Tips to survive a family road trip

July 15, 3:09 PMLA Getaways ExaminerSara Rossini

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Joshua Tree National Park. Photo Credit: Author

Summertime equals road trips, and no two driving vacations look the same, ranging from a couple on a weekend between Los Angeles to San Francisco to a two-week cross-country family road trip. Whatever the case, here are a few tips for keeping sane when being a road warrior:

1. Audio Books: This is a great way to capture the attention of the whole family. Choose a book the entire family will love, and I guarantee you won't want to get out of the car when you get to your destination.
2. Carry a cooler. Stop off at a market each day or every few days for some kid-friendly drinks and snacks. This will keep you hydrated and quell the in-between-stops noshing. Even better? Pack a picnic lunch with sandwiches, chips and fruit and find a shady park or rest stop along the highway to stretch your legs and enjoy an economical and nutritious meal. Let the kids burn off some energy while you have a chance for some fresh air.
3. When traveling with youngsters try and do as much of the driving while they are sleeping. Get an early start, when they are still sleeping (thus, holding out on breakfast and bathroom breaks). This way you can make a sizeable dent in your travels without a single "are we there yet?"
4. Pack a special backpack for each child. Include new books (if they like to read and are not prone to car sickness), stickers, handheld games, new crayons or special toys. This will keep them entertained for hours, and they'll look forward to being on the road.
5. Read up about the destination. Pack a guidebook, read up on some literatue about the history, what to see, and places to eat. This works well for people of all ages, and gives kids a chance to practice reading out loud.
6. Take the road less traveled. Instead of always keeping to the main interstate take smaller, quieter, local roads. Yes, you may not get to your destination as quickly, but this makes the journey more enjoyable. Typically these local roads have incredible scenery and quirky diners. Remember, it's not the destination that makes the vacation, it's the journey.
7. Rather than just blast the same tunes over and over again, tun into the local AM station. It's a great way to get a feel for the community you're passing through

Of course, with the miracle of portable DVD players and Nintendo DS, kids can be entertained for hours, but integrating some of these tips can turn a road trip into that perfect opportunity to spend quality time together…just as you intended.