BCAA's survival skills for the family road trip this Spring Break

Burnaby, BC - "Don't make me stop the car!" "Don't make me come back there!" Any kid who's had to endure a long flight or road trip next to an annoying sibling has probably heard those words. Even at the best of times, travelling can be stressful. But travelling with children presents a whole different set of challenges - namely keeping the peace and maintaining sanity during long flights and drives.

According to BCAA Travel, the most popular spring break destinations this year remain unchanged: Hawaii, Mexico, and Disneyland Park in California. And this year, road trips may be an attractive alternative for families wanting to avoid a high-spending spring break.

Whether you're staying close to home or travelling far afield, BCAA offers tips to help alleviate tensions and inject some spring into your Spring Break:

• Involve your kids in trip planning. Have them mark the route you'll be taking or choose a restaurant along the way; the more youngsters feel they're involved, the more they will enjoy the trip.
• Pack an activity bag. Fill a bag with crayons, books, games, etc. Make one bag for each child and let them choose what to put in it.
• Divide and conquer. Change seats at each stop (and switch drivers if you can) so that everyone gets a different seat for the next part of the trip. Sometimes an alternate seating plan helps keep the family peace. Young children should always ride in the back in an age-appropriate child seat or booster seat.
• Take regular breaks. If the kids (and adults) start to get antsy, consider making frequent stops to stretch, run around, and expend some of that energy in a positive way.
• Bring a pillow and blanket. Don't forget about nap time. Having something soft and snuggly will help the younger kids drift off to sleep.
• Keep their tummies full. Pack a cooler with juice boxes and snacks for when the kids get hungry.
• Play games. From singing songs to playing alphabet and memory games, one of the best ways to relieve tension between siblings is to work together on a family game.
• Invest in an iPod or portable DVD player. Music and movies are entertaining for kids (young and old) and offers a good break for everyone! But keep them in the back seat to avoid distracting the driver.

BCAA also recommends that vacationers take the following - often forgotten - precautions to ensure their own and loved ones' safety while on vacation:

• Make sure your vehicle gets a thorough tune-up. Also, good visibility is critical so check windshield wiper blades and windshield-washer fluid before heading out on the road.
• Get travel insurance. If you're travelling outside B.C., ensure you carry proper travel medical insurance for all your family members.
• Without insurance, basic medical services outside the country could cost thousands of dollars.
• Get your passport ready. Canadians travelling by air to the U.S. now require a valid passport to gain entry into the country. Up until May 31, 2009, Canadian citizens entering the United States by land or water may use a government-issued photo ID, such as a driver's licence, plus proof of citizenship, such as a birth certificate or a Canadian citizenship card.
• Make your home appear lived in. If you plan to be away for a while, stop newspaper delivery and ask a neighbour to collect mail and flyers.
• Carry a cell phone. In case you need to make an emergency call, have a fully-charged cell phone and pull over if you need to use it.
• Map it out. Before you head out, devise a driving plan by visiting www.bcaa.com for point-to-point driving directions, as well as information about attractions, lodging, and restaurants along your route.