The holidays are busy for travelers. Families everywhere take trips to visit relatives that they haven’t seen in a while.

It is advisable to be prepared if you must travel. There’s nothing worse than getting on the road, or arriving at your final destination, and realizing that you forgot something important. If your family is going on a trip during this holiday season, use this checklist to help you keep track of what to take:

1. Medications. Even if your children are healthy, be sure to bring along any and all medication that they could possibly need. You never know when a situation will arise that will require those medications for your kids.
2. Toothbrushes and toothpaste. Mom and Dad find it easy to remember to pack their own dental hygiene items. Younger kids may need reminding, though. Be sure everyone packs a toothbrush and toothpaste.
3. Sewing kit. Mishaps always happen. A button pops off. A skirt hem falls out. Pack a mini sewing kit in your suitcase to have on hand, just in case you need it.
4. Proper clothing. Call ahead of time and find out what the weather will be like where you are headed. Get specific temperatures if possible so that you will know what type of clothing to bring.
5. Bring extra clothes. Don’t forget to pack extra clothes as well, for everyone. Kids will need more clothing than adults, but it won’t hurt to throw in an extra outfit or two for you as well.
6. Shoes. Be sure you have matching shoes to wear with your outfits and don’t forget to bring the right shoes for the right weather.
7. Hair accessories. If you have daughters and they wear hair accessories, be sure to pack plenty to go along with their outfits.
8. Games for the kids. Kids get bored on road trips, especially if the trips are more than an hour or two. To save your sanity, be sure to bring along several fun games that they can play in the car. Puzzle books, audio cassette tapes (with a walkman), and printable games online are just a few ideas you can use.
9. Don’t forget the camera, you’ll definitely want to record all your family Christmas memories so don’t forget the camera and make sure it has batteries and film too.
10. And lastly don’t forget the presents!  It’s a much too common scenario, you pack up the car, start your road trip to visit relatives for a relaxing family Christmas only to realize you’ve left the presents behind.  Make a list of everything you’ve decided to take and check things off one by one.

Are we there yet?  Road trips with kids are definitely one of life’s experiences.  If you’re traveling by road during the holidays with a car full of kids or even one, these tips will help you keep the kids entertained while helping you keep your sanity in the process.

Make Comfort a Priority – Again, making your kids comfortable should be on top of your checklist for road travel.  Take along travel blankets and pillows.  If the weather is hot place a light shade on the windows to avoid the bright sunlight.  If it’s cold out make sure your kids have plenty of layers on and don’t forget their favorite stuffed animal or teddy bear.

Pack Their Favorites – Let each child pack a little back pack with their favorite toys, books or even snacks.  It’s exciting for them to pack their own special bag and it’s nice for them to have their favorite things close at hand.  This also helps you avoid them wanting to bring along their whole room.  The rule is if it fits in their bags they can bring it, if it doesn’t then it has to stay.

Make Plenty of Stops - If you are going to drive for several hours, remember children don’t have the same patience as adults, so make sure you take plenty of rest breaks along the way.  You can stop at rest stations but also playgrounds or parks, where you can all stretch, or alternatively visit a fast food restaurant which has a separate play area for the kids. 

Once you’re finished, grab a few healthy snacks and make sure everyone has gone to the bathroom before leaving. 

Invest in Travel Games – There are a range of classic board games like monopoly in smaller versions specifically for travel.  Cards are also another great travel game and of course handheld electronic games (make sure you have one for each child to avoid arguments) will keep them amused for hours, and may even induce them to sleep.

Apart from games, you can take along art supplies like coloring pencils, coloring books, drawing sheets, crayons, and markers to draw and paint the different scenes along the way.  You can even ask them to write and describe each scenery or make up a story or poem.

Listen to their favorite songs. Get a pack of several CDs and, let each kid take turns playing their favorite songs.  Who knows they may even enjoy singing along.