Summer Road Trip Survival Guide

School’s out for summer! And you know what that means? Yep, parks, popsicles, and…road trips! With many of you hitting the pavement for vacation destinations today and tomorrow, we’ve created a virtual tool kit of tips to make your travels a breeze. Enjoy the holiday, friends!

Preparation is half the battle won. Start your road trip on a high note (without worry) by using a travel checklist to pack strategically. Or take a page out of Jessica Alba’s book and check out her must-have summer travel gear.

When on the road, it’s easy to fall into the fast food trap. Make better nutritional choices by packing a small cooler of these healthier snacks for the road. Traveling with a baby? Catherine McCord of Weelicious shares her tips for what to feed your little one during a long car ride. And, if you’re worried that you’re not going to eat balanced meals while dining along the interstate, take whole food-based vitamins to fill in those gaps.

Temps across the country are soaring and even passive time spent in the car can leave you dehydrated. Don’t forget to pack your reusable water bottles that can be refilled along the way.

To keep kids entertained and avoid any “Are We There Yet?” meltdowns, stock the car with audio books, CDs, and these seven books to take you on your summer travels from Modern Parents, Messy Kids. Try these creative games to pass the time and create lasting memories. And give rest stop athletics a go — stretch, take a short walk, or toss a ball with your kids to burn off some steam and inspire calm during the rest of the trip.

If your summer plans include exploring your own backyard, these top 5 family staycation ideas are sure to keep you entertained.

What are your tried-and-true travel tips?