Many times children simply need physical activity. Playing ball, frisbee, or tag helps to burn off energy. When stopping to eat, choose places geared to serving children. Also, stop to eat before children become overly hungry or tired. Kids tend to become irritable and difficult when they're too hungry or tired.
Children sometimes enjoys keeping a journal of their vacation trips.
Provide a tablet so children can draw or write about their journey. A good time for journal entries is at restaurants after meals have been ordered. If children have difficulty understanding time and distance, set a timer to let them know when the next stop or a special treat will happen. Use some type of divider, such as a rolled blanket, to define children's spaces in the back seat of a car. Children may be less likely to fight if they have their own areas.