Never get the gas station sushi.

Eat some Vietnamese, Korean, or Mexican food while you are in Orange County.

Download the Harry Potter and the Sorcerer's Stone eBook. Heck, download the whole series. It's fantastic. Something that keeps my mind engaged is always the best way to keep me alert while driving.

My suggestion probably won't work for you.

Rent a car.... anything over say 300 miles you are better off renting....

Be mentally prepared for hours of.... “are we there yet?”

With kids pack some snacks & drinks, a variety, somewhat healthy. I’d keep a few plastic bags for garbage also. You may need a few energy drinks.

quote:

On long trips, I buy a nice hydraulic jack (at an O’Rileys or Auto Zone) and then return it if I haven’t used it.

You did use it. You just didn't use it to jack the vehicle.

quote:

Originally posted by matai:


Is a can of fix a flat a good idea? I've heard that stuff is controversial...

No. A plug kit is much better if you have to patch it yourself.

I've done it myself a few times. Even done it with the tire on the car.

Best though if the tire is removed and patched from the inside by a tire shop but the plugs have never failed me on a tire that can be patched.

Chocolate covered coffee beans. 3 = a cup of strong coffee but eliminate the need to stop at nasty rest stops.

That is a super easy drive, freeway all the way. Your biggest challenge is going to be the kids.

We have taken several long trips with our 5 year old granddaughter and on the last one we borrowed a portable DVD player, made a big difference. Watch the time of day as you really don't want to be driving through the big cities during rush hour.

Imodium can be your bestest friend ever as can a a bunch of baby wipes. A leatherman tool, extra glasses, photocopy of your DL credit card etc. enough cash to buy gas for a trip home at stupid high prices. Banking computers go to shit occasionally your cc may not be the backup you hoped.

With all those supplies, where’s he going to put the luggage?

I rented a car for a long road trip this past summer.I reserved the car at the beginning of May and got a very good deal for doing it so early.