The ideal family road trip begins with two simple things: an open road and a full backseat. The direction the trip takes, however, is almost entirely up to planning. And sure, maybe you’ve thought of the essentials—the snacks, the toys, the fully-charged tablets—but there’s bound to be something you’ve missed.

That’s why we put together a complete checklist of everything to consider before leaving for your family vacation, including expert advice on packing smart, staying safe, keeping kids entertained, and setting road trip rules for a smooth journey.

1. Focus on Car Safety

Begin with a thorough inspection of your road trip car. Check the tires, mirrors, fluids, and lights to ensure everything is functioning properly. Tire pressure and tread depth affect your control over the car, your lights help other drivers see you, and properly adjusted mirrors make certain that you see them. Additionally, maintaining your fluid levels—like coolant, engine oil, and brake fluid— keeps your engine running smoothly throughout your trip.

For more information on car safety checks, view this guide by the Department of Motor Vehicles.

2. Stock Up on Supplies

Pack enough supplies to last the length of your trip, and research stores along the route in case you need to pick something up. When traveling with young kids, keep the most important supplies within arm’s reach.

“I make sure they have everything they need right next to them so they don’t need to get out of their seats,” says mother of two and long-time traveler Emma Scott-Child, who runs a website for parents about crafting, design, and kid-wrangling called Ladyland. “Each kid has a backpack with all their things in them, including a water bottle.”

Must-have supplies might include:

• A bathroom bag with essentials like diapers, wipes, sanitary pads, a portable potty, wet wipes, or a fold-out changing table
• A clean-up kit with your favorite cleaning supplies, including a non-toxic all-purpose spray, microfiber towels, and bleach wipes
• Lots of water to keep kids properly hydrated, which helps regulate their body temperature and aids in digestion
• A car window shade to block the sun from beaming through the backseat windows (it also protects your little ones from any unnecessary sunburns)
• A small trash bag for waste
• Chargers with car adaptors
• Blankets, pillows, and warm coats
• Hand sanitizer
• Car sickness medicine if your family gets queasy
• Car seat organizers
• A sick bag if your child is prone to nausea, suggests Scott-Child

In case of emergency, you should also bring a first aid kit, suggests Bree Lustre, MD, a board-certified pediatrician and founder of East Nashville Pediatrics. In it, you can include kid-friendly medication like ibuprofen (for children older than 6 months) or acetaminophen. Dr. Lustre also suggests a nasal saline spray and a nasal aspirator for combatting nasal congestion, as well as cetirizine for allergies (including mild food allergy symptoms in children older than 6 months).

3. Get Enough Sleep and Stretch When Possible

Getting enough sleep is important for a successful drive, as it helps you stay alert and reduces the risk of an accident. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute recommends that adults aim for 7 to 9 hours of sleep per night. “Sleep deprivation is associated with an increased risk of car accidents,” says Dr. Lustre.

Moreover, stretching is crucial. Aim to stretch before the trip and during any breaks, as long drives can cause tension from sitting in place for extended periods. This can lead to muscle stiffness, reduced blood circulation, and unnecessary pressure on your joints.

Sitting too long without breaks also increases the risk for blood clots, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).

4. Bring Healthy Snacks For the Whole Family

Finding healthy snacks your kids will actually eat can be challenging, especially when they’re surrounded by flashy fast-food billboards. To make it easier, portion simple snacks ahead of time, like high-protein cheese, yogurt pouches, and fruit snacks. If you’re bringing a cooler, consider keeping fresh, pre-cut fruits and veggies for a quick, healthy bite.

Dr. Lustre cautions parents against packing snacks that could pose a choking hazard for young kids. “Specific low-risk foods will vary depending on the age of the child. Popcorn, hard candies, and carrot sticks are higher risk for choking.”

