Get Road Ready Contest
Planning a family road trip is never easy. But a new website- www.getroadready.com- can help you plan your trip and maybe even save money on your gas.
The site, which sponsored by Prestone, offers travel tips (driving directions, points of interest, advice from momblogger Brandy Schaffels) as well as car maintenance checklists.
GetRoadReadyalso provides free access to Rand McNally's TripMaker Planning Tool-- which helps you plot out your entire car trip from start to finish and even provides you with point of interest recommendations along your route. Or if rising gas prices have you reconsidering your vacation plans, take a look at the "Best of the Road" regional road trip feature to see if you can find a vacation destination closer to home.
To keep kids busy,and to help you keep your sanity, there are even a bunch of old fashioned printable car games like Hangman, Tic Tac Toe, State Capital Games, License Plate Games and more. Sure...you could just pop in a DVD, but these nostalgic games will make the road trip more memorable for your kids and might even provoke some interesting conversations.
For a chance to win a Car Travel Kit from Prestone, leave a comment on this post by 11:59pm on June 25, 2008 letting us know your best tip for traveling with kids.
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6.18.08 at 12:13 am
Katie comments:
1) Let every child pack a backpack of whatever they want to take along - toys, games, paper and crayons, etc…it might take up space but kids don’t need much and they will have something to do
2) Stop and see weird little attractions along the way. It gives everyone a change to run around and stretch their legs and makes for fun photos and conversations. Some “off the beaten trail” places we have stopped include the huge Superman statue in Metropolis IL and the Largest Handdug Well (don’t remember the location).
6.18.08 at 1:17 am
Noreen comments:
lots and lots of snacks
6.18.08 at 9:34 am
EG comments:
Timing and patience - with little ones try to travel at a time when they’ll be tired. Also be prepared to make more stops that usual (if its a car trip) and spend some time letting the kids stretch their legs.
6.18.08 at 10:33 am
Courtney comments:
Stop every 2 hours. We always stop at rest areas so that there is plenty of room for the kids to run around and let their energy out.
6.18.08 at 12:57 pm
Naomi comments:
DVD player. We finally sucked it up and got one for road trips.
6.18.08 at 1:18 pm
Katie comments:
We pack a little bag for each with little travel games and each day they get to pick a new one out.
6.18.08 at 2:37 pm
mamikaze comments:
drive at night as much as possible and get your kids reclining car seats
6.18.08 at 3:17 pm
mannequin comments:
we have scheduled stops so he knows exactly when it will happen and then he has one free pass a day to stop at his discretion. It works because he feels he has a say ( silly backseat driver!)
6.18.08 at 3:49 pm
Sky comments:
We play lots of I Spy…not only is it fun for the kids, but as a parent I love it too! It’s fun to see what the kids spy!
6.18.08 at 4:24 pm
misty w comments:
Music works well to soothe kids. Or if you’re really desperate, get a portable dvd player and take their fave movie. Thanks so much for the opportunity.
6.18.08 at 6:18 pm
anne comments:
Their own goody bag with treats as well as hand held games. A small favorite toy in their individual backpacks and books and finger puppets.
Stop at intervals with a schedule in mind.
6.18.08 at 6:25 pm
Ginny comments:
Bring lots of things to do like coloring books, note books, travel games. Also bring a cooler with drinks & snacks in it. Factor in bathroom breaks, it is unfair to expect kids to hold it
6.18.08 at 6:30 pm
Stephanie V. comments:
dvd player will keep them entertained, but another idea we use is each hour one kid is king or queen and has control over his or her land. (Says what games we play that hour.)
6.18.08 at 7:20 pm
Anne comments:
wow talk about bringing back memories!!
We drove across Canada, from the West to the East, with 4, yes 4 daughter’s in my sisters van that we didn’t discover had no air conditioning until we were too far into the trip to turn around!!!!
I found the best thing, that made time go quickly, was singing, the whole six of us. Also, we had the kids on Moose Watch and they were quite happy to do that.
Keep them comfortable, laughing, and keep food and drink in the wee bods and all will be well. Its a trip we will never forget!
6.18.08 at 9:53 pm
stacey moore comments:
D-V-D Players with headphones!
thanks!
moore.g at insideconnect.net
6.19.08 at 12:10 am
Shay comments:
Buy a DVD player for your car.
6.19.08 at 1:29 am
Crystal Allen comments:
we like to play eye spy on road trips. we also take drinks and snacks and stop for stretching breaks along the way.
6.19.08 at 9:33 am
CrystalGB comments:
lots of snacks, and books and a car dvd player with their favorite cds.
6.19.08 at 10:15 am
Lilia comments:
We drive at night, only at night;)
6.19.08 at 3:52 pm
Gen comments:
When my son was learning to read, I would write down a list of letters down the left hand side of a piece of paper. I then asked him to look out his window and try to find things that start with those letters and try to write them down. It kept him interested in what was outside the van instead of in what his sister was doing:-). Thanks for the giveaway!!
6.19.08 at 4:03 pm
jaydensmom2004 comments:
we sing songs that he learned in preschool, listen to music, and he loves to color so I bring lots of coloring and reading storybooks for him to look at
6.19.08 at 4:07 pm
Marilyn Wons comments:
I try to take long trips when they are ready to sleep. I also have pillows and blankets.
6.19.08 at 4:26 pm
Elizabeth Ray comments:
My husband’s back hurts after sitting for more than an hour on the road.
6.19.08 at 4:30 pm
Hil'Lesha comments:
DVD Player, patience, and books to keep them entertained.
6.19.08 at 4:32 pm
Linda White comments:
Lots of snacks, let them fill their backpack with toys books games music etc their favorite blanket and pillow too!
6.19.08 at 4:36 pm
toasters comments:
Bring a baggie with cereal in it, bottled water in a cooler, extra batteries, and some kind of video game or toy for each kid.
