I’ve grown fond of sharing stories with you readers over the past few months. Here’s the not-so-fun story of my first road trip with Addy.

Imagine if you will, driving four and a half hours with a three month old. Not so bad, since all they do is sleep. Now imagine your baby wakes up alone, in the dark and strapped to a car seat. Tears were had by both parties. I had to stop somewhere I hadn’t planned and was unsure how safe the area was.

This mishap was entirely my fault. Once she went down, I got cocky and thought I could make the whole drive in one shoot. I will never make the same mistake twice, and hope I can pass on some wisdom to help keep the “getting there” part half the fun.

First, make a game plan and stick to it. This is especially important with a newborn’s feeding schedule, but is necessary for all. Map out your route and know where you plan to stop. Well-lit rest areas at night are a godsend, but big diesel truck stops are equally promising. Don’t deviate and end up in a scene from Deliverance.

Next, keep everyone’s stomachs full. Make sure to eat before you leave, have snacks at the ready or make a meal part of the trip. There is not much worse than a hungry, grumpy little one. Stay hydrated, as well. If your excursion has a physical element to it (lots of walking, swimming, etc.), then you don’t want the fam tuckered out before they begin.

BE PREPARED. Forecast calls for rain all day? Throw the sunscreen in the bag anyway. Going to the beach? Keep a pair of comfortable walking shoes in the trunk. Being away from the comforts of home will be less daunting if you plan for multiple scenarios.

Lastly, make being cooped up in the car as fun as you can. You might think of that as time to catch up on some reading or take a nap, but it can be a great place to make some lasting memories. Play a car game like the one where you hunt for out-of-state license plates or words that begin with every letter of the alphabet. Make a puzzle book (like my mother did) that has trip-themed activities. Make a bag with some of their favorite goodies with a disposable camera. Yes, they still make those and yes, they still develop film. They will still take photos with their devices, I’m sure. But a little novelty and nostalgia is good for the soul.

As usual, the key to any activity with your kids is flexibility on your part. A little indulgence in childhood frivolity keeps you young, too.