Yeah, I think a lot of it is about the cost. The second most important thing is the length of the travel. And third, the age of the kids.

My parents live about 14 hours away. It's really too long to be in the car for one really long day. But almost too short to warrant an overnight hotel stay and more $$ spent.

My kids were actually better for the drive when they were toddlers. We could put on a DVD and they would sleep a lot too. Now that they are school-aged, the get bored SO much quicker.

I try to put together small bags for each one of them for each day of the trip. I put in small toys and novelty candy that is different and special. It helps some with the trip.