#1 – STOP FOR FUEL – Driving with the entire “fam” can be confusing so make it your first priority to STOP FOR FUEL. This is a good time to get everyone a drink or a snack so you can extend your drive time till the next stop.

#2 – STOCK YOUR VEHICLE – Make sure you have enough emergency supplies, toys, games, blankets, etc. to keep your passengers happy and safe.

#3 – CHARGE UP YOUR TECH – You may be using a GPS or your cell phone to keep from getting lost so make sure the evening before plug in all your devices to keep them at full charge before venturing out into the cold.

#4-  BE PATIENT – One of the things I do is make sure I make a flash drive, CD or whatever music storage device your vehicle is capable of using to play music. Put something on there for EVERYONE.

#5 – DON’T BE DISTRACTED – If things start to get “rowdy” in the car take a few minutes to pull over and “reboot” everyone so they are not causing a major distraction for the driver. Keeping things in the vehicle to keep all your passengers happy is a BIG help. However, traveling with kids and pets can usually mean a few stops along the way. Bundle the kids up and take them for a long walk at a rest stop or other safe place along your way. Same with pets. Fresh air and a little exercise can mean all the difference.

#6 – BUCKLE UP – Should be easy to see why.

#7 – CHECK THE WEATHER – This is more of a pre-trip suggestion but be sure to check the weather along your route as well. This time of year you never know when or where bad road conditions or an accident can hamper your schedule.