The journey can feel long, boring or even stressful during road trips, especially for families with young children. But, with a little pre-planning and a few Smart Tips for Road Trips, the ride can be smoother, safer and more enjoyable. Find out

Start with a general route and map out your stops. You can use a GPS to get this done or an offline Google Maps download. This will give you a backup in case your phone battery dies, you are out of data or there is no service. Then, share your itinerary with a friend or family member who is not traveling with you in case of an emergency.

Plan for all weather conditions and pack accordingly. This may mean extra sunblock, a rain jacket, an umbrella or extra layers depending on your destination. Also, don’t forget to check and double-check your car for a good tire pressure, windshield wiper fluid, oil and other essentials.

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Keep a first aid kit, extra snacks and water for everyone in the vehicle (including pets). Include a few roadside emergency items like jumper cables, a spare tire, a jack, a basic tool kit and an air compressor.

If you’re traveling with kids, provide them each with their own tote bag or backpack to easily access toys, snacks and games during the trip. It will help minimize squabbling and will make it easy to clean up when they are finished with their things. Also, put a trash bag or several old grocery bags within reach to avoid an overflowing car dumpster at the end of the day.