• 1
• 2
• 3
• 4

Here are Family Travel Forum's most popular ways to keep baby quiet, calm, safe and happy during every stage of your journey, and avoid the "Are We There Yets?"

Here's our pick of the top 50 tried n' true tips, culled from families who've logged enough road miles to circumnavigate the globe.  Whether you're driving to the local mall or across the sands to Timbuktu, there's bound to be a tip you haven't thought of!

Before Departure

1.   Make sure your vehicle or rental car gets a thorough pre-journey inspection.

2.   Pack a spare tire and repair kit, flashlight, candles, safety matches, a waterproof tarp, blankets, and a gallon of water in case of emergencies.

3.   Copy and carry all drivers' licenses, registration, insurance policy papers and car keys.

4.   If you're renting a car, don't pull out of the lot until you've checked the owner's manual, spare tire, tools, radio/CD player, headlights, windshield wipers, A/C, GPS and obtained a 24/7 contact number.

5.  Call the D.O.T. Travel Safety Association Auto Safety Hotline (888/DASH-2-DOT) or visit www.nhtsa.dot.gov for current highway safety reports.

6.  Contact the local tourist information office or your automobile club for free maps and destination information. Use www.familytravelforum.com and other Internet resources to find local festivals and special events en route.

7.  Ask kids 3+ to help with trip planning by sharing brochures with them.

8.  Select one activity per day to please each child, note hours of operation, then plan ahead.

9.  Long drives with infants are easiest on the whole family if you stick to flat, well-marked, well-lit highways, where the driver can breathe a little easier.

10.  Review your route and explain if there will be stressful driving zones ahead. Devise a signal in advance so children will know immediately when you need tranquility to navigate tough intersections or narrow winding roads.

11. When the kids learn to appreciate scenery, call 800/4-BYWAYS or visit www.byways.org for a list of federally-designated National Scenic Byways.

12. Set realistic driving goals; end each day at a motel or hotel with pool for off-road fun. 

13. Make a route map for the backseat: photocopy an enlargement, cut it into one-day-drive sheets, cover with clear contact paper, and let kids 4+ discover on their own, "Are we there yet?"