Car Travel Tips

Many vacations start with a long car ride. These tips are offered to help make that drive more enjoyable for everyone and have the car ride become part of your

For car/van travel you might want to consider:

NEVER LEAVE CHILDREN IN PARKED CAR - HEAT IN A PARKED CAR IS VERY DANGEROUS - click symbol to view news article

Ensure that all passengers are properly secured by seatbelts and the appropriate car seats - for more information and links to Canadian and American web sites with respect to car seat safety and recall notices - Click on the symbol. Also see National SAFE KIDS Campaign to Open 30 New Child Safety Seat Inspection Stations Across the Country as Data Reveals Incorrect Use of Child Safety Seats Still a Major Problem and Safe Kids Canada applauds Ontario Minister for introducing booster seat bill aimed at reducing injuries among young children

Always Drive Carefully. See Winter Driving Tips

Ensure that the vehicle is in good condition - see Spring Car Maintenance Tips

Supervise young children closely when using public restrooms - see Safety tips for Using Public Washrooms

Covering the seats with seat covers and a blanket under the seat cover makes it much softer and protects the seats from spills.

Try to have an extra set of keys available just in case.

Covering the floor of the vehicle with plastic floor runners.

Have a potty available for emergencies. See tips on Motion Sickness

Curtains or shades on the passenger windows – this is especially helpful for young children when they are sleeping to keep the sun out of their eyes.

A blanket and pillow for each child.

Have children remove shoes to relax.

A supply of toys/books/tapes for each child. Go to Music for Children and Books for Children. Also see Tips on Buying Toys for Children and Safety tips for Buying Safe Toys and Using Toys Safely

Provide some entertainment for the kids along the way - see Travel Games for suggestions.

Bring out a new toy - see Toys for Babies and Toys for the Car.

Have a sing-a-long - see Music for Children.

A TV/VCR combo with a 9 inch screen, video tapes and ear phones make for a nice quiet time for usually the length of one movie.

Fill the car with gas the day before your trip.

Travel late at night or at nap times.

Take a break every 2 hours and play some games - see Travel Games - look for clean rest areas or a park for some fresh air.

Click here for tips on Long Road Trips

Drink some fluids to avoid dehydration and crankiness see Travel Tips and Tips for Making the Most of Summer.

To avoid spillage - bring drinks in spill proof containers - see Kids Travel Products for Eating Out with Young Children.

Practice sun safety for everyone's eyes on sunny days - see Sun Safety Tips regarding sunglasses.

Make sure the travel medical bag is handy see First Aid Tips for what to pack.

Try to plan travel times around a large city outside of rush hours.

Practice Defensive driving to help keep everyone safe.

All Tips are offered as suggestions only

While we have tried to provide you with a list of suggestions to help parents when travelling with children to keep them safe, unfortunately, we can’t think of everything and it is the responsibility of parents to ensure their children’s safety.

The Long Road Ahead: Family-Friendly Road Trip Tips

Car Riding Rules for Tots and Teens from Club Mom - Safety issues you may not have considered before

Data Show Older Children Dying More Frequently, Not Buckling Up in Car Crashes, Says AAA Chicago

For Car Safety Tips Click Below:

Booster Seat Basics

For Spring Car Care Tips Click Below:

For Winter Driving Tips Click Below:

Tips for Renting a Car from Enterprise Rent-a-Car - Car Rental Agency

For Automotive Products go to

Need a Car Seat, Booster or Travel System - visit

Kids Travel Products - Car Seats and Boosters, Car Products

For products to entertain children in the car go to:

Books for Children

Music for Children

Toys for the Car

Toys for Babies

See the following sections for specific tips:

For General Travel Tips Click on

For Tips on Using and Purchasing Travel Equipment for Babies Click Below:

For All-inclusive Vacation Tips Click Below:

For Tips on Eating out with Children Click Below:

For Tips on Who and What to Tip Click Below:

For Tips on Enjoying Live Theatre with Children Click Below:

For Tips on Buying Toys Click Below:

For Travelling with Teenagers Tips Click on

For Motion Sickness Tips Click on

For Tips on Taking Pictures Click Below:

For Tips on Travelling with Grandchildren Click Below:

For Tips on Protecting Your Home Click Below:

For Tips on Taking a Dude Ranch Vacation Click on

For Travel Tips - Children with Severe Allergies Click on

For Winter - Ski Holiday Tips Click on

For Air Travel Tips Click on

For Train Travel Tips Click on

For games to play while travelling Click Below

For Amusement Park Tips Click Below

For Travel Safety Tips Click Below

To Return to Travel Tips Click Below