Fun family road trip

Here are some behind-the-wheel secrets.

• No. 1 requirement: flexibility. Let's face it, luggage goes missing, campgrounds fill up and people feel under the weather, and if we're talking six or eight individuals vacationing together, the chances of the unexpected multiply.
Be prepared to make your plans accommodate circumstances, not the other way around.

• If your would-be travellers aren't compromisers, consider stashing your suitcases back in the basement and having a nice barbecue instead. Yes, of course the group will split up once in awhile to accommodate diverse interests – but often some people will just have to put up with what's planned. And often they'll be rewarded for forbearance: my husband had a great time at Disneyland in spite of his adult cynicism; my stepson (now 21) thought, quite unexpectedly, that the Saskatchewan patchwork of blooming flax and canola was spectacular.

• Plan for everything to take about twice as long (or longer) as you expect. Newly out of university, my girlfriends and I could drive from Toronto to New York City in 10 hours. With kids it takes two days, minimum.

• That said, the catch-22 of en masse touring is that you do have to be somewhat organized - especially if you're travelling at peak tourist times when motel rooms and campsites are at a premium. Use the miraculous Mapquest (www.mapquest.com) to download your route, and book accommodations in advance.

• Pets: We've never travelled with animals aboard, but friends who do suggest you make absolutely certain that all your planned accommodations – including campgrounds - welcome pets (check out www.petfriendly.ca and www.pettravel.com). If not, or if your pet is prone to motion sickness, find him a good home-away-from-home while you're away.

• Stop driving for the day no later than the supper hour.

• If your destination is more than two days away, consider stopping for an entire day somewhere along the way where the kids can run off some steam and the older members of the tour can get some rest.

• No more than two adults to a hotel room or four to a vehicle, unless you happen to own a stretch limo or a school bus.

• Camping can save you lots of money (especially if you own all your gear already). But don't attempt it if you've never camped before.

• When budgeting for your trip, don't forget taxes. If you're going out of province, remember that sales taxes vary – call your destination first and find out what they are. And don't budget so tightly that you can't meet any unexpected expenses: movies on rainy days, replacements for lost hats or sunglasses, or meals and accommodations that cost a little more than you had planned.

• Plan to get home with at least one whole day to spare before you have to be anywhere (e.g., work). You'll need it to unpack, do the laundry, sleep and wind down the kids.

• Delegate. Women on vacation tend to do the same thing they do at home: look after everybody else. Ask everyone to pitch in with packing, cleanups, babysitting and errand running - it's your holiday, too!