Whether you're on a cross-country adventure or just driving a couple of hours to Grandma's house, perfecting the P's of car travel with kids is simple. All it takes is preparation and a little creativity to keep your kids calm while on the road.



Outline your plan before you go

Remember the first three P's when getting ready for any long car ride with kids.

Plan your trip. While this may sound daunting, there's no better defense against unhappy child travelers than a well-planned voyage. Plan your route, rest stops and activities to do while in the car. An organized road trip is sure to be a happy road trip for parents and children alike.

Prepare more than your route. Prepare your snacks and your games. Start by making a list, or two. What are the items you need to buy before leaving? What are the items that must not be forgotten? Making lists is a great way to be sure that you have all of your bases covered.

Pack more than you think you'll need. Beware of waiting until the last minute to pack. Follow these simple suggestions when packing for a long car ride with kids.

• Snacks – Packing a small cooler of snacks and drinks not only will save you money at rest stops, but also will keep the kids full and happy between breaks. A hungry belly makes for grumpy passengers, so be sure to pack enough munchies and meals for the road.

• Surprises – Who doesn't love surprises? Keep your kids busy with an array of special surprises along the road. Pack puzzles, games, books, magazines, music and other fun items to use as incentives and rewards for good behavior on the road.

• Schedules – Depending on what age children you have, you may want to think about providing schedules to older children. Let them know when you're planning to stop, eat or have quiet time. Setting expectations and planning ahead will aid in the fluidity of your travels.

Orchestrate the details while you're on the road

Once you're on the road, follow these seven P's to keep your traveling companions content through hours of highway driving.

Pace – The pace while traveling with kids isn't the same pace you keep while driving solo. Take adequate rest stops and bathroom breaks when you travel with little ones. Sometimes letting kids just stretch their legs every couple of hours makes all the difference in the world.

Pit stops – While driving straight to your destination may be a faster alternative, pit stops are a vital part of kid-friendly travel. Stop regularly and stop often to keep kids from going stir-crazy while seat-belted in the backseat.

Playgrounds – Whether it's a fast food restaurant with a playroom or a school playground along the road, it's important to let the kids have the opportunity to relieve some pent-up energy along your route.

Picnics – Forgo another fast food meal while dining on the road. Stop at a grocery store along the highway to buy all the makings of a roadside picnic to keep things fresh and fun. Place a blanket or tablecloth on a grassy area, and enjoy a picture-perfect picnic the little ones are sure to enjoy.

Potty – Whether your tikes are 2 or 10, packing a potty seat in the trunk could save your sanity. For emergencies on the road where there's no bathroom in sight, a potty chair could be just the thing to save you from accidents along the way.

Play – Have fun on the road. Try these suggestions when creating a fun-filled car ride with kids.

• Play “I Spy” along the road.

• Create a scavenger hunt of items to spot while driving.

• Make individual travel journals. Whether scribbling with crayons or writing in their neatest handwriting, kids will enjoy a homemade keepsake as a reminder of your road trip.

• Let the kids become photographers with disposable cameras.

• Use DVD players. When all else fails, pop in a movie and enjoy the peace.

Patience – Don't forget to keep your patience. Remember to keep your cool when fellow travelers become hungry, tired and ornery. Allow an extra stop or treat along the way. A carefree attitude can go a long way when it comes to creating a successful family road trip.

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