REMEMBER TO ZIPLOC:

• Chargers and wires. Put them all in one clear bag. Keep in the shoveables.
• Tylenol and benedryl. Without fail, if you don't bring it, someone will get a fever. Also put a handful of bandaids, ibuprofen and prescription meds (with labels) in there.
• Snack and juiceboxes, etc.
  

QUICK ideas:

handheld video games vs. portable dvds
download wonderpets & sesame st to your ipod
bring mazes, activity books and mad libs
remember soft earphones for the kids
buy a double earphone jack- two can listen through the one jack

Put a box in the back for trash. Bags don't quite work for road trips...use one that fits inbetween the seats (like a wine box from the liquor store)...line it with a trash bag for spills.

Clipboards are great- you can get them at the thrift store for like $.25 . You can use them as trays for eating, coloring and the papers stay when you shove them in the behind the seat compartments.

Pack paper/plastic cups and silverware. How many $4 gatorades can you buy? Get one jug of something they like and stop for drinks without dishing out the cash.

CDs, playlists and tapes...Barefoot Books rock. I have the Shakespeare Collection...everyone over three will love this! Under three? Raffi time...


Get RUBBER NECKERS or make your own flash cards.

HOME MADE RUBBER NECKERS:
you need:
INDEX CARDS
GLUE
MAGAZINES
INTERNET WITH PRINTER (recycled paper)

Lets say you are driving from NYC to maine. If you google your trip, you can make flash cards based on specific details of your trip. Print off images like signs, landmarks, cool things your kids like and paste them one to a card. Make a deck and call out what's on your card. Everyone looks around until someone sees the item. Include things like:

• Flowering plants
  
• Construction site
• Car with race stripes
• Birds of prey
• Water tower
• Random stuff!