What the parents say

Parents of the well traveled mini-experts had their own tips for a peaceful trip:

• On long trips, stop every two to three hours no matter what. Everyone gets out.

• Spend the night at a hotel with a pool and the Disney Channel.

• Have plenty of snacks on hand.

• Make an activity box for each kid and fill it with games, crafts and their favorite things.

• Google "travel games" and print off your own sheets for games like travel bingo or I Spy.

• Take turns picking out movies or audio books. Or decide using rock, paper, scissors.

• Limit the use of iPods and electronic games.

• Embrace the road trip for what it is. Keep the windows open and listen to local radio.

• Set some rules: Don't distract the driver and don't ask, "Are we there yet?"

• Kids have the most fun at offbeat restaurants, gas stations and tourist stops.

• Give toddlers a roll of Scotch tape for hours of entertainment.

• Pack surprises to hand out to well-behaved kids once a day.

• Arrange kids in seats based on their personalities.

• Plan ahead, but be flexible. Anything can and will happen.