Reading books can often make children travel sick. Try audio books instead. They can listen to them on their own MP3 or CD player, so you’re free to listen to your ‘boring’ music with no complaints.
  
The more toys you give young children in the car, the more end up on the floor. And the more you have to constantly retrieve. Try tying a few of their favourite toys to their seat. No more tantrums for them, or back ache for you. 

If your kid gets travel sick easily in the car, try putting them in the middle of the back seat (if the seatbelt is suitable for a child). Encourage them to look out the front window. Focusing on the horizon helps stabilise them. And their stomachs.
  
Ginger is great for preventing and treating mild sickness. Ginger tea or powder is the most effective, but not the most child-friendly. Ginger snap biscuits should go down a lot better. 

If you’re driving for a few hours, especially at night time, choose your music carefully. Go for something upbeat. Slow music lowers your adrenalin levels and can make you drowsy. 
  
When driving at night, you’re often dazzled by another driver’s headlights that appear to be at full beam. Most of the time it’s just the alignment that’s incorrect. Make sure yours are in the correct position. 

When you’re driving on motorways, stick to the speed limit. As well as being a safer speed, slowing by 10mph saves 40p on fuel for every 10 miles.
  
Switch off your air con and open your air vents . Air conditioning increases your fuel consumption.
  
Avoid sharp braking and accelerating. You’ll save as much as 30% on fuel costs. 

For more practical hints and tips visit the RAC website

© RAC 2006