(BPT) - Whether the length of your drive is three hours or 30 minutes, it can seem an eternity with a bored child in the car. A little planning will ensure your next road trip with one or more children will be happy and safe, no matter where you’re going.

Here's how you and your kids can stay safe and enjoy the journey almost as much as the destination.

1. Factor in time for pit stops

Don’t try to crush a several-hour driving marathon to get there quickly. Children need frequent breaks to use the restroom, have a healthy meal — and release their pent-up energy. Look for signs of restlessness and stop before kids get too out of sorts.

When you stop, find a safe spot where your kids can stretch their legs and run around a little. If they’re sluggish, organize a quick game of tag or catch, or encourage them to do a jumping-jack competition.

If frequent stops are making you later than expected, call ahead to let people know you’re off schedule. Better to take your time and arrive safe and happy.

2. Make sure kids stay buckled up, the whole time

Help keep your kids safe by making sure your child is buckled up every time, for every ride. As older kids get restless, they may unbuckle themselves during a long drive. Make sure you’re checking periodically throughout the trip, not just when you first pull out of the driveway. After every rest stop or meal, ensure kids are buckled up before you head back on the road.

3. Bring games — and dust off your creativity

Age-appropriate hand-held games and books can be good diversions for your children on long trips. Find audiobooks the whole family can listen to during the trip.

Recall games you played during road trips with your parents. Did you spot license plates from different states? Say a certain word when you saw an animal or certain type of car? How about a game of I Spy? Start a guessing game like 20 Questions, or use yes-or-no questions to guess a famous person one of you thinks up. Stock up on knock-knock jokes or silly riddles to keep kids engaged with you and each other.

4. Keep kids under 13 in the back seat

No matter how long your trip is, children under 13 should never sit up front, for their own safety. Car safety standards and features, like air bags, are developed and tested with adult bodies in mind. Air bags can be inflated at speeds of up to 200 to 400 mph, and because kids’ bodies are still developing, they are safest in the back seat. Additionally, most crashes impact the front of the car, and the back seat is farthest from this impact.

5. Pack healthy snacks

Make sure each child has a refillable water bottle for the journey, plus healthy snacks they enjoy, like fruit, cheese sticks or yogurt. Choose age-appropriate snacks that won't be a choking hazard, so you can focus on the road.

6. Bundle up safely

For the best protection in a car seat, your child's harness should fit snugly. A bulky coat can create extra space between the child and their harness, increasing risk of injury in a crash. To keep your child safe and warm on the ride, dress your child in a lighter jacket and place a blanket over the harness if needed.

7. Before you go: Check that they’re in the right seat

A car crash can happen anywhere, anytime — so the right car seat for your children’s age and size is always important. Any upcoming road trip can be a good reminder to double-check that they’re in the right seat for their safety — and that it’s installed correctly.

Enter your child’s age, weight and height at NHTSA.gov/TheRightSeat to check if they’re in the right seat. On the website you can also get installation tips and find a location near you where a certified Child Passenger Safety Technician can help you check the seat’s installation.

Enjoy your road trip with the family using these tips, and you’ll all be safer and happier. Trips like these can be memorable for all the right reasons, and you and your kids may even have fun along the way.

Your trip to the United States for your holiday break will take a passport. You may also need to bring your driver's license. If you plan to stay for an extended period and a purpose, you will need a visa.

Traveling Documents

If you're just traveling to the United States for a vacation, your passport and driving ID will be enough to get you into the country and through customs. It's important to review the difference between a passport and visa. Passports verify who you are and whether or not you are allowed to travel internationally. Visas grant access for a specific purpose and a particular stretch of time. When traveling internationally, you always need a passport. You may not need a visa.

Transportation

Your travel goals will help you determine whether or not you need to arrange a car rental. For example, if you're traveling to a major metropolitan area for your vacation and don't plan to leave the city, then setting up a ridesharing app on your phone and summoning a car when you need one may be a better choice. According to Budget, a car rental will likely require that you show your passport or other documentation as well as your license. You will also need to have a familiarity with driving rules and regulations in the United States. Be aware that these can change from state to state, so if you're crossing state lines you will need to review law changes and carefully monitor the speed limit.

Consider a Road Trip

A great way to see the United States is to drive historic Route 66. This route includes many roadside attractions and passes close-by natural wonders such as the Grand Canyon. You can also enjoy time in St. Louis and take the elevator arch so you can see the city from up high. This road trip takes you from Chicago through St. Louis and down to Tulsa, Oklahoma. You'll travel through Texas, New Mexico and into California, stopping in Santa Monica. In every city along the route, you'll find museums, dining, and attractions to suit any interest. This two-week trip will provide you with memories that will last a lifetime.

A visit to the United States can include natural wonders, thriving cities, and charming small towns. No matter your travel goals, you can find something wonderful to visit and enjoy in the states.

Here is another article you might like: Make Your Weight-loss Goals a Reality

Apps You’ll App-reciate on Your Next Trip

(Family Features) From planning your next getaway to managing your vacation budget, there are myriad apps you can use to make your trip a seamless, more enjoyable experience.

