Simply the thought of having to make a long car ride with a child is enough to give you gray hairs. Plane tickets can put a big dent on your travel budget, so a car trip often proves to be a cheaper option. Since the economy isn't in the best state, many people are doing their best to save money. However, this shouldn't keep you from a much needed vacation. Canada and Mexico are only a car trip away, making a whole different sort of world very accessible for you and your family to explore. Ever since the pasport id card came out, families have been able to travel for much cheaper.
My absolute favorite thing to do on car trips when I was younger were coloring books and craft sets. I remember specifically owning a Barbie coloring book, one with animals, and a huge baggie full of markers and crayons. With these supply in hand, I would spend hours coloring pictures for everyone in the car. Besides these coloring books, I absolutely loved these big felt pieces in all sorts of shapes that had holes in them along the edges. With a shoe lace or a string, it made the perfect little girl sewing set. My brother loved the jumbo building blocks, which could be put together in all sorts of shapes.
My mom would bring along these "worksheets" that had little puzzles on them. As we were driving, she would give me one that I would work really hard to complete, and I would give it back to her to "grade." I always got A's, although I doubt I got everything right, but this fostered in me a love of learning. As I got older, she would give me whole books of puzzles that taught basic addition and reading, and I definitely felt so proud of myself after I completed a page. These trips really do present a great educational opportunity.
With the huge strides technology has been making, new electronic toys for kids like the Leapfrog Leapster are great way for kids to enjoy educational video games that will keep them entertained for hours. Also, on a little less advanced side, you can record your child's favorite storybook on tape. Get a tape recorder and record yourself reading the book; you could even change the names to include your child in the story! Also, don't forget to include noises that indicate where to turn the page.
Passport cards are easy to obtain. All you need to do is visit your passport agency or apply online. Passport cards are so much cheaper than passports, and you get almost the same benefits. A passport card allows you to travel by land or sea instead of airplanes, and they let you travel to many places around the United States. Having these cards lets your family go on a great vacation without putting a hole in your wallet.
So if you just need to get away for a while, you don't need to dread taking along the kids. If you are thinking of hitting the famous beaches of Mexico or seeing some of Canada's natural landscapes, all you need to do is see your American passport office or go online and apply for a pass port card. No matter what you decide to do, the memories will be worth the little extra hassle. I certainly have some great memories with traveling with my family, and I wouldn't trade those memories for anything in the world.
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