Road Trips with Kids

"Are we there yet?" Taking a road trip with kids can have it's ups and downs, but with a little creativity and planning, you can keep them occupied and happy without ever hearing those dreaded words from the back seat.

“Since the invention of the automobile, Americans have enjoyed taking road trips. From wood-paneled station wagons to oversized conversion vans, most Americans have grown up taking road trips with their family and friends,” said John Nielsen, AAA National Director of Auto Repair, Buying Services and Consumer Information. 

But as parents, we know that the ride isn't always as fun as the actual arrival. Especially if you're looking at a long drive time.

Whether you're planning to rent a vehicle, or are on the market for a new set of wheels, consider how comfortable your family will be on your road trip. The Chevy Traverse has more cargo space than you'll find in many full-sized SUVs and can hold up to eight people comfortably. That guarantees all of your luggage will be stowed away properly rather than stuffed under your child's feet.

Help make the back seat feel more like a part of the vacation fun rather than a time-out with a few great travel tips for children:

• Pack a plastic box for each child, to hold their supplies. The lid makes a great desk or place to hold food.
• Allow each child to include games, toys, stuffed animals or other personal items to make them feel comfortable in the box.
• Portable dvd players and iPods make great distractions for long trips. The Chevy Equinox features a rear-seat entertainment system with dual-mounted displays. Your kids can relax watching a movie, playing video games, or both!
• Bring paper towels and a plastic bag for quick clean-ups.
• Print a list of simple car games that you and your children can play. Play "I Spy" as you all look out the window. Try to "spy" letters of the alphabet or objects of a certain color.
• Several months before a trip, find a few small toys that your child enjoys, but hasn't played with in a while and pack them away. Bring these toys with you on your trip for something 'new' to play with. Small toys like the ones found in happy meals work well with this idea.
• Don't forget the snacks! Both the Chevy Traverse and Equinox offer a ton of in-cab storage, including a deep console and rear-seat door compartments. Great travel snacks include:
  • individual applesauce and fruit cups (don't forget plastic spoons)
  • dry crackers (small snack pack size)
  • individual size water bottles (a permanent marker will help to keep these separate)
  • pop-tarts
  • individual cereal boxes
  • flavored rice cakes
  • juice boxes/bags
  • jar of peanut butter and loaf of bread (don't forget a plastic knife)

You can also download a variety of printable activities for the kids at www.activitiesforkids.com.

American families love to hit the open road during vacation time. Load up the trunk, pile everyone in and step on the gas as you drive off in search of fun and relaxation. And with a little planning, you can make this year's trip enjoyable from the moment you back out of the driveway.

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