Simply the thought of having to make a long car ride with a child is enough to give you gray hairs. Plane tickets can put a big dent on your travel budget, so a car trip often proves to be a cheaper option. Since the economy isn’t in the best state, many people are doing their best to save money. However, this shouldn’t keep you from a much needed vacation. Canada and Mexico are only a car trip away, making a whole different sort of world very accessible for you and your family to explore. Ever since the U.S. passport card id came out, families have been able to travel for much cheaper.

I remember when I was younger and stuck in a car driving somewhere, my favorite activities were coloring books and craft sets. I had these big pieces of felt that were in tons of fun shapes. They had holes in them along the edges, and, with a shoe lace or a thick string, it made the best little girl sewing kit. I also had a huge baggie of markers and crayons along with an assortment of coloring books, and I would spend hours coloring pictures for everyone in the car. My little brother adored the big building blocks, and since they are easily disassembled as they are assembled, they kept him busy the whole way.

My mom would bring along these “worksheets” that had little puzzles on them. As we were driving, she would give me one that I would work really hard to complete, and I would give it back to her to “grade.” I always got A’s, although I doubt I got everything right, but this fostered in me a love of learning. As I got older, she would give me whole books of puzzles that taught basic addition and reading, and I definitely felt so proud of myself after I completed a page. These trips really do present a great educational opportunity.

With the huge strides technology has been making, new electronic toys for kids like the Leapfrog Leapster are great way for kids to enjoy educational video games that will keep them entertained for hours. Also, on a little less advanced side, you can record your child’s favorite storybook on tape. Get a tape recorder and record yourself reading the book; you could even change the names to include your child in the story! Also, don’t forget to include noises that indicate where to turn the page.

Getting a passport card is so easy. You can either go to your local pasport office or even apply online. Because they are less expensive than passports, your family can explore so many places around the United States without having to worry about your budget. These cards allow you to travel by land or sea to many places nearby, allowing for a fun adventure without the exorbitant costs.

So if you just need to get away for a while, you don’t need to dread taking along the kids. If you are thinking of hitting the famous beaches of Mexico or seeing some of Canada’s natural landscapes, all you need to do is see your passport agency or go online and apply for a pasport id card. No matter what you decide to do, the memories will be worth the little extra hassle. I certainly have some great memories with traveling with my family, and I wouldn’t trade those memories for anything in the world.