School’s out and it’s time to start planning those summer road trips. The kids can’t wait but images of sibling quarrels, overtired cries, and “are we there yet’s?” make your head spin. Cross-country or a few hours away, driving and keeping the family occupied can be a daunting task. Here are a few tips to plan your excursion and keep your family road trip smooth sailing:

Bored Box

Pre-pack a box for each child filled with all the necessities to keep them occupied. Feel free to take them shopping to pick out some of these items! Fill the box with crayons, coloring books, small toys, drawing paper, hand-held games, and any other age appropriate items you see fit to include.

Snacks

Bringing your own snacks on a road trip not only conserves spending money but is also readily available when one of your passenger gets cranky and angry. Fruit snacks, crackers, and a cooler full of drinks are some popular items that will suffice until you are ready to stop for a meal during your travels.

Don’t Stress

Keep it fun and relaxed! A vacation is supposed to be just that so leave the hectic pace at home. While it’s fine to have an overall plan of where you’re headed, don’t be afraid to veer off the beaten path and explore a bit. Pull off on an unplanned exit and try the “world’s largest pancake.” Not following a strict schedule will leave more time for adventure and allow you to embrace the fun of a road trip with your family.