"Almost There!" Travel Maps

<!--[if !mso]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> 0 false 18 pt 18 pt 0 0 false false false <![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]> <![endif]--> <!--[if gte mso 10]> <![endif]--> <!--StartFragment--> When children follow their own homemade maps, they won't need to ask you, "How long before we get there?" The information will be right in front of them.

<!--[if gte vml 1]> <![endif]--><!--[if !vml]--><!--[endif]-->This idea is useful if you plan to drive forty-five minutes or more.  Beforehand, draw a simple map of your trip, -- with your children -- marking each good-sized town or city you'll drive through.  Also mark in any landmarks or familiar sights (the Coppertone billboard, a skyscraper, a favorite restaurant) along the way.  You don't have to put a lot of time into making the map.  Either help your children draw the map freehand, or they can trace a county or state map, marking in towns and landmarks selectively.

To help the children keep track of where they are, number the locations on the map.  Then instead of the wearying "How long before we there?" you'll hear an authoritative "That was number five.  Three more towns to go!"