Bring the grandparents along if you can. They'll happily keep them amused and have much more patience than you have.

If it's a long journey take a couple of breaks , and have portable dvd players to occupy them while driving

GET THEM INVOLVED IN THE TRIP AND KEEP THEM OCCUPIED - GAMES, MAP READING ETC

Entertain them before the journey for as long as possible, when the journey starts let them relax so much that they will fall asleep.

Make sure you have lots of toys and games to keep them amused. Oh and travel pillows so that they can go to sleep comfortably.

leave them at home, or a lifetime supply of batteries

take lots of wipes, they are great for sticky fingers, faces and picnics!

Plan your 'pit stops' on long journeys

Tire them out first!

offset problems by, travelling at night, take drinks with straws, plenty of nibbles, cd books, & lots of opportunty to stretch!

I have an extra rear view mirror attached to my windscreen which I have pointed directly at my kids so I can see what they're up!

Story CDs

Travel at night, and hopefully, especially in the new, comfortable Mazda 5, they will sleep all the way!!

Take a handheld game console like Nintendo DS to play with and a drink and snacks.

HAVE LOTS OF GAMES TO KEEP THEM OCCUPIED AND STOP THEM ASKING IF WE ARE NEARLY THERE YET!

Play games such as I-spy to see who is the first one to see a .....dog etc. Play CDs with singalong songs. All add words to a story.