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By Molly Gold

Food

If you want to save both time and money, plan a picnic to enjoy along the way. Eat just as you do at home. Pack nutritious and healthy options to be offered on a schedule, not as an activity to stave off boredom. Include self contained snacks such as apples and carrots that pack the crunch of chips but keep the mess to a minimum, and protein packed sandwiches to keep everyone satisfied until you reach your destination. Pack more than enough of each rider’s favorite in individual bags and small shapes to make eating a breeze if you choose not to picnic on your exercise break.

Depending on the length of your trip, you might consider a portable cooler that you can plug into your car. Stock it with bottled waters, naturally stain free for both car and clothes alike. Choose both child friendly and adult sizes with pop tops to minimize spills.

Got a sweet tooth? If surviving close quarters without bouncing off the walls is your goal, share the love but not the sugar. That being said, don’t underestimate the power of a Tootsie Pop when all else fails to induce the quiet game for your chatty Cathy. Just use it as a last resort and hopefully not before you are halfway there.

Rest

One of the main reasons we travel with our families each year is to get away for the stress of our daily lives and take a break. Riding in the car can be a relaxing time, with new things to see and learn about while lulling us into a calm state a mind, thanks to the hum of the highway. Don’t assume that you have to have an activity for every moment of the trip. In fact, too much stimulation and distraction can be unsafe for the driver and bring on an unfortunate case of car sickness for the weaker stomachs in the group.

Just as you do at home, designate a time for rest in your day. Bring along a CD of purely instrumental music designed specifically to encourage relaxation. Time this activity around mid-day to encourage a nap out of anyone who might want one. You might be surprised to see your older kids nod off first. Just be sure your driver has a fresh cup of coffee at hand to counteract the pull of the peace that descends each row in tow.

Basics

Outfit your car with basic survival items to keep you all clean and comfortable as you go. Include tissues, baby wipes, hand sanitizer and a small first aid kit with Benadryl for sudden allergies and Pepto-Bismol for upset tummies. And finally, though I hate to say it, make sure you have strategically placed receptacles for those unpredictable messes that might come your way. Check out Smart Mom Solutions™ Smart Mom Sak, a mom-friendly air sickness bag designed to keep liquid messes of all kinds contained while you travel with your family.

Happy trails!

Learn more about Molly Gold at www.gomominc.com.

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