Planning a family summer vacation with a fair amount of driving? Although we can't reduce the stress of today's gas prices, we can offer suggestions to make traveling with your kids more pleasant.

Start by remembering how boring car trips can be for someone locked in that back seat. Entertainment distractions, like books, games, puzzles, and handheld electronic games, can keep kids occupied, reduce boredom and avoid family stress.

Music is also a great pacifier for kids, especially teens. Earbuds and an MP3 or portable CD player mean happier traveling kids and quiet time for Mom and Dad. Another popular option is an inexpensive (often under $100), portable DVD player. A few DVDs and earphones usually yield hours of quiet, happy kids.

Help your kids plan their "boredom breakers." Have them pack a "fighting boredom" bag of fun goodies. For younger children, help them choose a variety of engaging items, then hand them out one at a time during the trip, including a couple of new surprises you sneak in. For car seat toddlers, have a basket of toys, and as each one gets dropped, just hand over another. At the next rest stop, put them back in the basket and start over again.

Of course, you'd also like the kids to actually experience some of the trip. One technique is to have them map out the travel route, listing landmarks and interesting things, before the trip. Then let them track the trip progress on the map and tell you when something is coming up. Stopping at some of the most inviting ones keeps kids involved, helps break the boredom, and provides opportunities to stretch and blow off steam. Plus you'll often see entertaining or enlightening things.

And breaks, even short ones, do matter. Teens might endure 10 hours of driving, but most small kids will melt down after six. Make the journey, not just the destination, part of your vacation fun.

Finally, don't forget how much food counts. A hungry child is never a happy child. Bring along snacks and a cooler of drinks, or make frequent food stops. Wellfed youngsters and teens make for better traveling companions.

Driving is often necessary for many family vacations and still the most economical way to travel with a family. With a little planning, lots of entertaining distractions, and plenty of snacks, your family driving vacation cannot only be less stressful, but a lot more enjoyable.