Here are a few things to keep in mind or to have on hand for those long trips in the car when you have children -- they work well when your traveling with adults too.

• Don't drive 4 hours straight. The kids will go nuts and so will you. Take a 10-15 minute break every hour or two.
• For safety, keep all the doors lock and engage the child safety locks on the back doors if you have young children.
• Don't let the kids lie down, the safety belts can work properly and they might get motion sickness. Instead pack a lot of pillows they can prop up on.
• Don't pack items high in the back of the car. If you make a quick stop it will jet forward with tremendous force injuring whomever it makes contact with.
• Never drive when you are tired (or angry).

PACK

• flashlight (check batteries)
• first aid kit with lots of Band-Aids
• bottled water
• snacks
• paper towels
• tissues
• blankets and small pillows
• light jacket
• wet wipes and some no water antibacterial gel
• travel games, books, binoculars, drawing book with colored pencils and tape players with headphones