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Deciding on a family road trip can be a daunting challenge, not to mention an exercise in patience.  However if you prepare ahead of time, the trip can be one of the most memorable experiences of your family’s life.

Here are some quick and easy tips for making your family road trip a fun and safe one.

First, prepare a checklist of items you will need.  This will include first aid kit, food, snacks, drinks, and lots of toys, coloring books, paper and crayons, a portable DVD player so your kids can watch their favorite movies; and a cooler.  A good idea is to ask the kids what games they would like to take, within limits of course.

Ensure that the snacks are healthy in nature.  Too many sugar snacks can have the kids bouncing off the car seats.  Remember, this is a relaxing family vacation and you want to avoid the kids getting bored or repeatedly asking you when you are going to arrive.

Check online to print out games for the road that you and the kids can play along the way.  There are an assortment of puzzles and riddles as well.

In addition, if you have very young children you will need to take the diaper bag and wipes for the occasional spills, blankets and pillows if applicable and a favourite item or stuffed animal for the young ones is a good idea as well.

Second, decide on the destination and then contact AAA for a trip ticket.  Ask for the scenic route, one that is much more calming and pleasing to the eye, especially the driver!

Third, as you check out the planned route you may want to check online to find gas stations along the way that offer the cheapest gas.  Also if there are any points of interest along the route mark them on the map and plan to stop at these sites.

Fourth, while on the road ensure that you make pit stops regularly.  This will allow the kids to run around and let off some steam, while allowing the adults to stretch and reenergize.  Bring along a football or soccer ball so that the entire family can have some fun while exercising at the same time.

Finally, it is very important that safety concerns are met.  This includes having the car checked at your local mechanic or gas station.  Ensure that the oil and filter are changed; the tires are well inflated (don’t forget the spare tire, too); the windshield wipers are replaced (if needed); and the car is in great condition before you head out.

In addition, you may want to place the following items in your trunk: a lawn chair, extra blanket, emergency road kit, umbrellas, water, flashlight and batteries, a battery-powered radio, and windshield wiper cleaner.  In the glove compartment include a first aid kit and cell phone charger.  Keep all medications in a Ziploc bag in the glove compartment as well.

Another good idea is to take a list of telephone numbers including the hotel or motel where you are staying as well as those of family and friends you may need to contact.

If you enjoy scrapbooking, this road trip may be a perfect opportunity to add new treasures to the book.  As you make stops at some scenic sites, ask the kids to find an item they would like to include in the scrapbook.  Or if the kids point out something along the way that they find fascinating, take a picture of it to include in the scrapbook as well.

Engage the kids in the decision making, age appropriate, and allow them to decide what they would like to bring.  Have them pack their clothes (check the suitcases afterwards) so they feel part of the overall experience. Planning ahead of time for a family road trip will save you time, stress, and money.  And the kids will enjoy this adventure, too!

If you are pregnant, it is very important that you ensure you are safe at all times while driving or flying to a summer destination.

Here are eight travel tips during pregnancy:

1. Always be prepared

Being prepared is important as it lowers your stress level. Always ensure when flying or driving that you have everything you’ll possibly need while on your trip. Within the bag that you’ll be taking with you on board the flight, ensure you have all your vital supplies. It’s best to choose an aisle seat so you can have easy access to the bathroom.

2. Pace Yourself

Try not to over-exert yourself. You are on the trip to have a good time, but you also need to ensure you find time to take a nap and get re-energized. While pregnant you will tire easier, so do not push yourself beyond your means. Find the time to relax and pace yourself. You can still have a good time without trying to do too much that will result in over-exertion.

3. Healthy Food

Always ensure that you have easy access to healthy food, as you do not want to be forced into a situation where you eat food that is not good for you or your baby. It’s a good idea to pack healthy snacks and have those snacks available at all times. If traveling by air, then they should be in a bag beneath your seat, so that you can easily access the snacks when you need them. Of course water is a priority item as well.

4. Stop at Regular Intervals

If you are on a road trip, it’s common for you to want to cover as much ground as possible to get to your destination faster. However, it’s important that you stop to use the bathroom when necessary and to get some circulation flowing.

5. Foot Massage

When you are on a long road trip, it’s critical that you make stops every hour or two to stretch your legs. During pregnancy, your feet tend to swell if they are in a certain position for too long. Thus, it’s important that you take frequent breaks and have your feet stretched and massaged.

6. Vaccinations

If you intend to travel to another country where there are known to be health issues, it’s important that you are up-to-date with your vaccinations. Of course, these vaccinations should take place before you are actually pregnant, or else you would need to discuss with your doctor the risks for having vaccinations while pregnant. Check the CDC website to determine if there are travel advisories to certain countries.

7. Comfortable Clothing

No matter what mode of travel you utilize, you want to feel as comfortable as possible. Therefore, wear clothes that are loose-fitting and provide extra comfort. You want to feel free and at ease, so choose your clothes wisely for the trip.

8. Restaurant Food

When you are dining at a restaurant, review the menu in its entirety and choose the healthiest options available. Most restaurants offer salads and lean meat choices. Treat yourself to a dessert every once in a while, too.

Ever notice how when people give you a list of reason to hire a Virtual Assistant they are typically all the same; back office management, transcribing, RE assistance, cost savings, etc.  We admit it, we also have a pretty typical list of reasons ourselves.  But what about all the non-traditional reason to hire a VA?  Last night it came to me that we always tell our clients that if they don’t see what they need on our list of services that they should email us.  But I am sure there are plenty of you out there who just don’t want to have to do that, or maybe think what you need is not a worthy reason to hire a VA.  So with that in mind I put together a short list of some unconventional uses of a VA.  Of course we are not experts in everything but we are always here to lend a helping hand.  Are any of these reasons near and dear to you?  Do you have some ideas that we have missed?  We want to hear from you…..

• You are not a business owner but you are thinking about becoming one – we can help you do the research. 
• You are a business owner and are thinking of starting another business – we can help you run your existing business while you work on starting your new one.
• You are a non-profit organization and you need an extra hand but you just don’t have it in the budget to hire another full time employee – call us, we work only when you need us and you wont have to worry about benefits or permanent overhead!
• You’re a writer or blogger or reporter, you write and post your own articles but you just need a second set of eyes to look your stuff over and your friends are not always available – we can help!  We can look at your writing with an open and unbiased mind.  And if you do need someone to post for you then we can do that too!
• You’re a Realtor and you have been using the administrative help in your office but need someone that is more focused on your needs – we can help!  I bet you spend a lot of time investing in your marketing materials and searching for new promotional items and networking arenas.  We can print, design and even mail out marketing materials for you.  We can help you maintain your website and upload your listings.  We can even put together special items and house warming gifts for your best clients.    
• You are getting married and you just have so much to do.  Call us – we can stuff envelopes, return calls, work with your bridal consultant when you cant, make appointments, we can even help you send out the thank you cards later - you just have to walk down the aisle!