Q&A for How to Survive a Long Road Trip

Use the bathroom before starting your trip and take advantage of food, stretching, or refueling stops to go again. Avoid consuming excessive liquids and try not to focus too much on needing the restroom.

To help with separation anxiety, keep a comforting item nearby and have water ready in case you feel nauseous at night. Remember that you'll have a great time with your family, which can help ease your anxiety.

Pack snacks that you enjoy and that will keep you full, such as sandwiches, nuts, or fruit. Remember to choose items that are easy to eat on the go.

You could bring some headphones to listen some music. If you're trying to get some shut-eye, you can bring earbuds to get peace and quiet.

Try to ignore her as much as possible and bring music to listen to with headphones. Remain polite when she talks, but don't engage if she tries to bother you. You could also play simple games like I Spy or License Plate Bingo to distract her.

To keep siblings entertained, consider playing music, providing video games, or giving them books to read.

You can relax and enjoy the scenery or invite someone to play games like license plate Bingo or Tic Tac Toe with you.

You can listen to your favorite music. If you have a portable DVD player, you can also bring new and favorite movies. Ask your friends too if they could lend something that is of interest to you, or if they want to come along.

You could make a music schedule, where each person gets their turn.

If possible, ask the driver to stop at a safe location where you can take a quick restroom break, such as a rest area or gas station.

You have plenty of options! You could do a puzzle if you're in the backseat, read a book, write in a journal, sleep, or have a conversation with your grandma. If she's open to it, you could bring some music for a car sing-along!

Try a motion sickness medication like Dramamine. Sit in the front seat if you can, and avoid looking out the side windows if you cannot. Sit back, close your eyes, crack the window for fresh air, and listen to some music.

Just look out the window and ignore the kid. If you can, you could slip out some earplugs up your sleeve. Or, you could put your notions aside and get to know your seatmate.

Bring earbuds and listen to music. Pretend the annoying family members are not even there.

If you start to feel unwell, look outside the window for a few minutes to help regain your orientation. Avoid reading for extended periods and take breaks to re-orient yourself with your surroundings.

You could pack plenty of snacks that you know you enjoy. You're bound to find some foods that you like on the trip, but the snacks could keep you full in between meals. (I would recommend trying to stick to healthy, filling snacks.)

Try to borrow headphones from someone else for the trip. If that's not possible, consider finding something to entertain the child, such as playing their favorite game, in exchange for a few hours of peace.

It depends on what you like! You could bring peanut butter and jelly sandwiches, along with fruit snacks, chips, pretzels, cookies, etc.

Try to look out of the window and ignore them as much as you can. Bring earplugs if you can. You could also try to get them to play a quiet game with each other so they leave you alone.

Sing songs, and do group activities, such as playing name games or license plate bingo.

You can read a book, draw, color, look out the window, or play car games like "I Spy."

If possible, stay up the night before and then leave early in the morning. This way you'll be really tired when you get on the road. If that's not possible, bring earbuds or earplugs to block out any noise, and a pillow and blanket so you're comfortable enough to fall asleep.

You can listen to music, an audiobook, or the radio. Alternatively, consider calling someone for a chat or having a conversation with your travel companion.

Bring a notebook to write stories or notes, and try to ignore the bully. Sit away from them, and if they follow you, move before the trip starts to sit with a trusted friend or someone who will leave you alone.

Bring along a book, a podcast, some music, and a notebook with pencil (for doodling and/or writing stories).

Distract yourself with other activities, but if ignoring them doesn't work, try talking to them. It's better to maintain a positive relationship, as it can make the trip more enjoyable for everyone. Encourage your sibling to respect personal boundaries, but avoid giving them the cold shoulder, as this might lead to them seeking more attention.

If you're driving, listen to music to pass the time without getting distracted. If you're not driving, you can read, observe your surroundings, connect to nearby Wi-Fi, or create a game based on what you see or hear outside. Try to relax and get comfortable, but make sure to stay aware of the road.

A neck pillow isn't necessary, but it can make you more comfortable, especially if you have neck or shoulder pain. Bringing a couple of pillows or small blankets can also enhance your comfort.

To manage motion sickness, try to sleep or keep your eyes closed while listening to music, as this can help distract your mind and pass the time more quickly.

You could listen to music or an audiobook. Consider creating a playlist of your favorite songs to enjoy during the journey.