6.19.08 at 4:42 pm
Margaret Smith comments:
What a nice giveaway. Thank you for offering this. I always bring along a small bag of toys for the kids. We also try to bring some kid cd’s and if it’s a really long trip, I’ll bring a portable dvd player for them.
Thanks again and please enter me.
6.19.08 at 4:48 pm
Bebemiqui comments:
Make sure you bring two players that store videos so that neither kid feels left out.
bebemiqui82(at)yahoo(dot)com
6.19.08 at 5:03 pm
Milton Hicks comments:
Take valium.
6.19.08 at 5:08 pm
susan varney comments:
drive at night while the wee ones sleep
6.19.08 at 5:19 pm
Amity JVetere comments:
My girls pack their own travel kit, and I buy them a new “prize” for the halfway mark. The surprise is motivating for good behavior and entertaining for the remainder.
6.19.08 at 5:25 pm
Gina Stratos comments:
If it’s a long trip, I pack plenty of snacks and let them travel in their PJs.
gkstratos @yahoo.com
6.19.08 at 5:29 pm
Shilo Beedy comments:
Pack snacks and books for the trip. Have them point out license plates that are from other states. Brings small toys and even crayons. Maybe bring along mp3 players.
6.19.08 at 5:53 pm
Anne Hicks comments:
A dvd player and lots of snacks is the only way to go. Thanks for entering me in the contest.
6.19.08 at 6:15 pm
charline s comments:
Take snacks and small toys.
6.19.08 at 6:41 pm
Steve Randle comments:
Have your husband (accompanied by your children) follow you in his car.
6.19.08 at 7:11 pm
Jay Murley comments:
best thing ive done is this, the day before your goin on a long trip, take em out. have a blast, tire em out. then that night have stay up watchin a movie or what not. and prepare to leave early mornin. a quik wake up, fast shower, and theyre back alseep in the car seats whilst you drive peacefully.
6.19.08 at 7:37 pm
Linda Moeller comments:
Let them choose several (2 or 3) items on their own. It gives them a sense of control. Obviously, if their favorite toy is a hockey stick, this doesn’t work.
6.19.08 at 8:10 pm
jennifer bowen comments:
wow i love to try and win this and well when on the road with kids you got to have lots of sncks and have games to play and well just all kinds of things for them to do so your not hearing every 5 mins are we there yet and alway’s stop at a road sied or some where where your kids can go to the bath room and you can change the little one thanks
6.19.08 at 8:22 pm
James Jenkins comments:
travel during nap time
6.19.08 at 8:28 pm
Catherine copeland comments:
bring audio books. I find the kids pay much closer attention to the books that the dvds and they learn a better appreciation for books
6.19.08 at 8:34 pm
Donna comments:
Have emergency supplies ready for any car sickness.
6.19.08 at 9:00 pm
christopher h comments:
books on tape
6.19.08 at 9:01 pm
SHARON FAIRCLOUGH comments:
Have plenty of snacks, divide the trip time into sections, movies for an 2 hours, coloring for 1 hours, etc
6.19.08 at 9:07 pm
Linda comments:
lots of games, songs, and snacks!
6.19.08 at 9:32 pm
CAndie L comments:
Whenever we leave for a trip, we try to leave on a Friday or Saturday. This gives us a chance to go to yard sales and junk shops on the way. This helps break up the monotony and the kids are excited because they know the next yard sale might be the jackpot
6.19.08 at 10:12 pm
sue w comments:
Make sure each child has their own disposable camera. This keeps children interested in the details of the trip (including stops along the way) and gives them some photos for a fun post trip memory project. Polaroid pictures are especially fun for kids because there is an immediate photo.
6.19.08 at 10:15 pm
Bob L comments:
A dvd player and a supply of dvds.
6.19.08 at 10:20 pm
Cheryl Larimer comments:
We sing. It is corny and old fashioned but it works and we have loads of fun.
6.19.08 at 10:45 pm
Emily Morelli comments:
Be prepared with a variety of tantrum stoppers and whine preventers. We bring loads of snacks, audio books, never-before-seen activity books or toys and, most importantly, a portable potty!
6.19.08 at 11:12 pm
betty crawford comments:
Leave early so you aren’t stressed about getting there on time.
6.19.08 at 11:12 pm
nicole barr comments:
I always make sure I have snacks drinks and toys for my daughter to keep occupied whenever I go somewhere because you never know when you might get stuck
6.19.08 at 11:27 pm
Mary comments:
Keep them busy …take lots of their favorite things …small toys, books, etc and if old enough allow them to choose what they want to take (with guidance of what’s suitable in a small space of course). But only let them them a little at a time, so they don’t get bored with it all. Read to them at times. Have plenty snacks …again pass out a little at a time. Frequent stops are essential with children, esp small children.
6.19.08 at 11:33 pm
Mary Newland comments:
Let the kids pick out postcards of things they see along the way. If they are old enough have them write a little message about the spot on the postcard, address it and mail it to themselves. If they are too young to do it for themselves, let them describe it and you write it down in their own words. A good idea is to take a book of postcard stamps with you. Kids love picking out the postcards and talking about the particular experience. You will have an inexpensive record of the trip including dates and special postmarks to create a journal. When you get home your child will have a mailbox full of memories that can be put in a photo album and be enjoyed over and over.
6.19.08 at 11:41 pm
Stephen Saunders comments:
Keep healthy snacks on hand!
6.19.08 at 11:50 pm
Barbara Baker comments:
Have plenty of coloring books, kid friendly music, and have plenty of patience to deal with the little tiffs that you may have to confront while on the road. Oh yes, and don’t forget stopping every couple of hours.
Great giveaway!!!!
6.20.08 at 12:52 am
Jill Myrick comments:
Cool drinks, snacks and lots of age appropriate games and toys. Also a dual DVD player can be a gem. Keeping your childs mind occupied during a long trip is really important.
Thank you so much for offering this awesome giveaway.
I would LOVE to win !!
6.20.08 at 2:12 am
Janet F comments:
Children’s stories on cd are great.
