Travel Tips for Families - Airline and Car Trips

If you are over 30, do you remember trips in the car with the family? Maybe it was to visit Grandma, see nature's beauty or to visit an amusement park. I will never forget singing along to the radio with my dad. That's how I found out that he had a great singing voice. He was a SLOW driver but, you could almost forget that when he was singing.

Taking the kids for a car trip can be a wonderful family bonding experience. Just remember to remain calm. Kids are easily excitable and may ask nonstop questions or exhibit other behavior which will make you wince. It's new for them. They cannot always express their feelings and may have tantrums or just try your patience.

My son and I enjoy taking trips together and try to take at least one car and airplane trip each year. We have deep uninterrupted conversations, enjoy the scenery or just do our own thing. Since he is over 10, we plan adventures which will keep each of us happy and entertained. We've attended horse shows, farmer's markets, museum exhibits and visited family. Even if we only walk around a new city, we have an agreement to only stop in shops which appeal to both of us. We have narrowed the tips down to a list of 20.

Here are the tips, in no particular order:

1. Have the car checked out. It is not wise to take a trip without checking the car. Even a visual tire and fluid check is better than nothing.

2. Fill the gas tank.

3. Charge your portable devices (phones, headsets, games, etc.)

4. Have adequate cash and credit cards. In case of emergency, the credit card will come in handy.

5. Snacks. Take a gallon of water and cups, portable snacks (fruit, sandwiches, etc.). In an emergency, these will come in handy and save money.

6. Bathroom breaks. Take one before leaving. If you are taking a new route, map quest service stations and restaurants along the route to ensure that the family has the opportunity to take restroom breaks.

7. Medications. If anyone needs regular medication, take some along.

8. Blanket. Place an old blanket in the car; just in case.

9. Pain reliever. Take a few pain relievers.