody and take a little walk to stretch the legs, if you are able and not subjected to a crazy time schedule.

Traveling Tip # 6-Bring Comfy Accessories

This past April we decided to drive down to South Carolina over Easter Break. My husband thought it was a good idea to drive through the night and spare the kids the long ride. Although this is not my favorite way to travel, I can see why it could be beneficial if you have young children. We made sure to bring blankets, pillows and their special sleepy-time loveys to make them more comfortable.

These above are just a few suggestions on how to make a long drive more enjoyable for everyone involved. Sometimes, however, modern technology can be a blessing. If you want even more peace of mind continue reading below:

Traveling Tip # 7: Play The Radio:

Now, I'm not talking about Barney or Mickey Mouse. This recommendation was not intended to make you want to quickly put a gun to your head. Many popular bands have branched out into the children's music industry. Get your children some Bare Naked Ladies and crank it for a break from the traditional Sesame Street Scene.

Back when Sirius Radio first emerged I thought I would never have use for it. We have found it a great help when traveling to and fro with our children on board. There are quite a few children's stations that play uninterrupted continual music without commercials.

Traveling Tip #8-Make Use Of Portable Electronic Games:

We have two of these hand-held games for our older children, ages ten and four. They are easy to operate and you can buy as many cartridges as you wish. This will keep them busy for a little while. The portable Leapster is very educational and will keep their interest.

Traveling Tip #9-Watch Movies:

I do not permit my children to watch endless hours of television whether we are home or traveling. But God Bless whoever invented portable tv screens for long car trips. This newest one I just purchased comes with two screens so everyone in the car can comfortably view a movie. The screens conveniently and easily strap onto the back of front row seats and is easy to install and remove and are not expensive.

Lastly, remember to bring plastic bags and mints for those of us who suffer from motion sickness. I suffered greatly as a child and still deal with this condition in some instances and it's not fun. We sufferers want to get to the beach as quickly as everyone else does but have to tame a queasy stomach. Have some sympathy for us and please help us look for Rest Stops. If your children also suffer from this condition, remind them of your destination, get out of the car, and have them drink some water. Have them sit down for a few minutes before returning them to the car.

Thank you so much for taking the time to read my Hub...Laura Phyllis