Also, talk about passing sights. Ask your child what he or she sees out the window and point out interesting sights. With younger children, ask them to identify colors, letters and numbers on signs, billboards or other vehicles.

Even if they have games to keep them busy, children get restless during long car trips. Make 10-20 minute stops every two to three hours so they can burn some energy. Stopping for meals also will help kids to relax and sleep when back on the road.

Part of the traveling adventure is exploring new things. Stop on the side of the road and allow the children to admire the beauty and take pictures of interesting spots. This is also a good time for everyone to stretch their legs and get some exercise. Have some fun by letting the kids run around in a park or rest stop, play catch with a ball or Frisbee disc, jump rope, blow bubbles or have a picnic.

Technology is also very popular when traveling. Make sure each child has his or her own headphones with a CD, DVD or MP3 player. Check that cell phones are charged and use hands-free devices.

For safety and to reduce conflicts, discuss some rules and decisions in advance. Make sure that proper car seats and seatbelts are used for all travelers without exception. Determine seating arrangements and how they might rotate. Also, talk with children about being considerate of other people in the vehicle.

Try to keep a positive attitude and laugh at the little things. Keeping children quiet and well-behaved at all times when away from home with different routines probably is not realistic. Realizing that children may be cranky and charged up by all the changes will help you be less upset when it happens.

Make your family road trip stress free by preparing ahead of time. Vacations are a great time for family bonding and discovery. Take this time to make it enjoyable.

Nicole Moore is a family and consumer science educator at the Norman Oklahoma State Extension Center.