Kid-Tested Tips

The number one, most important, we-will-not-travel-without-it item is a personal headset and a selection of story tapes. Our tips, based on experience:

1. Cassettes seem to last longer than CDs.

2. Have a backup tape player on hand to replace the one in use when it inevitably wears out. Cassette players are getting harder to find, so get 'em while you can.

3. Always, always bring extra batteries that are easily accessible.

Valerie Thomas

Alexandria

When traveling in the United States, we pick up fruit and veggie platters from supermarkets for the car or the hotel. The platters are just the right size (no leftovers) and help keep at bay (ahem) constipation and other problems associated with kids eating too much road food.

Trudy Cochrane

Vancouver

Ten hours, three kids ages 6 and under, one van, two words: Dollar Store. The best $20 I ever spent. We strapped a plastic tub filled with toys and assorted plastic trinkets in the back seat where the kids could reach it. They were totally occupied with their new treasures and were too excited to argue over who got what (or afraid we'd come to our senses and take back the loot). That stuff doesn't have much of a life span, and things were broken by the time we were driving home, so they watched "Spirit" -- four times.