Bring music or interesting audio books to listen to on the trip.

Your music interests are different from your children’s.  Consider giving them their own CD or tape player.  Bring an extra supply of batteries and negotiate in advance about usage time.

This is a chance for "quality time".  Take advantage of the opportunity and talk !

Create some games to play in the car.  It will help shorten the trip.  Try finding different license plate numbers, add up license plate numbers, look for out of state plates etc.  The kids should do well since they will be in the backseat and don't have to pay attention to driving !   See who can find the most different models of cars, the most convertibles or the most Hummers ! .

Play "once upon a time".  Have one person begin a story, then they pass it to the next person.  They can add on or embellish the story and passes it to the next person.  Try to keep the story going as long as possible before someone finally finishes with "the end".

Bring games or toys to shorten the time.  Avoid any with a lot of small pieces.  Award small prizes or presents along the way.  For small children, new toys usually create the most interest and keep them occupied.

If they are old enough, let them follow a map of their own.  Ask them to help keep track of your progress and appoint them "navigator".

Agree on some "quiet time" for everyone.  Be sure to enforce the rules (adults included) and use that time to relax and unwind.

Try to awaken anyone that is sleeping, a few minutes before you arrive at various destinations.  Give them time to adjust and be more ready to get out when the car stops.

If you bring plenty of water and snacks in the car, it will be much less expensive.  Buy them at your own local grocery store rather than on the road.  It will also save some extra stops.

Try to stick to water rather than soft drinks.  It's much easier on your body.  Avoid large amounts of caffeine.  It can wear on your nerves and make you irritable.  If you need  a lot of caffeine to stay awake, you should probably consider pulling over for the night.

Keep control of snacks and treats.  Make sure that mealtimes aren’t ruined.

With all the junk food spots along the road it would be easy to make yourself sick.  Eat a healthy meal at least once a day and bring along healthy snacks.

Careful with the kids.  If something has made them sick at home, it's pretty certain that it will make them sick on the road.

Ironically, some of the less healthy, fast food places have play areas.  McDonald’s and Burger King both offer free play areas at most of their locations.  This might be a good place to stretch and give the kids a chance to burn off some energy.  Adults can take their time with a cup of coffee or light snack.  This way the little ones won't get bored and over-tired waiting at the table.

Use caution when using public rest stops on the road.  Avoid them if they aren’t well lit or look unsafe.  Always lock your car doors when you go to the rest rooms. Many rest stops are centers for criminal or drug activity.  Always accompany your children to the restroom and stay with them.

For a safe place to take a quick break, look for a well-lit, busy gas station.

Truck stops are also a good bet to provide a safe place for a comfort stop.  Be aware however, that you could encounter some "adult" literature or other items in their gift shops.