As summer starts, many people are revving up the minivans or SUVs.  Yes, it's time to hit the good ol' American thruway.  Where you go isn't quite as important as whether you can survive the hours of forced family bonding.  So here's a list of must-haves to keep everyone in the family enjoying the open road:

A DVD player and multiple videos.  If you have kids, this is a necessity. Trust me.  It's well worth the money.

Travel games, sticker books and crayons and coloring books.  Just be sure to put all the crayons back in the plastic bag. Melted crayon is not going to keep moms and dads happy.

Enough snacks for 2 or 3 days.  Why? Riding in the car can be boring (some people eat more).  Worse, you might get stuck on the side of a mountain in puma territory.  This is no time to be out of water or food.

A first-aid kit and a couple of blankets.  See puma possibility above.

Extra underwear, diapers and wipes for all kids in an easily accessible place.  Why? Have you ever had to change a horribly stinky diaper on the side of the road?  I have, many times. 

Plastic bags and paper towels.  In case of sickness or said dirty diapers.

Printed directions.  Even if you have a GPS, get printed directions that go to your exact destination.  I mean exact.  Getting close and then getting lost causes quarrels.  I speak from experience here.

Wherever you plan to head this summer, enjoy the time together.  Some of my best memories are of road trips as a kid. Just don't tell my parents I said that.