Keep The Family Busy And Bonding On A Road Trip by Emily Kaufman (NAPSA‘\—If you find yourself saying “Are we there yet?” as often as your kids on roadtrips, you maybe on the wrong route for family travel. Today, with both high-tech and low-tech ways to keep the family entertained, kids can have as much fun in the car as when they arrive. Hereare sometips on how families can make the most of every minute and every dollar on the road this year: 1) Avoid high-tech disconnect—A numberof cars today, including the Volkswagen Routan, have lots of little planning can put your next family car trip on the road to fun. tures such as DVD for the whole family, including the driver, to do something together. The Routan has a USBport, allowing you to download your favorite books andsongs. 8) Plan ahead to avoid splurging on the road—There are two major ways to waste money on a road trip—on food and drinks and on your gas. Makesureyou get youroil changed andtires pumped up to avoid potential unnecessary stops along the way andincreasing your gas mileage. Because Carefree Maintenanceis standardonall current Routans, it makes preparation easier so you can drive more and worry less. As for food, there’s something about a roadtrip that gives families the munchies. Prep healthy meals and snacks ahead of time, such as sandwiches and sliced fruits and vegetables. And don’t forget to bring water and avoid sugary drinks. Some say sugar highs and lows make both great high-tech feaplayers and Wi-Fi. Emily Kaufman Instead of having everyone plug in and tuneout, use this technology to bond. Have the kids research and learn more about where you're visiting and what fun things the family can do there together. You can watch an educational DVD about your destination. On the way back, use your technology to makea slide show of yourtrip pic- tures and send it to friends and families. 2) Embrace some low-tech time—While technology can be a great travel tool for partof the trip, families should take advantage of the time in the car together to reconnect. Play card games, sing songs together, tell stories about when you were kids and create new vacation memories. Another low-tech fun thing to dois to listen to stories on tape—it’s a great way kids and parents cranky. Don't forget to take a cookie sheet along and use it as a tabletop for eating or evenas a desk for drawing. 4) Create a boredom bag— Get a few inexpensive toys, games and crafts and use them as prizes for car games or to reward good behavior. The new toys will be such a great surprise to the kids and yet make a small dent to the road-trip budget. For more information on the Routan or other VW products, visit www.vw.com. * Emily Kaufman, known as America’s Travel Mom, is a proud mother of two and a nationally recognized travel expert. She’s regularly featured on TV and radio, in publications and online, offering her practical pointers for family travel with childrenof all ages. Kaufman believes travel can be a wonderful way for families to share time together.
