What the Bureau of Transportation Statistics calls the “busiest long-distance (travel to/from a destination >50 miles away) travel period of the year” is upon us.  Travel increases by 54% during the 6-day Thanksgiving travel period and 91% of that travel happens via car.

Enough numbers and stats, if you’re planning to hop in the car with your little ones and drive somewhere to celebrate the holiday, are you prepared?

Traveling by car is probably the easiest way to transport little ones and all of their necessary gear.  No TSA restrictions, no baggage fees, no security checks, you can take whatever fits into your car.  Of course you have to make sure your child is securely fastened in a car seat that is appropriate for his age and/or size.  You’re moving at your own pace and can stop for bathroom, food and an I’m antsy-and-I-need-to-get-out-of-this-carseat breaks at anytime.

But how do you make the drive stress free?

• Drive at night when your children are more likely to sleep
• Play quiet or soft music to help them sleep, audiobooks, songs and singing games for when they are awake
• Pack their favorite snacks (in snack-size portions) and drinks as well as moist towelettes to clean up after snack time
• Bring along a variety of toys and introduce them in intervals – when they get bored with one, bring out another
• Break up the trip.  Do some research in advance – what’s along the way that you can stop and check out? Where are the best (and cleanest) places for diaper changes and bathroom stops?  Who do you know along the route to visit?
• Above all, be flexible and go with the flow.  Bathroom breaks and detours can be welcome breaks from sitting for both you and your children.  Take advantage of your time together and make it fun.

What did we miss?  How do you pass the hours in the car with your little ones?  Share your tips and tricks with us.