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.

When I was little, my absolute favorite thing to do on car trips was the craft sets and coloring books. Armed with a Barbie coloring book, a zoo animals coloring book, and some washable markers and crayons, I would go to work for hours. Also, big felt pieces in all sorts of shapes with holes in them, along with some shoe laces, made the best little girl "sewing kit." My little brother, on the other hand, loved the big building blocks. The best part of these blocks is the amount of assembling and disassembling possibilities.

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 passport agency 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.

You don't need to break a sweat when you are thinking of taking a vacation with the kids. No matter what you decide to do, from fiesta-ing in Mexico to exploring some of Canada's beautiful landmarks, you will be providing your kids with some great memories. All you need to do to obtain passport card for you and your family is either go online or to your US passport office. I have some great memories from traveling with my family, and a family vacation can provide your kids with some awesome memories of their own.