Before planning your next trip, make sure you visit your preferred app store to download tools like these that can help with everything from planning to staying on track during the trip to looking back on your experiences when you return home.

Map tools. While the most basic function of these apps is obvious, map apps are also useful tools to research the area you’re visiting, plan your routes ahead of time and find nearby essentials like gas stations and restaurants during your trip. Some apps also allow you to download offline maps so you don’t find yourself stranded if you’re going someplace where you’re likely to encounter poor signal strength.

Discount rate finders: These apps make it simple to research and compare the best rates and deals for multiple aspects of your trip, often packaged for maximum cost-savings. For example, the Expedia app can be used to research and book everything from airfare and hotels to car rentals and activities. Once you’ve booked, these app makes it easy to keep track of your reservations and itineraries.

Airline resources: Even if you book your ticket through a third party, you can benefit from downloading the app for the airline you’ll be using. Nearly all airline apps include features that make it easier to make changes to your booking, check in, get a digital boarding pass, check your flight status and more. Additionally, most apps will alert you to any changes via push notifications.

Vacation rental bookings: Many travelers are opting for vacation rentals over traditional hotels, in part because of the convenience and personal experience you can create. For example, the Vrbo app provides everything you need to book a vacation rental. As an added bonus, Trip Boards allow you to save, organize and compare your favorite properties. You can invite friends and family who will be traveling with you to discuss the trip using the new group chat feature and add and vote on their favorite properties to help narrow down the choices.

Unit converters: Handy for international travel, these apps make it easy to compute and convert common units of measurement, such as currency and distance, and many even convert time zones for you. Having a unit converter app is especially important if you may not have reliable access to Wi-Fi or data during your trip.

Budget trackers: Travel expenses can pile up fast, but you can keep tabs on your expenses along the way with an app that tracks the details. Most options allow you to categorize expenses by type and date, and some offer additional features such as splitting balances between friends and families or allowing you to set warning thresholds so you know when you’re getting close to exceeding your budget.

Payment solutions: Fees and structures may vary from one app to the next, but all are designed to make sending and receiving money more convenient. When it comes to travel, you can use an app like Venmo to easily split costs and share payments between family and friends during and after the trip.

Find more resources for your next getaway at Vrbo.com.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images

Pro Tips for Living an RV Lifestyle

(Family Features) Recreation vehicles, or RVs, are increasingly popular. Sleek new models and high-tech innovations are attracting younger and more diverse people to the RV lifestyle.

Whether it’s a permanent way of life or a practical way to satisfy your wanderlust, you may be surprised by how easily an RV provides the perfect solution for your lifestyle. It’s something automotive expert and TV host Rutledge Wood has enjoyed for years.

“So much of my life has been on the road that it was natural for me to fall in love with the RV lifestyle,” Wood said. “Whether it’s covering NASCAR or traveling with my family, I can’t think of a better way to enjoy life on the road than in an RV.”

Consider these tips from Wood if you’re thinking about giving an RV lifestyle a try:

Start with a rental. Owning an RV offers an affordable alternative to traditional vacations, and renting can let you try before you buy. Renting an RV allows you to do a practical, hands-on test drive to learn more about the features and characteristics you need. You might find you need more or less space than you originally imagined, or you may discover a motorhome suits your family better than the towable styles. Renting lets you experiment so you can be confident you’re getting the RV that’s right for you when you decide to buy.

Check out the latest innovations and models. At the first-ever RVX: The RV Experience show, RV manufacturers unveiled an array of new models, concept vehicles and prototypes that will transform the future of RVing. Cutting-edge features and technologies, including advances in safety and livability, may appeal to all types of RV users from families to tailgaters to luxury travelers. Learn more about new RV models and innovations at RVX.org.

Make your RV a home away from home. If you keep your RV stocked with basic supplies, nonperishable foods, linens and clothes, you’ll be ready to go nearly anytime, anywhere. From items like toiletries to accessories for your favorite activities, an RV lets you keep the essentials on board at all times so when the open road calls, you’re ready to answer.

Talk with other owners. Visit a local RV campground and you’ll most likely find a friendly community willing to share information and advice. Ask what you should know about owning an RV and seek out answers to questions you may have about features, care and ownership. Find out what lessons owners learned the hard way and what pleasant surprises they’ve discovered. You can also find RV owner forums and groups online to learn more about RV ownership, such as the Go RVing Facebook page.

Create a bucket list. The RV lifestyle offers nearly unparalleled freedom and flexibility. The options for places you can go, and the things you can see and do, are virtually endless. Start a list of all the destinations you’d like to conquer and experiences you’d like to collect then start mapping out how to make each journey a reality.

Learn more about how to begin your RV adventure at GoRVing.com.

Photo caption (man): Rutledge Wood

5 Ways to Rev Up for a Travel Adventure

(Family Features) Hitting the open road continues to be an increasingly popular vacation option for families. As spring approaches, the idea of exploring the country in full bloom encourages many families to begin planning an RV travel adventure.

