A strategy we used on a long trip was to buy a few things that the kids had
had on their wish list for a while (gameboys, in our case), without telling
them.  On the trip, we just held them in reserve until it was clear that a
significant distraction was in order.

Worked like a charm.  We didn't even pull them out until the second day
iirc.

Also stopping and throwing a frisbee at rest stops is a great refresher for
all ages.

mike

On Sun, Nov 22, 2009 at 7:52 PM, Jonce Fancher <streetbugs@verizon.net>wrote:

>
>> Be prepared for everything and Nothing will happen!
>> The kid will get antsy make sure you take coloring books, Favorite
>> toys. Leapsters are great and they learn from them. Kids Music. We
>> set my kids up early with headphones and CDs and they love it. Also
>> have a Laptop to play movies with and with out headphones. The miles
>> will turn into a blink of an eye when your kid is happy. Also do not
>> forget snacks.
>> Nothing is more fun then hanging out with your kid/kids in a westy.
>> Everyone knows whos kid it is. Make sure they wear a VW T-shirt so
>> if they get lost they will be returned to the Bus.
>> Take your time. It will be the most fun you will ever have with your
>> kids and VWs. My kids are 7 & 9. Both Girls, Still allot of times we
>> yell "Don't make me stop the Bus" All in all a Great time.
>> Enjoy your trip. Your Kid WILL!!!
>> C-ya Jonce
>>
>>
>>
>>  So here's the deal, I've had my 86 Westy for 3 1/2 years now.  I
>>> don't put many miles on it, it gets alot of use hauling lumber and
>>> other crap from Lowes.  Each summer we take it locally to camp and
>>> what not on weekends that we have nothing planned.  I've never
>>> taken it more than 5 or 6 hours away.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Well I gotta bug up my butt to go see the Wanee Festival (
>>> http://www.waneefestival.com/ ) in Florida this spring.  Take a
>>> week or so to take our time driving back and see some friends in
>>> the Carolinas.  It is a 15 hours straight drive and I know that is
>>> out of the question with a 4 year old, we'd break it up in two
>>> chunks, use a motel on the ride down.  We've gone to North Carolina
>>> once with our daughter when she was two and she did great, we did
>>> it in a comfy 80 mph crusin' Passat.  Oh yeah we live in western
>>> Pennsylvania.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> So here are my concerns;
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Will travelling this distance with a 4 year old be more of a pain
>>> than it is fun?
>>>
>>> I'm not worried about the festival she loves that stuff.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I'm concerned about taking the van that far away, I maintain it
>>> pretty good and it has never let me down but that is a haul.  I'd
>>> probably get someone to check it out for me and of course pay for
>>> the Premium AAA.  My other option is to take on of the cars and
>>> pack a tent and all that crap, hope for no rain.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> I'd just like to hear some varying perspectives on this before I
>>> reach a decision.
>>>
>>>
>>>
>>> Ryan
>>>
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>>