Surviving Kids on a Road Trip

When you have kids it is easy to dismiss the possibility of taking a road trip. But having kids does not mean that you can't travel. Indeed, with some careful planning it is possible for the kids to enjoy a road trip just as much as you will. Start out by planning a trip that has the potential to interest your kids. Because young children can only tolerate 1-2 hours at a time in the car, choose routes that have a variety of interesting attractions along them. Plan for frequent stops, perhaps taking a short walk to a scenic look-out, or stopping for a visit to a local museum or historical site.

Saving a special child-friendly treat, such as a theme park, for the end of the trip is a good way to encourage good behavior as you travel. By alternating adult and child friendly attractions both you and your kids can enjoy the trip. Prepare a trip box for the kids to keep them entertained along the way. Pack a variety of healthy snacks and drinks so that you don't have to make extra stops for munchies. Let your kids pick out several toys, games and books that they can use while you drive. While handheld video games are a good way to fill time, be sure that you set clear guidelines as to their use while on your trip, or you may find that your child is too busy playing to enjoy the attractions.

Because kids quickly get bored of the same old things, it is a good idea to come up with some unusual things to help keep them entertained. Try dropping by the dollar store and p

cking up several small toys that you can dole out to the kids when they get bored. Another idea is to buy or borrow some books on tape or CD and play them as you drive. The stories can keep both you and the kids entertained. Music CDs are a good idea too, especially since radio stations often lose their signal as you travel.

Another smart idea is to learn a few car games. These games encourage kids to look out the window and keep their eyes open as you drive. One idea is the "Alphabet Game" which requires players to seek out things starting with the letters of the alphabet as you drive. Another is to keep a tally of the different makes of cars and trucks you see along the road. "I Spy" is an old classic that can become a challenging game.

Be sure to get the kids' input as you travel. If something along the way looks interesting, stop in and see what's there. If the kids have a place that they'd like to visit, try to plan it into your trip. Taping a map of the areas you plan to travel to the ceiling in your car gives kids the chance to see where you are going, and even mark your travels on the map as you go. The more your kids are involved with the planning, the more they will want to be involved in the trip.

Remember that traveling in a car can be a trying experience for little ones, especially if they are not used to car trips. Don't bite off too much in one trip. Instead break it down into short sections and avoid planning too long a trip the first few times. Once your kids get used to road trips you will find that not only will they enjoy it more, but will also be eager to travel farther and see more things.

Nothing is more freeing than the open road! For generations, Americans have enjoyed the wind in their hair traveling from coast to coast seeking romance and adventure. Road trips are as American as baseball and apple pie. If you have always dreamt of taking that journey, Road Trip Journal has the information you need to plan that rite of passage. Visit us today at http://www.roadtripjournal.com.