You’ve got the family in the car and you’re headed for your vacation destination which is eight long hours away. Within 15 minutes, here it comes from the back seat-the question you’ve been dreading: “Are we there yet?” Which begs another question: How do you keep the kids occupied on a long car ride so your vacation isn’t ruined before it starts? Here’s what you CAN’T do: You can’t stuff the kids in the trunk. That’s where your luggage is. You can’t tie them to the roof of the car. They’ll create drag and cut down on your gas mileage. Besides, if one falls off, you’ll have to stop, pick them up and reattach them, making it difficult to make good time. You can’t leave them at home-unless you want your next vacation to be in five to 10. But here are some things you CAN do to make the miles fly by-well, go by a little faster anyway (if you wanted them to fly by, you’d take a plane… duh).

Like your portfolio, diversify

It’s a fact of life. Kids bore easily-almost as easily as adults. To combat this, have a variety of activities packed in the car – not in the trunk buried under six suitcases. Depending on the age range, stuffed toys, action figures, crayons (don’t forget paper), puzzles, video games, music players and books fit the bill. An almost must-have to take on a trip is a portable DVD player. The only thing better than a two-hour movie to occupy the kids on a long ride is TWO two-hour movies.

This isn’t an airplane

You don’t want to assign seats, so let the kids sit where they want within reason. But if you’ve got three kids and two of them don’t usually get along, a long car trip will only exacerbate the situation. Keep them separated from the get-go or give them both some boxing gloves. If you’re only taking one kid and he doesn’t get along with himself, you shouldn’t be on vacation. You should save your money for therapy, either for you or the kid-probably both.

Hungry = cranky

It doesn’t take an Einstein to realize a hungry kid is an unhappy kid. Make sure you pack snacks so you’re not stopping for food except at regular mealtimes. Remember: A full mouth is a quiet mouth. Alas, for bathroom breaks, you’re at the mercy of your kids’ bladders. Hint: Your long vacation drive is NOT the time to see if little Johnny can set a bladder control record.

Speaking of breaks…

Face it. You’re probably going to have to stop once in a while to take a break or risk mutiny on the car ride. Children are restless by nature and they have to be able to get out of the vehicle, stretch their legs and run off some energy. You can do the same-only you’ll be walking off any energy you may still have.

If all else fails, bribe ’em

It’s another fact of life: Kids love money – almost as much as adults. Offer the precious darlings some sort of monetary reward for good behavior (sorry, you can’t fine them if they misbehave). A little green can make your trip more serene. If the thought of that doesn’t appeal to you – you can always play 20 questions. Unfortunately, it’s going to be the same question over and over and over.

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