6.20.08 at 2:12 am
connie s. comments:
Plasic bag because my son gets car sick!!!
6.20.08 at 2:41 am
Clifton Wade comments:
Have plenty of games and play other games which they can use the scenery as part of the process. Like cars, license tags, alphabet, color, etc.
Thanks for the great contest!
6.20.08 at 3:25 am
Meredith Peters comments:
We like to travel at night so that it is quiet sleepy time! The roads are clearer too!
6.20.08 at 4:29 am
LINDA BEERS comments:
keep them occupied with games and sightseeing
6.20.08 at 4:33 am
Molly Capel comments:
If we are driving somewhere far, I make sure each kid has their own bag of “stuff”. A book, a fave toy, and some snacks.
6.20.08 at 5:09 am
Megan B. comments:
Lots of games to keep them occupied, DVDs to watch on a portable player, and lots of snacks so they go to bed when their stomach gets full!
6.20.08 at 5:27 am
Sharon Jones comments:
Each kid has their own backpack. We go to Walmart and they each have $20 to pick out whatever they want as long as it includes atleast 1 book and 1 small game. They each have ipods as well…before we go, they are given an itunes card to fill it up with 20 songs…works great
6.20.08 at 6:39 am
CRYSTLE TELLERDAY comments:
TAKE TOYS
6.20.08 at 6:58 am
ralph mcgahagin comments:
best tip for travelling with kids? two words:
DVD player
6.20.08 at 7:09 am
Kari comments:
Lots of snacks and games!
6.20.08 at 7:16 am
JRG comments:
Lots of small cars and such, still in the wrapper; opening them up is half the fun. Give them to the kids slowly as time goes by, not all at once.
6.20.08 at 8:22 am
Lisa Overcash comments:
portable dvd players are a must
6.20.08 at 8:28 am
Elena comments:
Snacks and drinks keep our kids happy. We listen to music and each child has an activity book (coloring/connect the dots) and a cup of crayons. We also bring blankets and pillows to make sleeping more comfortable.
6.20.08 at 9:19 am
Shannon Baas comments:
lots of snacks and activities.
6.20.08 at 9:28 am
Vicky Boackle comments:
take games and food.
6.20.08 at 9:30 am
sarah comments:
just make sure you have lots of games
6.20.08 at 9:34 am
Jodi F comments:
Snacks and toys within arms reach.
6.20.08 at 10:21 am
lori williams comments:
Don’t!
6.20.08 at 10:24 am
A. Martin comments:
Plan to travel when the kids are usually sleeping!
6.20.08 at 10:39 am
Frank Winter comments:
Duck tape and plenty of it. HA.
6.20.08 at 10:50 am
beth shepherd comments:
Movies and snacks. Thank you!
6.20.08 at 11:04 am
pamela Stewart comments:
A dvd player is the absolute best. We drove 19 hours with a 4 year old and she was great.
6.20.08 at 11:37 am
M.A. comments:
Used to have good luck with those little road trip type “bingo” cards but lost them somewhere.
6.20.08 at 12:04 pm
Noelia Gutierrez comments:
the best thing that works for me is have lots of breaks and have a portable dvd player with lots of movies.
6.20.08 at 12:14 pm
Michelle comments:
Beg, borrower or buy a cordless dvd player. But don’t start the movies right away, because even movies get old. Wait at least one hour before you start the first movie, or after a planned stop. And make sure everyone agrees on the movie too.
6.20.08 at 12:56 pm
Kathy Scott comments:
Ipods so that everyone can listen to what they want to.
6.20.08 at 1:07 pm
Kasey comments:
Portable DVD player and some snacks. Seems as soon as we get going someone wants something.
6.20.08 at 1:12 pm
Denise B. comments:
A portable heating/cooling unit that plugs into the lighter outlet.
6.20.08 at 1:15 pm
Barbara comments:
My 4 grandchildren could sure use this
6.20.08 at 1:27 pm
tim brown comments:
leave them at home
THANK YOU GOD BLESS
6.20.08 at 1:30 pm
Linda Ellis comments:
use plenty of zip locks to bring snacks, toys, crayons for occupying the kids.
6.20.08 at 1:42 pm
Monique Rizzo comments:
Yep drive at night when they are snoozing!
6.20.08 at 1:45 pm
Julia Magrath comments:
Beef jerkey!
6.20.08 at 1:49 pm
Audrey Greenberg comments:
Lots of kid’s sleeping aids.
6.20.08 at 2:10 pm
Dean comments:
Benedryl and Atarax
6.20.08 at 2:21 pm
Linda Pinto comments:
I tell the kids about the trip before hand and help them find out about what we will see on the way and about the places we will stop.
6.20.08 at 2:27 pm
Linda Lansford comments:
drive at night
6.20.08 at 2:32 pm
Elena comments:
Travel has improved for us since we discovered that we could rip books on CD to an iPod, and the kids could both listen using a headphone splitter! We don’t do books or DVDs in the car because of carsickness issues but the iPod works great! Thanks for the contest!
6.20.08 at 2:36 pm
cathi rushing comments:
TAKE A PS2
6.20.08 at 4:05 pm
Suzanne ashmore comments:
Mama needs that!
6.20.08 at 4:11 pm
Debra Faulk comments:
Always take a backpack filled with toys and coloring boks.
6.20.08 at 5:31 pm
steph teague comments:
I don’t like road surprizes!
6.20.08 at 5:34 pm
Linda comments:
Get them to count every car that passes in the opposite direction.
6.20.08 at 6:07 pm
Timmy comments:
A little brandy in their sippy cups!
6.20.08 at 6:20 pm
SJ comments:
When we travel with the kids we always bring along a ‘grab bag’ of fun activites that are new and exciting to them, activities that they have never done before. We also play a lot of “I Spy” and listen to music!
6.20.08 at 6:35 pm
Tricia Moreno comments:
Pack lots and lots of snacks
6.20.08 at 7:11 pm
sharon johnson comments:
I really need this when traveling with my
grandkids!!
