Car trips with the kids don't have to be stressful

It’s hot and your family is heading for a fun vacation destination, but there’s still that long car ride that has to happen first. And no, a car with unhappy, complaining children isn’t the best way to get that vacation off to a great start.

While children usually get excited about the upcoming getaway, they also have a low level of patience and are easily bored sitting in a car. How to minimize the stress a car trip can bring for both parents and children?

Start by being prepared. Are the tires in good shape, the air conditioning working, oil levels checked and the gas tank full? Get it all d...