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Road-tripping with kids

By Emily "The Travel Mom" Kaufman, Special to Travel Watch

The joys of Labor Day Weekend; the last few days of summer, kids getting ready to go back to school and that one last road trip of the season.

If taking a car holiday with your kids doesn't seem like one of the joys of summer, here are some tips to make the ride a little bit smoother for everyone:

Plan ahead

Do as much as you can before the kids even get in the car. This means fill the gas tank, load your luggage and figure out your directions long before you get the children into the vehicle.

Prepare a boredom bag

Take a plastic cosmetic case and fill each pocket with a different age-appropriate game or activity that the kids can access themselves.

For younger kids, put in a book on tape; for older kids, try hand-held electronic games. Also fill a few pockets with snack-size packages of some of their favorite treats. Don't forget water bottles with re-closeable tops.

Toss a cookie sheet in the car -- it can come in handy as a flat surface for coloring, a table top for eating, or even magnetic play.

Be realistic

Some people get the crazy idea in their heads to wake up at the crack of dawn while the kids are still sleeping and hit the road early. This is so dangerous. Not only is the driver tired, but children are busted from their routines and particularly cranky. Be sensible in your amount of driving and take breaks.

Lastly, keep a ball or jump rope in the trunk and be prepared to stop for a picnic meal and move around a bit.

Read more about Emily "Travel Mom" Kaufman and her children's exploits at thetravelmom.com.

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