6.20.08 at 7:23 pm
keith james comments:
patience
6.20.08 at 7:40 pm
Betty Nations comments:
Plan ahead. Take non-messy snacks for little ones who just can’t wait until lunch, etc. Pack small items in a bag of things they can play with. Older children can choose and pack their own “travel” bag. And include time for family singing or word games, etc with the older ones. Changing things up helps to prevent boredom. You might even have a book or small toy surprise to give each child at the half-way mark.
6.20.08 at 8:07 pm
LeeAnn P. comments:
make sure you have music they like to sing to…even if it drives you a little nutty!
6.20.08 at 8:31 pm
cathy comments:
take a blanket for snuggling
6.20.08 at 9:33 pm
alison comments:
Each child fills a backpack with games, toys and whatever items they may want on the road. It helps with toy distrobution and they enjoy packing for themselves.
6.20.08 at 10:25 pm
Doug W. comments:
Thank you for making a great suggestion.
6.20.08 at 10:54 pm
Kirsten comments:
Snacks and water.
6.20.08 at 11:37 pm
Dena Oliphint comments:
My favorite: “Slug Bug” and “I Spy”. . . .
6.21.08 at 1:58 am
David Coward comments:
dvd player is a must
6.21.08 at 2:18 am
kristi blackstone comments:
My son is four years old, but I still put a pull up on him on road trips because he’ll fall asleep in the car a lot! Take lots of snacks too so you don’t have to stop a lot.
6.21.08 at 10:01 am
Eloise Carlson comments:
I always try to make sure my daughter has things that will keep her occupied whether it be some reading books, a video game or her Doodle pad. I always have her pack a bag of things to do and if all else fails, make sure there is music on in the car, she always seems to entertain herself that way!
6.21.08 at 10:47 am
Art B comments:
Plan stops at least every two hours, and have a sing along CD or at least a list, snacks, water, and training pants even if they have graduated.
6.21.08 at 12:46 pm
dianne comments:
Bring DVD’s and snacks!
6.21.08 at 12:48 pm
tangie c comments:
Bring a small cooler filled with snacks that they usually don’t get! They get so excited over it they forget they are bored in the car!! My kids NEVER get soda, so on our last very long drive we brought them a can of 7up in the cooler, they were so excited to get soda that they were happy for 2 hours!!!!
6.21.08 at 2:26 pm
Melanie R. comments:
For my girls, I take pillows, water bottles, crackers and take frequent rest stop breaks.
6.21.08 at 2:44 pm
judy brittle comments:
we pack small individual bags for the kids so they can have a few of their favorite things and some snacks. they like having their own.
6.21.08 at 3:12 pm
Kathy Mullins comments:
Make alot of stops along the way to let the kids burn off pent-up energy, and make them comfortable with pillows and blankets so that they can get some rest on a long road trip.
Games or portable DVD players are great too. Keep several plastic bag for trash to keep things neat, and in case the kids have ahem, motion discomfort.
Travel safe!!
6.21.08 at 3:44 pm
Terri D comments:
DVD Player definitely.
6.21.08 at 4:44 pm
Diane Mason comments:
My parents made a fantastic bed for me in the backseat. I’ll never forget it. I got the best sleep of my life there. I guess the sound of the engine, the warmth of the sun coming through the window, it was heavenly. So that’s what I’d do.
6.21.08 at 6:07 pm
Vicki Wurgler comments:
lots of snacks and toys, and stop every few hours and let them run off some energy
6.21.08 at 6:29 pm
Lauralee Hensley comments:
My best tip for traveling with kids is stay regular meal times as much as possible with healthy foods they are used to, or children may become nauseted or have other gastrointestinal complaints and irritability.
6.21.08 at 11:21 pm
Carolyn Hagerman comments:
Having a portable DVD Player with their favorite movies to watch. Lots of goodies to eat too!!!
6.22.08 at 1:03 am
JORDAN comments:
Best tip on traveling with the kids?
Let them stay up the night before. They’ll be to tired to ask “are we there yet?” (they’ll be sleepin’)
6.22.08 at 1:29 am
Georgia S comments:
If it’s a long trip, travel at night. Children will sleep.
6.22.08 at 9:10 am
Lisa Johnson comments:
play the music with songs they like, have them eat before you go, also play the silence game and to see how many animals you can spot on the trip.
6.22.08 at 9:35 am
Sharold Friedrich comments:
I like to use books on tape/cd. They allow kids and parents to use their imagination. Local library’s have a great selection.
6.22.08 at 12:06 pm
Pauline M comments:
Drive during the night and let them sleep!
6.22.08 at 12:09 pm
Beverly M comments:
we love to play i spy!!
6.22.08 at 1:19 pm
Roger Deming comments:
Lot of games to be played on the road to cut the boredom.One is license plate bingo. great game keeps the kids going. Also buy word searches and crossword puzzle books at $1 stores and work them together as a family. triva books about the places you are going to visit are fun too.
6.22.08 at 2:02 pm
Hesper F. comments:
Lots of snacks and games!
6.22.08 at 3:49 pm
jan koontz comments:
we love to sing….loud
6.22.08 at 4:00 pm
Melissa D comments:
Audiobooks from the library work like a dream; the kids stay engrossed no matter how long the trip may be. And they’re free, so any family can benefit!
6.22.08 at 4:26 pm
julieh comments:
singing
6.22.08 at 4:30 pm
Nikki Barger comments:
Before expected long trips, I always download a children’s audiobook onto my Ipod for my son to listen to… next weekend, for a 2 hr trip, we’ve got ‘Junie B. Jones’ on deck!
6.22.08 at 5:16 pm
Kathy Conley comments:
Bring lots of little surprises along and give them out one at a time when the kids are most restless!
6.22.08 at 5:21 pm
Zoey Smith comments:
computer games
6.22.08 at 6:11 pm
Annettea Fullmer comments:
bring a clean wet washcloth in a ziploc bag with you !
