Taking a road trip can be a fun and relaxing way to see the sights. If you look at the driving as part of the trip, rather than just a chore to get you to a destination, you can take the time to enjoy attractions and local adventures that you may have missed if you were in a rush. There are a few things that can help a road trip be enjoyable for everyone in the car, kids included.

Pack Plenty of Snacks

If you’re traveling with children, it’s important to have plenty of snacks—and a variety of them too. This can be a fun time to pack something you may not normally give as a snack at home. A meltdown in the car can be calmed with a fun snack that seems like a real treat. If you have the time beforehand, it can be fun to assemble some individual snack bags with homemade cookies, trail mix, muffins and other family favorites. If you have enough space for a large cooler, pack a picnic so you can stop whenever you see an interesting picnic place.

Get Off the Interstate

A road trip should be a more leisurely drive than the typical interstate rush, so take some back roads or smaller state highways. This allows you to see much more of the area, and will let you find attractions that you would have otherwise missed. It can also be a great opportunity to stop at a roadside diner or cafe for home-cooked fare.

Be Prepared

Motor vehicle accidents happen literally every minute, accounting for over 5.25 million crashes per year, so it’s important to be prepared in case you’re personally involved in one. Be sure to have a first aid kit in the car with flares that can be used in case your car is disabled. It’s also essential to have a way to communicate so keep phones charged and make sure chargers are always accessible for convenience. Some essential items for your emergency kit include an auto escape tool, flashlight, fire extinguisher, whistle to alert rescuers and contact information in the event you aren’t able to give your information. If you are in an accident, make you sure have a way to contact 911. According to Boise, Idaho, car accident lawyers, you have two years to take legal action if you or anyone in your vehicle has been injured.

Be Lenient with Your Schedule

A road trip means stopping spontaneously to see road side attractions and stretch your legs when you’re feeling restless. Traveling with children usually means stopping frequently so don’t plan ahead much and you won’t have your expectations ruined. Even an adults-only road trip is made more fun by the random stops at the unique places along the way.

Road trips are the traditional family vacation. They allow everyone to spend time in close quarters for hours, which may sound scary, but can actually make for great conversation. Plan ahead for plenty of snacks and be ready to stop when the mood strikes. Road trips are meant to be relaxed and fun for the entire family.