Ahhh, summer is finally here: whether you are headed for the sun and sand on the coast, hiking through the woods, or skiing the snowy mountain slopes; one thing is sure, first you need to get there.

Why is it we book our vacation months in advance, yet we scramble the night before to prepare for the road trip?

Car rides can be an enjoyable and relatively stress-free experiece with proper planning — all you need are a few strategies that work for your family.

With the normal cries of “Are we there yet?”, “He’s touching me!” and “I have to pee!”, it’s easy to see why you may dread a long car ride. But, through trial and error, I have stumbled upon a few ideas that have proven to be both effective and fun. I hope one or two will help your family have a more relaxing car ride.

1. Leave the house as early as possible
This is important for two reasons: 1. Traffic is usually lighter in the early morning hours and 2. Little travelers should still be sleepy.

A tried-and-true method for my family is to leave as early as possible thus giving the adults some quiet time while the little ones continue sleeping. This strategy also helps because a long ride goes much faster for children who sleep a portion of the way. This is beneficial for everyone. Don’t forget the pillows and blankets!

2. Leave the kids in their jammies
I know people who do this and then dress the children during a pit stop when they wake up. I prefer a different method: The night before the trip, I dress my boys in clothes that are comfortable to travel in — sweatpants or shorts and a T-shirt. If you’re lucky, in the morning, you can slip on their shoes and coats (depending on the weather) without waking them. Then you don’t have to change their clothes later.

3. Shop the dollar stores
Before a long car ride, I usually buy some supplies (a new coloring book, crayons, a few Hotwheels) and keep them hidden before the trip. Then, as my patience wears thin, I slowly reveal a new surprise. Other suggestions: stickers, a doll, picture books, notepad/pen, etc. Remember to keep a few stashed away for the return trip.

4. Bring a new DVD or video game
My family has found that both a portable DVD player and a hand-held video game (in our case a Leapster) come in handy for extended car trips. Purchasing a new game or DVD can buy an hour or two of uninterrupted silence, even among siblings. Sometimes we wait and buy a new game or movie halfway through the drive when we stop at a store to strech our legs.

5. Sing or tell stories, jokes and riddles
My oldest son (he’s 4) loves for me to make up superhero stories. It takes some thought, but time does fly by when you’re having fun. He even adds to the story. Your family could take turns building a story. Stop by your local library; check out joke books before your trip and take turns reading jokes aloud.

P.S. Don’t laugh too hard if there isn’t a rest area nearby.

For older kids who like to read, books on CD (also available at the library) could be a fun option. Sing! You and I both know you sing in the shower, so why not try it in the car? Print out the words to silly songs and have a wacky car sing-a-long. Or bring along kid-friendly CDs.

6. Bring snacks
A very important tip in keeping everyone happy is snacks. Granola bars, crackers, pretzels and fruit all travel well, as do peanut butter and jelly sandwiches. Remember to pack some bottled water to stay hydrated. In general, steer clear of sugar because “sugar buzz” has a unique meaning when you are stuck inside a moving vehicle. Pack a picnic lunch for a rest area break.

7. Relax and try to have fun
Be sure to incorporate some stops along the way to let everyone get out and stretch their legs. Car seats can be pretty hard to sit in for extended periods of time, so give little ones breaks as needed. Remember how hard it was to be a kid and behave on long car rides? Have a little compassion and don’t overreact about the little things. Sit back and enjoy the passing scenery. Just smile; it’s a great stress reducer.

Some additional ideas for older children: crossword puzzles, new music CDs or downloads, a guidebook about your vacation destination, and a disposable camera for capturing the views.

If time and money permit, stop and stay at a hotel halfway — order a pizza, swim, rest a little and regain your sanity. If you do a little searching, I bet you can even find a fun destination to visit halfway — an amusement park, a museum, a zoo or a natural wonder, such as a cavern. Pack an overnight bag so you don’t have to haul in all your luggage.

Additional travel tips: keep a change of clothes for everyone handy, have a first aid kit in the car, keep a pack of wipes in the car for easy clean-ups, and store a few plastic bags in the glovebox for garbage. Before leaving, check your tires and oil and make sure your car insurance, hotel reservation papers, etc. are in your vehicle. Don’t forget the camera!

I hope some of these tips and ideas will help your family have a relaxing and fun-filled car ride to your vacation destination. But if all else fails, remember: Someday, all too soon, you’ll be taking a long car trip and wish you were hearing “Are we there yet?” coming from the back seat.

Allison Nanney is a mother of two who lives in Wheeling.

Car Travel Still Cheaper Than Flying

Even if gas prices hit $5 a gallon, the traditional family summer vacation by vehicle costs less, is more convenient and not as stressful as flying, according to the Car Care Council. A family of four traveling by car costs the same as one person traveling by air.

“Rising ticket prices, fewer daily flights, fuller planes, limited baggage, fewer non-stops and longer layovers between connecting flights doesn’t paint a pretty picture for this summer’s vacationing families thinking about flying,” said Rich White, executive director, Car Care Council. “However, even with gas prices considerably higher than last year, the cost of driving is a much better deal compared with going by air.”

Based on a family of four traveling 1,000 miles round-trip, the council compared the cost of flying vs. driving.

By air:
A family of four traveling by air will spend an average of $1,324 for tickets, based on 2007 fourth quarter statistics from the Bureau of Transportation Statistics. However airline ticket prices have increased a reported 10 times since December, so the total average ticket price today would exceed $1,300 for four persons. Add to this cost, transportation to and from the airport and/or parking.

By vehicle:
If gasoline prices were $5 a gallon, the cost for a family of four traveling by SUV would be $343. That not only includes the cost of gasoline, but also tire wear and maintenance based on the American Automobile Association’s (AAA’s) operating costs.

Source: Car Care Council