Families all over the country have had it with the economic slump and are heading back out for good old-fashioned family road trips. Taking the route 66, from Chicago to L.A. is one of the most popular road trips, offering many fun sites to check out along the way.

But, before you jump in the car and join the crowd, you may want to follow a few road trip tips to ensure a good time is had by all. After making sure that your car is tuned up and ready for the trip, you’ll want to make sure you and your family are ready, too. Start with a first aid kit for the car. It may not seem like part of the fun, but you can make it that way by involving your kids in putting together a first aid kit.

Hit the pharmacy section at the local store and work together to cover all the basics like bandages, burn cream, and bug repellant. You’ll also probably need some emergency water, a road flare, and a jump kit- just in case.

Next, take the family to the toy section and the art supplies section to put together a family activities kit. You’ll need some things to keep the youngest ones occupied when they’ve asked “Are we there yet?” for the hundredth time. Look for coloring and activity books, Mad Libs books are fun, magnetic car games, and a book of road songs- if you dare.

Finally, the fun part. Pack the snacks. Hopefully, you have room for a cooler and can keep some drinks and sandwiches cold. Easy car snacks are chips, carrots, trail mix, beef jerky, and fruit leather. Get the kids in on the action and give everyone a chance to pick something. Watch out for easily melted items like chocolate.

Now, just plan your trip with an idea of the sites you want to stop at. Using Google Maps or a road map can help you identify what you’ll see along the way. Select the sites you want to pull over for or just hop in the car and watch for site markers. Just make sure you bring the camera so you can remember what the world’s largest walnut looks like!