When you’re planning your next family vacation, take some time to plan for the car trip as well. Long hours cramped in the car can make even the best-behaved child cranky or irritable. With our travel tips, you’ll remember more from your family vacation than the words, “Are we there yet?”

1. Bring a pack. Let each child pack a backpack of car-appropriate toys. Handheld electronic toys are an obvious choice, but consider headphones as well. Some headphones come in animal shapes for younger children. Non-electronic toys include magnetic doodling toys, koosh balls, etch-a-sketch, ponies, and stuffed animals. Even toddlers can pick a few toys for themselves. Kids may surprise you with their choices – common household items can be amusing in the hands of a child.

2. Movie time ideas. In-car movie players and portable DVD players have become a sanity-saver for many parents, allowing actual adult conversation to take place in the front seat. Consider limiting movie time to trips over an hour, or powering it down after lunch for a few hours. Car games like alphabet scavenger hunt or car bingo can be fun diversions as well.

3. Start on a full belly. While it can be tempting to start first thing in the morning, consider leaving after a meal. Younger kids will fall asleep, and older ones will be satisfied for at least a little while. Plus, full stomachs can ward off carsickness.

4. Don’t forget sunglasses. Even if it’s cloudy, you may hit a patch of sunshine that no sunshade will keep out of children’s eyes, especially when driving due east or west.

5. Pack portable snacks and drinks. Keep non-messy snacks and drinks handy. Bags of cereal, crackers, cut up fruit and drinks with lids keep kids satisfied until it’s time to stop for a meal.

6. Eat at local restaurants. While fast food may be convenient, try a local diner along the way. Many restaurants offer discount dining coupons, and children’s meals are often very reasonable. Skipping the drive-thru gives everyone a break from the car.

7. Drive while they sleep. If your children will sleep in the car, consider leaving at night. Eat an early dinner and pack the kids in their jammies. Once it’s lights out, you can make real progress along your route.

Planning a family vacation? What tips have worked for you and your family?

Money in the Bank

Wisconsin’s 4th annual Money Smart Week kicks off October 10 and runs through October 17, 2009. All week, communities around the state will host activities to educate consumers on how to better manage personal finances.

Hundreds of organizations including banks, schools, colleges and libraries are offering approximately 500 free educational classes and seminars. They’ll cover topics such as easy ways to save money, travel tips for traveling on a budget, basic financial planning and budgeting tools. See Money Smart Wisconsin for classes and events in your area.

These money saving tips come at a crucial time as you work to beat the financial squeeze. Smart shopping strategies to stretch your dollar include using money saving coupons and gift certificates when you make purchases.

Here at RTownShopper.com, we’re helping families save money with hundreds of discount gift certificates to restaurants and businesses. Traveling? We’ve got travel discounts for 19 cities in Wisconsin. That means more money left in the piggy bank for you. That’s smart money, and it makes good sense too.

Have you attended any Money Smart Week events? Learn any great tips? Share them in the comments!