Screaming, crying, and more than one utterance of the old standby “Don’t make me turn this car around”… sound familiar? Let’s face it, the idea of a family road trip vacation can send cringes down the spine of even the bravest parents. Bored kids, frustrated parents, where is all of the quality family bonding that is supposedly supposed to be happening when the family hits the open road to share the adventures of traveling together? Well, with a little forethought and planning, you and your little ones too can share the fun of seeking out travel enjoyment…and make it to your final destination with Mom and Dad’s sanity still intact.

Family road trips shouldn’t be saved for just the standard holiday visit to Grandma’s house. Get out and see the country, see the world! Sharing time and experiences with your children while they are young will help them gain a greater appreciation for the fact that there is a great big world out there and it is never too soon or too late to start exploring it!

Here are some tips to make your family’s road trips a little smoother.

• Stop and smell the roses – Make sure that getting to your desitantion is part of the fun! Plan small stops at kid friendly sites along the way. Check with your local AAA office or online for local maps of areas you will be driving through and locate a neighborhood park to stop and take a “play ground break” or enjoy a small pre-packaged snack. Before long, some of that built up “I’m tired of being in this car seat” angst will be nothing more than a sharred giggle on the monkey bars. You the parent will get the benefit of stretching your legs, clearing your mind, and the enjoyment of hearing squeals of “I’m bored” turn into squeals of laughter.
• Pack a survival kit - Nothing helps the miles to roll on by like keeping little hands and minds busy. Visit your local discount store for an assortment of inexpensive small toys and activities/crafts. Things such as coloring books, crayons, board books, and small toys can help keep little ones entertained and amused for many miles. Dole out toys or activities at set intervals along the trip to help keep little ones intrigued with their latest treasure. Trust me, the $10 spent on stocking your survival kit will be the best spent $10 on the whole trip!
• Know your limits – Start out by taking your kids on shorter length trips before attempting that cross country trek you have always dreamed of. Plan short excursions to help build up both your and your kids endurance of family togetherness in a small confined space. Visit local sites in your area and in neighboring towns. Work up to trips consisting of a couple of hours each way. Your kids will soon realize that traveling by car can be fun and that exciting discoveries are just waiting to be found. Before long, you will find yourself dreaming again of that “big adventure” and planning your cross country route.
• Keep your focus on fun – Remember, this is about getting to your destination and having fun doing it! Don’t let one toddler tantrum or wayward squeal dampen your enthusiasm for family fun. Just as the miles roll on by so should the mishaps that have occurred along the way. Look back on them as stories to tell and memories to share at many a family reunion to come. Humphrey Bogart may always have Paris, but my daughter and I will always have Flagstaff, AZ. I can’t wait to tell that tale to any future boyfriend down the road.

Most of all just do it! Just get out there and see the world. Nothing can take the place of seeing even familiar sights through the eyes of your child. The wonder and amazement that they see and find in even ordinary things can make any trip worth taking! We have taken our little ones from Florida to California, from Texas to North Carolina, from Georgia to the Keys…nothing beats looking back and seeing that little smiling face looking out the window and seeing that far way dream in her eyes of places we have still yet to explore. Happy trails to you and yours!