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Packing -

It's a lot easier to squeeze soft luggage like gym bags or duffel bags into the packed car, rather than large suitcases.

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Packing -

If practicality reigns in your household, then trash bags are actually the best solution!

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Sticky fingers -

Wet wipes are a must-have on any journey with the kids, but now more than ever. It's a good idea to bring hand sanitizers and even mini bottles of hand soap just in case rest stops don't have any.

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Snacks - Snacks are essential for any road trip. It's good to be mindful of what will be messy or sticky though. Ziplock bags with crackers or grapes are a great simple snack.

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Snacks -

A creative way to keep them full as well as entertained is to fill a jam jar with healthy snacks such as nuts and dried fruits, but with a few treats like chocolate coins or candies hidden inside.

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Entertainment -

One of the biggest concerns on long car journeys is keeping everyone entertained. No one wants to travel to a chorus of "are we there yet?"

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Entertainment -

It's a nice idea for each child to have their own little activity backpack with them. It can contain any books or toys they might want during the journey.

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Books -

If your kids like to read in the car, then you can take them on a pre-vacation trip to the library to pick out a few new books. Saving them until the journey starts will add to the excitement.

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Books - The library trip can also become a yearly pre-vacation ritual that will get them excited and encourage an interest in reading.

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Surprises -

The novelty of being in the car wears off pretty quick, so it's good to have a few surprise toys to whip out when the little ones start to get restless.

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Surprises -

An activity book with stickers or a "choose your own adventure" book are fantastic for keeping the kids occupied.

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Surprises -

You could even wrap a small new toy or book and hide it under their seats so they can discover it later on!

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Singalong -

A singalong is a fun way to keep everyone entertained! They could be songs they're learning at school, or pop hits on the radio.

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Audiobooks -

Audiobooks are ideal for road trips, especially for those who don't like to read in the car or get motion sickness. The whole family can listen in too, so find a story that's enjoyable for everyone!

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Audiobooks -

The 'Harry Potter' series narrated by the incomparable Stephen Fry is a great pick.

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Spotify - The kids section on Spotify has a variety of song and stories you can play in the car too!

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Technology -

Don't be afraid to rely on technology to get through the journey. A bit of extra screen time might be worth it!

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Technology -

You can pick out some of their favorite movies in advance, or find some new child-friendly apps for them to play.

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Fun detours -

Frequent stops and opportunities to stretch the legs are important, but you can do better than a gas station! Try to find playgrounds or parks on your route where you can take a 30-minute break.

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Fun detours -

A nice picnic stop is also a great alternative to a rest stop if you can find one on the way.

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Fun detours -

If possible, you can plan your route around interesting landmarks or even split the journey into multiple parts and spend the night somewhere new before arriving at the final destination!

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Car games -

Twenty Questions is a classic to play with the kids. Think up some fun ideas before the trip.

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Car games -

Set an ongoing game of "spot the ____" that the kids can play during the journey. It could be red cars, bridges, or cows! They must keep a lookout and try to be the first one to spot the chosen object.

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Car games -

Older kids won't fall for this one, but "the quiet game" involves seeing who can keep quiet the longest.

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Arguments and tantrums -

It's natural for kids to get cranky on a long trip and bickering is to be expected. The same goes for tantrums from the younger ones.

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Tantrums -

If there are two parents in the car, then ideally one can deal with the backseat drama while the other concentrates fully on driving. Otherwise, it's best to pull over and try to calm things down safely.

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Bribes -

If all else fails, bribery might be the answer! The promise of a small treat at the end of the trip as a reward for good behavior may provide the right kind of motivation.

See also: The strange rules presidential children have to follow

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