What is the definitive guide to Natasha Nicholes's college road trip strategies?

Snacks: I always pack snacks for the journey. It cuts down on stopping to eat randomly, and losing time on the road in a drive-thru. I usually do things that aren’t salty, so that the kids or the adults don’t HAVE to have something to wash it down with.

Rest Stops: If we’re taking a trip to somewhere familiar, I usually scout out the best rest stops. Those with playgrounds, clean-ish bathrooms, and maybe something cool to do while we all get out of the car to stretch our legs.

Music: If you can, invest in Sirius XM, or have LOTS of music to listen to. It makes the time go by faster, and everyone can listen to a variety of music that they like.

Comfortable Clothing: Travel comfortably for the seasons. Flip flops, ease on shoes, shorts, t-shirts. Anything that you don’t have to unbutton, zip or lace up will make for easy trips to the bathroom, and out of the car, when little ones remove their shoes.

Spontaneity: Be spontaneous. If you travel through lots of flat land like we do – being from Illinois and all – and there happens to be a great tourist spot that you ALWAYS see in passing, why not stop by?