Ten Tips for a Great Family Road Trip Vacation...without all the distractions!

A fun filled, family road trip vacation without all the distractions?  Mom, Dad and the kids ALL having fun together!  It is tricky to please everyone, especially when you have differing interests and ages.  Here is our list, in no particular order.

1. Do the planning - Get the whole family involved in the planning of the trip.  Do research together, find out the kid friendly activities, and let everyone find one thing that they are looking forward to doing when you get where you are going.
2. Do Car Games - Pack a game kit for the car.  Include fun games that can be done quietly (coloring books, toys from the $1 section at Target, puzzles) so the driver can get some quiet time too.
3. Do plan bathroom breaks - plan them for at least once per hour.  Stretch your legs, get some fresh air.  Plan a scavenger hunt where you look for items at each rest stop.
4. Do take your time and see the sights on the way.  See the big ball of yarn, and the giant thermometer....remember that the JOURNEY and being TOGETHER are really how the memories are made.
5. Don't be in a hurry - Don't Overschedule!  Schedule the naps and the quiet time where Mom and Dad can relax too.  Vacations are supposed to be R-E-L-A-X-I-N-G.
6. Do pack disposable cameras for the whole family....its really amazing to look at how different all the images will be at the end of the trip.  Everyone's perspective is different!
7. Don't forget the comforts of home.  Bring your pillow, bring a special treat - but leave the special stuffed animal friends at home.  If you must bring a stuffed animal friend - trust me on this one - sew your address and phone number somewhere on the friend.
8. Do schedule time for catching up on email, facebook, etc, but limit it to a reasonable amount of time. 
9. Don't forget to look up the restaurants that have Kids Eat Free specials.
10. Do remember to allow at least one or two days when you get BACK to decompress, do your laundry, and get back into the routines. 

This posting was prompted by a great contest on TwitterMoms!  Click HERE to check it out.