6.22.08 at 7:12 pm
Tammy Kennedy comments:
we live 2500 miles round trip from all our family members so make the car trip often. in fact between now and sept will make 3 trips. Son in law surgery, daughter gettin married, son and daughter in law expecting their first child. We still have a 12 and 16 year old plus we just adopted a dog from animal control.
I always made up grab bags and put in items according to their ages. We would play games like Start with a - z and find places to eat with those letters. Winner got grab bag. As kids got older went to dvd player in car. You can also download and laminate different games etc off internet, using washable markers they can be reused for years. For thristy children to prevent spills in car i bought hydration packs and hung on car seat, long straw was safe for drinking in car and no spills.
Hope these ideas help someone.
thank you for a chance to win something for grandson.
6.22.08 at 7:41 pm
Elizabeth M. comments:
I always have a multitude of snacks and activities for my kids. They’re usually designated for certain times during the day and the kids look forward to seeing what the next surprise will be!
6.22.08 at 8:35 pm
Anna comments:
Make sure they have something to do in the backseat!
6.22.08 at 8:41 pm
Teresa Hoyt comments:
Snacks,drinks,and books are essential on a long car ride, or else everyone is bonkers by the time we reach our destination!
6.22.08 at 8:42 pm
bob comments:
Snacks that do not contain sugar or caffeine.
6.22.08 at 8:43 pm
amy comments:
I pack a bag of books and toys that are new and give them one every few hours.
6.22.08 at 11:46 pm
Belinda A. comments:
Stop often! Also, let each kid bring their own small goody bag of toys - and secretly pack your own with some favorites. I found that throwing in a few new and cheap dollar store toys works wonders. When they tire of their toy choices and start the bickering, pull out your toys!
6.23.08 at 2:03 am
Staisha comments:
Having 4 boys, my best defense on long car trips is planning lots of extra time for incidentals. And there are always incidentals…needing to buy new shoes because one got thrown on the freeway…just one example
6.23.08 at 2:57 am
SAM W comments:
bring lots of sweets - preferably low cal or sugarless, but dont tell them. bribe em with goodies to behave.
6.23.08 at 9:12 am
Julianne comments:
We usually have each child pack some toys, get several DVDs, and I usually pick up some NEW travel games to play on the road as well. The older kids like to take their electronic games.
Snacks are a must. A cooler filled with water, gatorades, juices, etc. Wet wipes for cleaning up sticky or dirty hands on the road is probably the essential.
6.23.08 at 9:32 am
Rebecca Snodgrass comments:
bring something to keep them busy.
6.23.08 at 10:46 am
Lisa comments:
We make sure we have lots of drinks and snacks and also a portable dvd player with movies they both like.. Also they bring along a blanket and pillow incase they get tired so they are more comfortable..
6.23.08 at 11:02 am
Albert Hank comments:
Make it fun for them.Keep there mind off the long trip
6.23.08 at 11:09 am
Douglas W. comments:
We pack the kids up and after a big pancake breakfast we drive them over to Pappy and Nana’s house. Give them a big hug and let them know we’ll be back.
6.23.08 at 12:03 pm
Pamela White comments:
We have one child up front with the driver to help navigate. That child is responsible also for getting the driver drinks, snacks, keep track on the map where we are and reading road signs.
6.23.08 at 12:06 pm
Miranda Kuskie comments:
We bought a portable DVD player for the car and we’re not sure how we ever took trips without it! It keeps the kids happy and helps avoid headaches for mommy and daddy. lol
6.23.08 at 1:30 pm
E. Cooper comments:
A list of lots of types of word games - that way, there are no messy peices and you’re not filling them up on junk food or sugar
6.23.08 at 1:33 pm
Lonnie comments:
TY 4 THE GREAT CONTEST!:)
6.23.08 at 2:34 pm
michelle comments:
Pack a small plastic flat topped box with non-messy activities, games & books. Also, for older children, give them a map and have them help be a navigator (figuring out mileage, etc)
6.23.08 at 3:20 pm
Laura G comments:
portable dvd player
6.23.08 at 3:37 pm
Sharon Seneker comments:
A portable DVD player and packaged healthy snacks make for a smooth trip! Thanks!
6.23.08 at 3:53 pm
jffryclough comments:
lots and lots of games (and batteries)
6.23.08 at 3:54 pm
Guilherme Paraiso comments:
wow how cool, would be very fun to use
6.23.08 at 4:10 pm
JoAnn Zimmerman comments:
turn on the dvd player
6.23.08 at 4:31 pm
Blair Landon comments:
Having fun on a summer road trip can be so fun and make a lot of great memories! Some of these tips are really going to help make anyone’s road trip the best it can be. I agree that lots of rest breaks are helpful to keep everyone’s spirits up! Jack in the box has come up with a great promotion this summer perfect for anyone on a road trip. You love those tacos from Jack in the Box, don’t deny it.—the crispy goodness with the melted cheese, hot sauce and crisp lettuce on the inside. With gas becoming more and more expensive, Jack wants to help you fill your stomach. Bring any gas receipt to Jack in the Box next Thursday, June 26th, and get TWO FREE TACOS. No gimmicks, no hidden fees, no purchase necessary—just two free tacos! Let all your friends know if they like taaaaacos
6.23.08 at 4:46 pm
Steve Scott comments:
Books and puzzles. We have to drive an hour and a half to get to a Target or Walmart. We get a lot of reading done.
6.23.08 at 5:08 pm
Ellen M. Lopes comments:
Portable DVD player, disposable wipes, snacks, and plenty of patience
6.23.08 at 5:38 pm
Jeanine comments:
Bring plenty of snacks and activities!
6.23.08 at 7:22 pm
Kimberly comments:
We have many IQ and Brainteaser games that we play.
6.23.08 at 7:31 pm
Kathleen comments:
We take semi-regular roadtrips (8-10 hours depending on traffic) to see the grandparents. We find that making sure the little one is tired–either by keeping her up a little extra the day before the trip or by leaving later in the evening–makes it oh so much nicer for us to travel.
