Make it comfortable by bringing pillows and blankets. Stop frequently at rest stops to stretch and make use of restrooms. Play games like "I Spy."Make sure the car is stocked with paper, pencils, plenty of engaging toys and tapes.
Most importantly, keep children involved in the vacation process. Save everything collected on vacation - brochures, napkins, ticket stubs - and have children paste them into a scrapbook.
Plan ahead with the rental company to make sure they offer car seats and installation. If not, you'll have to bring your own in addition to a collapsible stroller. If nothing else, a simple call to the rental car company may save you the hassle of bringing along one extra piece of equipment.
ONCE THERE:
Have a daily schedule planned with some flexible, free time for each family member.
Provide friends or relatives with phone numbers and addresses of hotels where the family will stay, transportation information and emergency contact information.
If possible, each member of the family should have a cell phone or walkie-talkie to keep in touch at all times. Coming up with an emergency plan or meeting point is also a good idea in case family members become separated.
Super 8 Dawson Creek
1440 Alaska Avenue
Dawson Creek, BC V1G 1Z5
250-782-8899
www.super8.com