Just the thought of a long car ride with a child is enough to make you tired. However, plane tickets can take a large toll on your bank account, and sometimes making the trip in the car is cheaper. With the economy struggling to get back on its feet, pinching a penny here and there can allow you and your family to take a much needed vacation. Canada and Mexico, as our closest neighbors, make great options for a very different kind of family adventure. Especially with the introduction of the passport id card, you and your family can take a fun trip without the hassle of airports.

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 also provided me with these little “worksheets” with some easy puzzles on them. She would hand me one, I would complete it, and hand it to her to “grade.” I’m proud to say that I always got A pluses on those worksheets. Big books full of these puzzles are a great way to introduce some education to your child. For example, when I was a little bit older, I learned to add from this big book that taught me in the simplest sort of way. So view these long trips as a great learning 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.

In order to get your passport card, you can either visit a passport agency or apply on line. These cards are dramatically cheaper than regular passports. They allow you to travel by land or sea to various destinations, but they won’t be good for a plane trip. This way, you and your family can go on vacation and not have to worry about dropping half your travel budget on investing in new passports.

If you are thinking of taking a vacation, you don’t need to waste any time worrying about what to do with the kids. Whether you want to take a Mexican siesta or explore some beautiful Canadian landscapes, get your pass port card by visiting your local U.S. passport office, or simply going online. Some of my best memories come from traveling with my family, and you can give these memories to your very own children with an awesome family road trip.

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