6.23.08 at 8:37 pm
R Hicks comments:
I wouldn’t go on a trip without the little portable dvd players. Kids stay entertained for hours on end
6.23.08 at 9:46 pm
Karrie comments:
always pack snacks and drinks for the road when you have kids
6.23.08 at 10:22 pm
Terry Cross comments:
A dvd player for sure, lots of snacks and frequent stops.
6.23.08 at 11:00 pm
marybeth i. comments:
snacks and entertainment are MUSTS when traveling with kids. Also, if possible, travel through the night when they are sleeping.
6.23.08 at 11:27 pm
kay wolter comments:
We decided I did not want to do what everyone else was doing I did not want a TV babysitting My Child in the van also My Son gets to much tv time at home I did not want vacation and van time with tv so We do books on tape or cd that way We can talk about the books together and We get music of all different music and We sing together and do crazy stuff together and My Son is now 11 and He has such great Memories and I am so Happy….We have converstations and He knows how to talk to Us and He draws in the van….NO MORE TV OR COMPUTER
6.23.08 at 11:29 pm
kay wolter comments:
ps about no tv for us……Game boy 1 hour at a time only…..We get all Our music and books on tape from the library no cost…
6.24.08 at 12:21 am
Brian E. comments:
…I try to stop for a short break every 60-90 minutes so the kids can get outside and run off some of their pent up energy !!!
6.24.08 at 12:58 am
Trisha Dowling comments:
we bring travel games, pencil and crayons and a doodle pad!
6.24.08 at 1:04 am
Deb K comments:
A grab bag full of small new toys that the kids have never played with.
6.24.08 at 2:49 am
Tabby comments:
Purchase a handful of new toys before a long trip. Slowly introduce them to your kids as they grow bored with the old ones.
6.24.08 at 3:08 am
Darlene M comments:
DVD player is the way to go, it’s definately worth the money
6.24.08 at 5:43 am
Leigh Nichols comments:
Gameboy, or a DVD player, a cooler with juice boxes and snacks, an emergency “clean up kit” with extra clean clothes and a large ziploc bag for car sickness!
6.24.08 at 5:55 am
Gary Watts comments:
We like to keep the kids occupied by playing travel games like seeing which one can spot a blue VW beetle, a farm pond, B&W spotted cow, an old run down house, etc… it’s realy a lot of fun for the whole family!
6.24.08 at 8:08 am
Lori comments:
Take a lap desk with lots of coloring books, crayons, markers, pencils and blank paper.
6.24.08 at 8:34 am
Karen comments:
Audiobooks!
6.24.08 at 9:11 am
trudee carreiro comments:
my kids love to read and my oldest will read to the youngest so it is nice
6.24.08 at 9:21 am
Paula Harmon comments:
The same as Karen’s comment: AUDIOBOOKS. When I put those in, even if it is a story they have heard before, they all quiet down and listen, every time!!! It’s like magic!!! Now part 2 of my tip: you don’t have to buy them, the library has tons of them.
6.24.08 at 9:48 am
jane yates comments:
BE STRONG, AND HAVE SNACKS WITH YOU
6.24.08 at 10:07 am
Brandlyn comments:
Always have plenty of snacks and coloring books and crayons on hand. It will make the trip a little easier for the kids.
6.24.08 at 10:54 am
DON SCOTT comments:
Always check you car and also make sure engine coolant is up to par.
6.24.08 at 11:32 am
Jodene Gildea comments:
Portable DVD player, we drive from NJ to FL for thanksgiving every year and my daughter is fantastic in the car with her DVD player, of course, it’s the only time I ever let her bring it in the car so it’s a huge treat.
6.24.08 at 11:35 am
Pam comments:
Travel late at night or early day. Encourage naps - remind them that if they sleep it will seem like they get there faster. Lots of snacks and new toys that they have never seen before. Play games like I-spy, find the ABC’s, pick a number (my kids favorate) choose a number between 1 - 10. count cars from the opposite direction. The car their number falls on is theirs. They can keep it or trade it.
6.24.08 at 12:33 pm
Michelle L. comments:
Last Christmas an uncle gave my kids iPods. I was not thrilled, until our first car trip. The kids not only downloaded music, but tv shows and games, and were entertained for hours!
6.24.08 at 1:33 pm
Tanya Clapshaw comments:
Have an emergency kid kit! That means wet wipes, snacks, kleenex, kid aspirin, juice boxes, small toys, and sunscreen.
Also, take a DVD player! I always thought I would NEVER plug my kids into a TV on a trip, but after awhile to chat, see the scenery, and bond as a family, a cartoon break can benefit both parent and children.
6.24.08 at 1:46 pm
kiyana comments:
Makes sure everybody uses the bathroom before they leave even if they say they don’t have to!
6.24.08 at 1:53 pm
Michelle Simons comments:
have them play count the white cars on the road game. they just count them.
6.24.08 at 3:00 pm
Forest Honerkamp comments:
I spy usually keeps them busy.
6.24.08 at 3:03 pm
michelle stewart comments:
Try to travel at night when they are sleeping
6.24.08 at 3:30 pm
Brooke comments:
Best travel trip is lots of breaks. It’s better to have a longer time travelling with lots of breaks in between for snacks and running around than it is to get there faster.
6.24.08 at 3:50 pm
Amber U comments:
My travel tip when traveling with kids is to make sure you leave plenty of time for a few long stops. We always stop a few times to stretch, but at the 1/2 way point (250 miles)They have this nice rest stop that has a play ground. Its nice to stop there for an hour or two just to take a GOOD play break, plus it helps them fall asleep for a good hour or two after words.
6.24.08 at 3:58 pm
Auriette comments:
Take along a notebook and play the old road games, like make a list of 10 things you might see anywhere (blue Toyota, hotel with swimming pool) and check them off as you spot them. Trade lists, and whoever finds everything on their list first is the winner. Travel off the interstate when you can, so that you can SEE things instead of just highway and trees.
