• Let the kids help plan. "Get them a little bit involved in deciding where to go," said Jensen. "Take it seriously that they're part of the deal, rather than they're just luggage. Give them a reason why you're traveling. Make it so it's a shared trip."

• Pack things so that the often-used items will be within easy reach. Make sure you can get to the rain gear easily, Jensen said, and bring some "favorites," like pillows and blankets. "Pack the Frisbee so that you can get at it," he says.

• Allow children to choose a small toy or game to take along on the trip. "Something new. That way, they're excited and enthusiastic to pile in and begin to enjoy the new item," O'Rourke Hayes said.

• Use the trip as a teaching opportunity for kids. It's a great time to let them get acquainted with reading a map. "Ask your child to help navigate and discuss the details of the trip," she said.

• Don't underestimate a bribe. If that word bothers you, consider it an inducement. O'Rourke Hayes suggests offering a reward for a day with no fighting. "If there's no fighting or arguing you can go swimming right away," she suggests. "Or have ice cream."

• When it comes to snacks, look for "things that don't squish or dry out," Jensen said. "Apples are better than bananas."

The Rand McNally Web site offers this list of healthy snacks: Oranges, apples, bananas (careful how you pack 'em), crackers, pretzels, string cheese, juice boxes and bottled water.

Be especially careful about drinking enough water, they say. Even mild dehydration can cause headaches and other discomforts.

• Avoid games and electronic devices that don't promote interaction. Your kids may love their Game Boy, but remember that the idea behind a family trip is to spend time together.

"Why exactly are we all sitting in this car together? We're supposed to have this shared experience," Jensen said.

He loves books on tape. Some titles that are likely to appeal to both parents and kids are "Mary Poppins" ("a fabulous book; it's really nicely written," he says) and the "Lemony Snicket" series. "They're good for adults, too. There's a bit of sophistication," he says of the Lemony Snicket tapes, which are read by actor Tim Curry of "Rocky Horror Picture Show" fame.

• Keep a "community travel diary." Get a book of blank pages and let everyone write their thoughts and observations as they go. Jensen thinks this is a great way to preserve memories, though he concedes that his family (he's the father of twin 7-year-old boys) doesn't get more than a few days into their diary. Still, it's worth a try. "Anything you can do to remember . . . because you will forget a day later," he says. "You can pass it around."

• Consider inexpensive or disposable cameras for kids, Rand McNally suggests.

• Talk. "Get caught up, perhaps even really get to know each other," O'Rourke Hayes said. "Sometimes it takes time to reach a child in conversation," she notes, "particularly a pre-teen or teen. Honestly, I think the most underrated thing is conversation. Talk about family history, use it as a time to share memories."

Said Jensen, "We do lots of word games and rhyming games. But it's basically trying to keep that group spirit up."

• Try a diner or cafι. "I know it's kind of scary sometimes because people want their chicken McNuggets," Jensen said. "But the whole point of traveling is having new experiences. So often that's a great way to connect with the differences of places."

• Pack disinfectant wipes to use after using public restrooms or play areas, O'Rourke Hayes recommends.

• It's OK to stop. In fact, it's crucial, according to Jensen.

"The stopping is hard. You get sort of hypnotized by the highway, the white line fever," he says. He recommends stopping at least every two hours.

O'Rourke Hayes attributes many of the back-seat car wars to pent-up energy and not enough stopping to stretch and run around.

Says Jenson: "People get too focused on their destination instead of just enjoying being together and seeing something new. People kind of over-plan. My whole point is, this is time. Time is precious, so just enjoy the drive. Talk to each other. Pull off the road if you see something interesting.

"Remember why you're out there. It's supposed to be fun. It's not supposed to be work."