Traveling with your children can be both an exciting adventure and a challenging assignment! Planning ahead for all contingencies, the total travel time, mode of transportation, and the ages of the young travelers can take away unnecessary stress. In fact, it can present opportunities to try new activities.

Pack a play parachute, It's compact and can double as a T-Pee or Picnic Blanket!

1. Turn rest stops into exercise stops. A safe area away from traffic is the perfect place to let your kids get rid of pent-up energy. Pack jump ropes and music tapes, roll down the window, and let the kids skip rope to the music in the tape deck-and bring a book of jump rope verses for them to memorize en route. "Collapsible" scooters and roller blades (don't forget the safety equipment) are a smart choice, too.

2. Pack individualized snack trays-one for each child-based on what they enjoy. Using a plastic or disposable foam tray with dividers, wrap special treats in small plastic bags and place one in each compartment. Avoid foods that require preparation (peeling or slicing) or refrigeration (yogurt or cottage cheese containers), or foods that are messy or high in sugar. Foods to try: dried figs, dried apricots, raisins, peanuts, pretzel nuggets or sticks, crackers, clementine oranges (peeled and wrapped in plastic). Instead of worrying about juice or soda spills and stains, add a pint or half-pint of bottled water with a screw-on lid or a sports bottle filled with water. Throw in an antibacterial wipe packet, wrap the entire tray in plastic wrap, and the kids can nosh (and not bug you) at their own pace!

3. Make a cocoon! Pack a small pillow, blanket, and socks or slippers for each child. Kids will be more comfortable in socks or slippers surrounded by warmth and softness. It sure beats trying to sleep upright, leaning against a steel door!

4. Buy new music and story tapes... borrow them from a friend, or record your own-listening to music or books is much easier than reading books in a moving vehicle. 5. Synchronize travel times. Kids are most likely to fall asleep around nap times, early in the morning, or after dinner-try to plan your departure for these times.

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