Travel Age West magazine reminds us that the great American road trip is a time-honored tradition that many families will embark on this summer. Here are some tips to make the most of the experience:

Only Pack the Essentials
You might assume that you need to bring a myriad gadgets and supplies with you on a road trip, but you don’t need to bring as much as they think.  For example, contact hotels in advance along your route. Many have cribs available — and that means more space in the trunk for other goodies.

If your destination is a theme park, think about ditching your stroller since many parks offer rentals. Also, be sure to check the weather so that heavy jackets and clunky boots aren’t carried along unnecessarily.

Be Strategic About Toys and Snacks
Car activities and snacks can make or break a family journey. Consider checking out audio books from the library for the kids — or, if they have their own headphones and MP3 players, the parents can take this opportunity to listen to a book or podcast of their choosing in the front seat.

Activity books that include word jumbles, mazes, crossword puzzles and Sudoku can also be effective entertainment options. Of course, digital tablets loaded with movies and games work as well. Don’t forget to bring along requisite power cords and a car USB adapter — you could have a mutiny on your hands once the devices run out of juice.

Pack snacks that have protein, as they will keep the group feeling full for longer such as cheese sticks, protein bars and different types of nuts.

On certain stretches of highway, fast-food eateries are often your only option, so grab fresh fruit and pre-cut vegetables from home so you can get a few vitamins into the kids. Cucumber slices and apples can stay fresh in a small cooler at the kids’ feet.

Rest Stops Are More Than a Necessity
Every seasoned traveler knows that rest stops are stress-free spots to change diapers and have a quick picnic lunch, but they can also be a soccer field or a playground for kids who have been cooped up for far too long in the car. Always pack a ball or other playground toys on longer road trips so that the kids can run off some energy. If you have toddlers, playing tag is another way to wear out little legs.

If you don’t want to spend much time at highway rest stops, create one of your own in the towns you pass. Do a little research in advance and scope out places for lunch or local parks.

Have a Plan (But Be Open to Change)
Almost every adventure needs some sort of structure to begin with, but you always need to leave a little wriggle room for spontaneity. After all, kids can be unpredictable.