Road Trip, Bambino Style

How do you travel with a child without going insane? Here's the scoop, keep them entertained. We do mostly car travel with our family. The main reason for this is that I have not yet been brave enough to board a plane with my son and husband. Nor have I felt brave enough to fly the friendly skies alone with the aforementioned child. Are you looking for some great travel toys beyond a favorite book or two and a lovey? I prefer car toys that do not make their own noise. Activity books for preschoolers like this one http://www.constplay.com/family/default.htm from Constructive Playthings have lots to do (and all the pieces are attached!). Our Magna-doodle is a perfect way to take art on the road without the mess. Older kiddos may enjoy a more complex etch-a-sketch. We make sure that we have plenty of music to play and the travel DVD player. We keep a ball in the car for use during our stretch breaks. Toys with lots of pieces (Legos, puzzles, etc) get left at home. It is too hard to keep up with all the pieces as we travel; I refuse to even attempt it. (Well, ever since the tragic loss of Monkey #10 - This is the rule.) Snacks are also a great way to pass the time and keep us all happy. I like dry cereal, cookies, crackers, and freeze-dried fruit for the "less mess" scenario with a small child. What are some of your families favorite travel toys/activities? What are your opinions and experiences with hotel kid packs? The coloring books and crayons are always a nice touch. On one trip to a theme park the resort included a themed (new) bath toy squirter for our child. That was fun and unique! .