6.24.08 at 4:12 pm
Stephanie Kinchen comments:
My best tip would be to be to pack extra snacks. My kids always ask for snacks along the way. I also pack them alot of activities to do. They like anything from coloring to finding the letters of the alphabet on other car license plates around us.
6.24.08 at 4:23 pm
hazel hunt comments:
We pack a little bag for each with little travel games and each day they get to pick a new one out.
6.24.08 at 4:27 pm
Jay French comments:
Keep the temperature in the car warm to induce sleep — hopefully in the kids and not the driver.
6.24.08 at 5:13 pm
Terri B comments:
I didn’t really have any tips of my own other than FOOD. But I got some great ideas here… my favorite is “stop often.” Thanks.
6.24.08 at 6:52 pm
Christine E. comments:
Can we say snacks, snacks, and more snacks. For older children, you can try hand held video game devices or books. Although my son gets carsick when he reads in the car. My daughter, luckily for me, usually falls asleep.
6.24.08 at 7:10 pm
C. Clemens comments:
dvd player, toys , snacks and i bring lots of wet wipes…
6.24.08 at 8:01 pm
Roxanne comments:
Always make sure and leave extra time
6.24.08 at 8:29 pm
Marion Burgess comments:
Be prepared with toys and snacks!
6.24.08 at 10:57 pm
C Duran comments:
Snacks, toys, videos and WET WIPES!
6.25.08 at 12:05 am
Denise comments:
Music, from soothing classical to silly children’s tunes, soothes the tempers of little ones on roadtrips.
6.25.08 at 12:09 am
Lara Aleff comments:
I didn’t even know anything about Rand McNally’s Tripmaking Planning. This would make planning a vacation a lot easier and hassel free!
6.25.08 at 12:12 am
elena comments:
I’dlike to win
6.25.08 at 12:38 am
phillip stacy comments:
dvd player plus the right movies
6.25.08 at 1:06 am
Bobvw comments:
Cd’s with soothing music hopefully to put them to sleep and to calm me.
6.25.08 at 2:58 am
Leigh comments:
My son is a map lover. We print off google maps for him before we leave, and he tracks our progress. This gives him something to do, and puts him in charge of answering his own “How much longer!?” questions. He’s also learning about scale, math, and geography while we go
6.25.08 at 3:09 am
Jeanine Price comments:
Bring board games that have magnets on the pieces!
6.25.08 at 3:24 am
steve adams comments:
good conversation
6.25.08 at 4:31 am
Samantha Pruitt comments:
make sure they’ve packed all their things, then let them stay up really late and carry them into the car while they’re still sleeping.
6.25.08 at 7:11 am
Belinda comments:
Make a small bag filled with travel games and activity books. Use these in the car only where everyone will have something new to do.
6.25.08 at 8:10 am
Veronica Garrett comments:
take frequent breaks.
6.25.08 at 8:21 am
jennelle comments:
We have several cds to listen to in the car that the kids know the words to and we all sing along and act silly to keep the kids laughing.
6.25.08 at 9:06 am
Julie comments:
I like to buy and wrap little gifts to give them periodically so they have something new to play with.
6.25.08 at 9:28 am
Tiffany Hulbert comments:
Have a bag packed for each child. Take a music selection that everyone enjoys and rotate through every so often. Play car games. Sing songs. Read books. Thank you for this opportunity!
6.25.08 at 9:31 am
Catherine KingChuparkoff comments:
The dvd player and ds players have been lifesavers for us…
6.25.08 at 9:45 am
Rachel comments:
We sing songs and play the ABC game. Awesome contest!
6.25.08 at 10:06 am
Pamela Hansen comments:
dvd player with lots of movies
6.25.08 at 11:04 am
Tammy comments:
Always have a bottle of water in the car. You never know when you might need it, to prevent car sickness, wipe up spills (or other things not as pleasant to talk about), and sticky mouths, and hands.
6.25.08 at 11:07 am
judy comments:
such a great and needed giveaway for everyone.
6.25.08 at 11:14 am
ahhhhg comments:
My best travel tip: bring lots of food!
6.25.08 at 11:28 am
Renee Turner comments:
Books- Bring lots and lots of books. New ones if you can. Go to a thrift shop and let them pick out used books that they have never read and they will be like new to them and keep them busy.
6.25.08 at 11:36 am
A Casson comments:
Fun things to do like word games and puzzle books
6.25.08 at 12:15 pm
jeanette malan comments:
make lots of stops provide things to do and ipods work great
6.25.08 at 12:30 pm
Timothy Sternberg comments:
Stop and see weird little attractions along the way.
6.25.08 at 12:59 pm
jodi comments:
We pack up coloring books..reading books..markers..crayons..a little dry eraser board (which is what my grandbuddy uses the most) and a portable dvd player..
6.25.08 at 1:02 pm
Gianna comments:
Bring drinks and snacks so you don’t have to constantly stop or buy overpriced meals that just don’t taste good.
6.25.08 at 1:16 pm
Carissa D. comments:
Bring snacks and toys!
6.25.08 at 1:37 pm
kathy pease comments:
leave em home with a babysitter..lol just kidding
6.25.08 at 1:46 pm
Donna Vance comments:
DVD player. Also, if they are old enough, my kids each got a small pack of crayons and a new coloring book.
6.25.08 at 1:49 pm
Angela Brasier comments:
Timing and patience - with little ones try to travel at a time when they’ll be tired. Also be prepared to make more stops that usual (if its a car trip) and spend some time letting the kids stretch their legs.
6.25.08 at 2:01 pm
Susanne Troop comments:
Have the patience of a saint!
6.25.08 at 2:15 pm
Windy comments:
We have a container that sits in between the 2 kids in the backseat. Both kids can easily reach into it and lean against it with pillows for napping. Together we choose a selection of printable games, auto bingo, coloring pages, snacks and handheld games. Including the kids in the decision about what to bring helps keep them interested and excited for the trip.
