This is the busiest time of year for family road trips, but don’t let your long-anticipated vacation turn into a nightmare with discontent children.  Cardinale Mazda in Salinas, located at the Salinas Auto Mall, has some tips for how you can survive a road trip with children onboard.

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How To Enjoy A Fun, Fuss-Free Family Road Trip

The key is to traveling with kids is to plan ahead and pack strategically, and don’t sweat the small stuff.  First, use backpacks for each child’s belongings.  It’s so much easier to find their pajamas or a change of clothes instead of retrieving the large suitcase to find what you need.  Let the large suitcase be just for the parents.  Pack plenty of snacks and drinks to keep your kids well-fed and hydrated.  Prepare for spills by having wipes in the car and a trash bag.  Choose outings on your vacation that will appeal to everyone.  Finally, try to travel earlier in the day or late in the evening when the sun is not so hot and bright.

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Keep The Kids Entertained

For entertainment, consider taking along CDs of favorite kids’ songs, books, handheld electronic games, writing tablets and colored pencils (note, not crayons because they will melt in your car in the Summer), a deck of cards like Go Fish, or math or alphabet flash cards, and their favorite stuffed animal or action figure.  If your children are young, don’t forget to bring their blanket and a pillow.  Engage your children in games such as “I Spy,” road sign bingo, or for older kids, the license plate game.  If you vehicle is outfitted with a DVD player, pack their favorite DVDs and one DVD they’ve never seen.  Be silly with them and sing along to tunes like “Let It Go” from Disney’s “Frozen.”  For a long trip of three days or more duration, consider packing wrapped small gifts that your children can open during a particularly long stretch.  Something new will keep them preoccupied!

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Come To Cardinale Mazda For Your Next Family Vehicle

The next time you’re in the market for a new family vehicle, visit us first at Cardinale Mazda in Salinas.  All of the 2017 Mazda models have been designated with the highest IIHS Top Safety Pick+ award.  Mazda cares about keeping your family safe.  Consider the family-friendly, three row 2017 Mazda CX-9, the 2017 Mazda 6 or the 2017 Mazda CX-5 crossover SUV.  Check out our website at www.cardinalemazda.com for a complete listing of our inventory.  We’ve got a great selection of the latest Mazda models and Certified Preowned vehicles.  You can’t go wrong with a Mazda!

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Cardinale Mazda

500 Auto Center Circle

Salinas, California 93907

Phone: 877.989.9252

Website: www.cardinalemazda.com