At least one week prior to the trip, write down everything that each family member will need to pack. Include clothing, personal hygiene supplies, medications, identification and emergency supplies, such as a first aid kit and a flashlight. This helps to ensure that important items will not be forgotten. Doing this with the children encourages each family member to be responsible for making the trip a success. Allow each child in the family to have his or her own backpack containing favorite toys, personal and comfort items.
Road trips require sitting still for long periods of time, but there are ways to keep restless riders occupied. GIve them maps with the route outlined so they can follow along. At least one week prior to the trip, ask kids to research the route and find tourist spots that interest them. Have each child choose one that the family will visit, and allow a little extra time for a short excursion. Bring along dvds and recorded books. Watching a movie on a portable dvd player will keep kids occupied for part of the trip, but don't plan it being the only weapon in your arsenal. Bring audio books that kids can listen to individually or to be shared as a family. And be sure each back seat rider has a personal headset. They're inexpensive and let each child choose his or her own music.
Other items that can keep backseat passengers entertained include; kids bingo, flashcards, sticker books and magnetic checkers. Bring a small aluminum cookie sheet and letter magnets; kids can play hangman, tic-tac-toe and other word games together. And if space allows, let each child bring a pillow or cozy blanket - they're more likely to nap along the way if they're comfortable.
One of the most critical considerations when planning for a long road trip is food. It's important to pack healthy snacks that are high in protein and low in sugar and caffeine. Nuts, cheese sticks, and hard boiled eggs can be packed in a cooler and easily eaten on the go. High protein snacks will sustain car riders for long periods of time. A small, sweet treat as a reward now and then can do wonders to motivate young riders, but in general, avoid sugary foods that might cause spikes and crashes in blood sugar, mood and energy levels.
Expect to have a wonderful trip, but prepare for the worst. Bouts of motion sickness or the sudden onset of a cold can make for an uncomfortable ride. Pack a health and safety kit that contains ginger root, mints, or an over-the-counter anti-nausea medication; a "barf bag"; cough drops, thermometer, fever reducing mediation and facial tissue. Baby wipes are also handy for sticky fingers and to refresh tired faces.