Here are some additional low-risk snacks that are easy to take on a family road trip:

• Pre-made sandwiches
• Jerky made with beef, chicken, bison, or venison
• Freeze-dried fruit like strawberries and mango
• Dried seaweed
• Hard-boiled eggs 
• Oatmeal muffins 
• Rice cake sandwiches with almond butter

A good way to try local foods is by adding to your snack bag as your family stops at attractions and rest stops. Scott-Child suggests bringing a large snack bag for this very reason. “Gradually, it builds up over the holiday with sweet and savory treats from all the places we’ve been that we can tuck into on the drive,” she explains.

5. Be Prepared To Navigate Your Trip

In the world of smartphones, do you really still need a GPS? It depends on where you’re traveling. Some major interstates have terrible cell service, which could leave your family stranded without an internet connection for map apps. To avoid this dilemma, invest in a high-quality GPS with up-to-date data and pre-download your route. It’s also a good idea to bookmark any stops you want to make in advance.

Consider involving your kids in the navigation process, which gives them a hands-on experience while also keeping them engaged. Print out directions and let them sift through it as you drive. You can even quiz them on their navigation skills by asking questions like, “Which interstate did we just get on?”

6. Have Family-Friendly Entertainment Ready

Sure, the iPads are probably charged, the bulky cases are snapped on, and the YouTube videos are pre-downloaded. But getting entertainment ready for a long road trip means more than just having an episode of CoComelon downloaded on the devices.

Put together a family playlist of sing-a-long songs that you can all jam to. Some kid-friendly artists include They Might Be Giants, Taylor Swift, Laurie Berkner, and Ella Jenkins. Your family can also play fun car games, such as telephone and the alphabet game, to pass the time.

It’s also worth exploring family-friendly audiobooks and podcasts to keep your kids entertained throughout the trip. For younger kids, consider audiobooks like The Frog and Toad Audio Collection, Cowgirl Kate and Cocoa, and Mouse Tales. For older kids, podcasts can be excellent conversation starters. Explore these podcasts with your tween or teen: This American Life, Stuff You Should Know, and Teenager Therapy.

7. Plan The Timing Right

Allow extra time to account for traffic, bathroom breaks, and any unexpected roadside attractions. Try to work around your child’s sleep schedule to avoid sleep deprivation or crankiness. If possible, leave for your road trip early in the morning to avoid any rush-hour traffic.

Consider your arrival time as well. If you’re visiting family, aim to arrive when they’re awake and home. Or, if you’re staying at a hotel, try to get there around or before check-in to settle in comfortably.

8. Pack Light

Packing light helps you find supplies more easily, creates extra room in the car, and saves you the hassle of transporting countless bags. You can usually buy essentials (like shampoo) at your destination, as long as you’re not headed to a remote location.

Consider labeling items with tape and markers. This way, when everything is stacked in the trunk, it’s easier to identify what you might need without cracking open all the suitcases.

9. Create an Itinerary

Creating an itinerary is an excellent way to stay organized and make sure everyone gets to experience something they’re excited about. You can prepare the itinerary in advance by asking each member of your family what they would like to do. Remember to factor in bathroom breaks, traffic, or last-minute complications that could arise. But don’t be afraid to venture off the beaten path, says Scott-Child. “Plan well but prepare to go off plan. If you see an amazing beach, stop and have a swim!”

10. Set Road Trip Rules

Since everyone in your family will be stuck together in an enclosed space for hours upon hours, set some road trip rules. These rules shouldn’t aim to restrict your children’s ability to enjoy themselves on vacation, but to provide everyone with a sense of peace.

Here are a few road trip rules to consider setting before your trip:

• No unwanted touching
• No screaming
• Keep your seat clean
• Keep your seatbelt on at all times

Set a good example by honoring a few rules yourself, like staying alert, keeping both hands on the wheel, and avoiding phone use while driving. “Distracted driving is a major cause of accidents,” cautions Dr. Lustre. “Texting or using the phone while driving should be avoided to keep everyone safe and also model safe driving for our kids.”