With more than 18,000 RV campgrounds across the United States spanning everything from vineyards to beaches to mountains, there's something for nearly everyone. There are also campgrounds that cater to certain lifestyles, like family-friendly, rustic or lux, for the ultimate adventure that fits your personality.

Travel expert Misty Wells believes living the outdoor life helps her keep a healthy connection with her two children. From fishing to paddleboarding to kayaking, Wells and her family do it all. For travelers looking to experience the outdoors, she offers these tips:

1. Decide on the best model. One of the biggest decisions is what type of RV works best for your family. If you’re not sure where to start, begin with a list of must haves. Consider sleeping areas, number of bathrooms and space to haul larger toys like four-wheelers. Knowing what features are essential and having a good idea of the nice-to-haves, too, can help you narrow your options.

2. Rent first. Renting is a good way to test different models and discover what features and layouts work best for your family. More than 460 national chain outlets and local RV dealerships rent RVs, including state-of-the-art, late-model-year units. A growing number of campgrounds offer on-site RV rentals, as well.

3. Stay close. There are few better places than local campgrounds to talk to your neighbors about their RVs. Ask about the features and brands they like, what they’d do differently and what tips they have for someone new to the RV scene. 

4. Take a short trip. Think of your first outing as a trial run. Try a weekend away before diving into a longer vacation. This can let you figure out what you might want to do differently on a longer jaunt far from home. It’s a good way to test your supplies and see what should be added or left behind. It’s also a good way to get comfortable with the controls and operations so you can spend your first extended trip simply enjoying the experience.

4. Consider practical factors. One of the most important decisions is where you’ll store your RV when it’s not in use. It’s a big investment, so protecting it from the elements and vandals is a priority. Common options are local campgrounds, an RV storage unit or even in your garage. Be sure to weigh considerations like price, security and accessibility for each option before making a final decision.

To take the first step toward your family’s RV adventure, visit GoRVing.com.

Road Trip Ready

(Family Features) Whether you're planning a cross-country vacation or just a weekend getaway, packing for a road trip doesn't have to be a daunting task. Creating a packing list of essentials can be the first step toward avoiding unnecessary stress and making your trip one to remember.

Of course, that list should start with the items you should never leave home without like your driver's license and proof of insurance, but it should also include pertinent information about your destination, like the trip's itinerary and reservation confirmations. Don't forget a map or printed directions in case your GPS dies or your phone loses service.

While even the most experienced travelers have reached their destinations only to find they left a necessity or two behind, this handy packing guide can set you on the road to success and help you avoid buying a new set of sunglasses or portable charger en route to your destination.

Safety

• Roadside Emergency Kit. In addition to having your owner's manual and the equipment necessary to change a flat tire, including a lug wrench and portable jack, keeping some additional safety supplies in your vehicle can come in handy in case of a breakdown. Consider including items like jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, road flares, a poncho, gloves, a flashlight, a small tool set, a small fire extinguisher, paper towels or rags and duct tape.
   
• First Aid Kit. Just as your car may need patched up while on the road, someone in the traveling party may need a little TLC between stops. Some items to include: bandages, aspirin or ibuprofen, antiseptic spray, cotton balls or gauze, tweezers, hand sanitizer, antibiotic spray and bug spray.

Entertainment

• Reading Material. A road trip is the perfect time to dive into a good book, such as New York Times best-seller and Reese Witherspoon Book Club pick "The Alice Network." The enthralling historical novel from national best-selling author Kate Quinn tells the story of two women - a female spy recruited to the Alice Network, an espionage ring operating during World War I, and an unconventional American socialite searching for her cousin post-World War II. They embark on a dangerous mission to discover the truth about the betrayal that tore apart the organization, no matter the cost. Learn more at katequinnauthor.com.
   
• Technology. While cellphones often fall into the "essential" category, there are other devices that can make the miles pass by a little easier, like a laptop or tablet, but don't forget headphones and chargers for any gadgets you decide to bring.

Comfort

• Toiletries. Regardless of where your travels take you, personal hygiene will rank near the top of the list for each passenger in the vehicle. Ensure you've got your bases covered with soap, shampoo, conditioner, a comb or brush, a toothbrush and toothpaste, deodorant, shaving supplies, lotion, sunscreen and any additional hair accessories you may need.
   
• Snacks. It's often cheaper to pack your own snacks at home than stopping at a gas station or a drive-thru, plus you can pack some healthier choices. Consider options such as trail mix, granola bars, crackers, and dried fruits and vegetables, or if you have room for a cooler, consider fresh fruits and veggies as well as some bottled beverages.
   
• Accessories. Long periods of time spent in the car can get uncomfortable, so consider bringing along a neck pillow and blanket to make the ride more enjoyable, and don't forget to grab an umbrella in case the elements decide not to cooperate.

Photo courtesy of Getty Images (women with map)