Make sure every member of your team has a road trip bag. Each one will be tailored made for the owner of the bag. Help each child or adult (husband) pick out items to use easily and quietly. Some examples for kids are crayons and other coloring items, books to read, scissors and a glue stick. Let them pack a few of their favorite snacks so they can help themselves. Any small toys that are easy to play with also help to pass the time. Also, have them bring their pillow and a blanket for rest time.

Have each child start a journal and map. Even if the child cannot write, they can draw or scribble a picture. This makes a great souvenir and they did it themselves. Make a photocopy of your mapped out trip so they can follow along. No more are we there yet?

If you have access to a DVD player let each child pick out a few movies that everyone can enjoy. Put their names in a hat and pick first, second and so forth. This avoids the Johnny is your favorite speech. You can pick up good portable DVD player for a reasonable amount at most stores and the investment is worth saving your hair from going grey.

Play car games like count all the green cars or white vans. The first child to get to ten gets to pick the next item to find. Web sites such as Games Kids Play have a whole collection of fun things to do on the road.

Plan rest stops. I know you just want to get there. If you map out your stops, you kids can break down the trip so it will not seem so long to them. Try to find a stop were they could stretch and run a little (or a lot) then when they get back in the vehicle, they are tired. Bring along a Frisbee or soccer ball. Make sure everyone does there duty at the rest spot. You do not want to stop again once you get back on the road.

The best-planned trips will always have a hitch. This will actually make family memories last in the end. Sometimes we just have to go with the punches. I always tell my kids the old saying when in Rome do as the Romans do.