6.25.08 at 2:52 pm
sharon comments:
lots of stuff to keep busy, although not overstimulated:
we do stories on tape, gentle stories that are relaxing, songs, some toys and quieter activities.
6.25.08 at 2:52 pm
Dean comments:
healthy snacks and meals, as it is hard to avoid junk food while on the road
6.25.08 at 3:02 pm
Brooke Allen comments:
For our last trip, we rented a minivan with a DVD player. Dd called it a “fun car.”
6.25.08 at 4:16 pm
Jennifer C. comments:
We’ve never traveled with the kids more than about an hour away, but we plan to this summer. I think a DVD player is going to be a must to keep them from driving us and each other crazy while in the car.
6.25.08 at 4:35 pm
sarah woods comments:
DVD player, snacks, drinks, and every type of video game to humanity as well as for the art supplies. thanks SW
6.25.08 at 4:54 pm
Gaines Simmons comments:
Thank you for this thoughtful opportunity. A good idea indeed. During travel or at home, avoid allowing your children to drink sodas. Sodas are diruetics and bad for the bones.
6.25.08 at 5:03 pm
Dan comments:
Bring snacks, music, and magnet boards
6.25.08 at 5:22 pm
Brandy comments:
The best thing I have found is the portable DVD player we purchased 2 years ago. Just make sure to take movies your kids have not seen before- it keeps them much more occupied
6.25.08 at 5:27 pm
Eva Mack comments:
for fun
6.25.08 at 5:28 pm
! MiC comments:
We listen to (short) books on tape (or CD’s).
6.25.08 at 5:34 pm
Marie Noguerole comments:
We make a checklist of things to spot while on the road. Each child gets a list and checks off things as they see them. The one at the end of the trip with the most items checked off on their list gets to pick the next movie the family sees at the theater plus a giant bucket of popcorn all to themselves. That only works if your family loves popcorn like mine. This activity keeps the kids engrossed during the trip and they are able to appreciate all the places and people we see along the way. I always point out they could never see all this if they were in a plane.
6.25.08 at 6:28 pm
Sarah Lehan comments:
Plenty of water and snacks and rest stops. thanks for the contest.
6.25.08 at 7:04 pm
Judy Y comments:
My daughter hates the carseat so I bring a bunch of her favorite toys. When she starts to get fussy I suprise her with a new toy.
6.25.08 at 7:07 pm
Angela Harris comments:
Always be prepared, I keep my mamma emergency kit in the car, includes, I diaper or two, some wipes, anti-bacterial sanitizer, some candy, crackers , and a first aid kit…Never know when you will need them…so I am almost prepared for everything
6.25.08 at 7:22 pm
israel y comments:
lots of good kids music they like will hopefully help keep them occupied for a bit.
6.25.08 at 7:22 pm
Sylvia Porter comments:
wake them up really early so they can sleep the whole way
6.25.08 at 7:40 pm
Ed Nemmers comments:
Books and puzzle magazines!
6.25.08 at 7:48 pm
amy delong comments:
dvd player!!!must have!!
6.25.08 at 8:14 pm
~ HeLeN ~ comments:
We make a checklist of things to spot while on the road. Each child gets a list and checks off things as they see them.
6.25.08 at 8:30 pm
* * ALiesa * * comments:
Portable DVD player.
6.25.08 at 8:36 pm
crystal nevcherlian comments:
MAKE SURE YOU BRING SNACKS AND ALL THE VIDEO GAME HAND HELS U HAVE HAVE ALONG WITH HEAD PHONES AND BATTERIES , …….MAKES FOR A PEACEFUL RIDE!
6.25.08 at 8:40 pm
Danielle comments:
Snacks, Drinks, Books.
6.25.08 at 9:00 pm
Heather C comments:
Activities, activities, activities. I can’t stress that enough. Plan something new for every hour of driving, with a snack and drink in between, as well as a rest. Thanks for the giveaway!
6.25.08 at 9:07 pm
Shaun comments:
The above ideas are great ways. I’d like to add that it helps make the road trip easier when the kids help decide on where to go. This makes them happier on the road.
6.25.08 at 9:38 pm
Halina comments:
As an introduction to a new book, I was introducing my 6th graders to new vocabulary words. I read a list of new words that the students would add to their list, and after I said, “Number 6. Rhododendron” one boy started asking his table mates where “Dendron” was. The kids could not understand what he was asking so he asked me “where the road to Dendron was”. After collecting myself, I told him that rhododendron was one word. I still think that he is looking for Dendron.
6.25.08 at 9:41 pm
Suanne Giddings comments:
Keep plenty of drinks and food in a cooler. A backpack can hold a lot of paper, crayons, coloring books, pencils/colored pencils, hand held games, books with audio, ipod, travel games, and I strongly suggest a portable DVD player and movies. Always remember a pillow and light blanket. Thanks for the chance to win!
6.25.08 at 10:15 pm
Michelle H. comments:
Plenty of cold drinkds and fresh fruit. And bathroom breaks.
6.25.08 at 10:48 pm
Donna Kozar comments:
Bring plenty of things to keep the kids busy such as toys, games, and snacks.
6.25.08 at 11:31 pm
Pamela Lytle comments:
Start your trip in the early morning hours when they’re still sleepy and be VERY VERY Quiet!
6.25.08 at 11:33 pm
Peggy Gorman comments:
Snacks,drinks,blankets,pillows, hand held games and always make sure you give the bigger kids more room
6.25.08 at 11:54 pm
Kathy S comments:
Make sure ALWAYS, that you have their favorite cd’s in the car, and play them over and over again and if you’re lucky, the kids may fall asleep….and you’ll be able to play YOUR music!
6.26.08 at 1:49 am
Tara Hill comments:
Travel when they are sleeping!
6.26.08 at 2:38 am
Lily Kwan comments:
Be sure to bring plenty of snacks and drinks to keep the kids busy and to minimize having to buy expensive food and drinks while on the road.