Make sure to approve your snack bag before leaving the house on your family road trip. Your mom will likely pack apples, dried fruit and maybe the occasional Tootsie Pop. I like to make sure I have something sweet, something salty and some gum, in case you are driving in high altitude. Also, my mom wants me to tell your parents to buy those packing cubes you see on Amazon for snacks. I’m not sure why, but she says they won’t regret it.

Of course, you’ll want your iPad or favorite electronic game fully charged the night before and downloaded with your favorite movies and apps. But, after doing all that, don’t forget your headphones! My dad says he doesn’t like listening to The Greatest Showman soundtrack while he is driving—which I don’t get because the music is amazing!—but he says he’s just being a good driver.

I have this giant dog my parents bought me from IKEA. No, seriously, this thing is massive. She’s my sleeping buddy. I make sure to bring her on family road trips because she functions just like a pillow. If you don’t have a giant dog like mine, then bring a pillow or another favorite stuffed animal. But don’t forget this one. Family road trips can take forever (or, at least, it feels like forever), and if you’re anything like me, you’ll want to get in a power nap.

Before you even climb into your minivan to hit the open road, get an idea of how long the family road trip will be. Trust me, knowing beforehand will help. Then I don’t have to keep asking, “Are we there yet?” Also, consider this—if you’re going to be in the car for more than eight hours, I highly urge you to consider a plane instead. I especially like spring family road trips, but I have a hard time riding in the car for more than eight hours at a time. I just get too fidgety. After all, isn’t that what flights are for sometimes?

Okay, I know I look disgusted here, but I was actually having fun. My parents like to take little pit stops along the way. They say it helps the trip feel shorter (which is so strange, because it actually makes the trip longer, but whatever). Anyway, my mom found this cute coffee shop during our last summer family road trip. Super-cute place for lunch, but I’m warning you… step away from the caramels!

When you FINALLY get where you are going, take a moment to let it sink in that you’ve arrived. Take a deep breath, kick back and let the vacation begin. After all, you deserve it—you’ve worked hard for your family road trip, and your parents will also appreciate it!

Photos by Stephanie Cross, Many Hats of a Mom