Must-have family vacation--GL's survival guide.

Hitting the road with the fam this summer? First, read our well laid-out plan for keeping your cool--even if you're stuck in a sticky back seat with your brother's stinky feet.

You and your family are packing up and going to the Grand Canyon or Disneyland or Wally World or Wherever USA. You're looking forward to globetrotting, but sharing a double bed in a motel room with your sister who snores or enduring Dad's beach-blanket backgammon obsession isn't your idea of a great time. Spending every minute with the dearly-beloveds is, well, not exactly a walk in Yellowstone National Park. That's why GL has it all mapped out for you....

Leader of the Pack

First things first ... Get packin'! Living out of a suitcase is tricky, so you want to get it right. Sure, it'd be great if you could lug your whole closet with you, but get real. You just have to know the right clothes to bring. That way, getting dressed for any summer sitch--from a day at the amusement park to a beach bonfire--will be a no brainer.

Two things to keep in mind when stocking your suitcase: comfort and layers. You'll probably be walking a lot--whether wandering around a museum, trekking the mall or strolling the boardwalk--so comfy shoes are a must. Pack some sneaks to keep your tootsies happy for the long haul. As for layering, it provides stylish and practical what-to-wear options. You can change your look by throwing a tank over a tee, and it's one-weather-forecast-fits-all. Peel the tank off if it's steamy; put it back on when a beachy breeze blows in.

Plan one outfit for each day. Say you're going on a five-day trip, here's a good rule of thumb for summer-packin': two pairs of jeans, two pairs of shorts, a pair of capris or cargos, and five tops. Make sure all your outfits complement each other so you can mix 'n' match 'em up. Pack all pastels, or go with lots of khaki, denim and shades of red. If you need an extra outfit, you can pair yesterday's top with the bell-bottoms from the day before. Refresh your clothes by airing 'em out on a hanger overnight (do not do this more than once, and forget it for barbecue stains).

If you'll be swimming a lot, take two bathing suits so you'll have a dry one at all times. You'll probably have to dress nicely for dinner at least once--a sundress is comfy and can be paired with a sweater and flip-flops. Flips-flops are great with jeans, shorts or dresses. And don't forget undies and socks--plan on having clean ones daily (dub).

Tour de Force

Morn wants to hit the boutiques, Dad's gonna tee up, and your brother's razzmatazzed about roller coasters. You'd rather hang on the boardwalk and soak up the local scene. There are only so many days in a weeklong vacation. Before you hop in the Winnebago, get everyone to talk about what they want (and don't want) to do on vacation.

Maybe you're into going to the outdoor reggae lest but aren't interested in the presidents-in-wax museum. You're not the only one going on this trip--Mom, Dad and big sis have different visions of the perfect vacation--so be willing to listen to what everyone wants. You'll probably have to cave in at times (hey, who knew spelunking was going to be so cool?). But maybe in exchange for going to the botanical gardens with Mom, she'll take you to The Costume Institute. Or negotiate an alternate plan for yourself during outings you're really not into--like, have Dad drop you and your sis off at a Monster-in-Law matinee while the rest of the family attends the basket-weaving workshop.

You should also hash out daily schedules. Mom might want to pack in major sightseeing, while everyone else would be happier lounging by the pool all day. Discussing vacation needs and wants before you go sets an in-the-know vibe.

On the Road

Squished in the back seat with your sister, Rover and Aunt Gertrude for a road trip is worse than being sandwiched between your school's dumb-and-dumber duo at an auditorium assembly. Whether you're driving, flying or taking a cruise, being cooped in cramped quarters for long periods of time just plain sucks. But there are things you can do to make travel time more bearable:

* Bring a decent stash of books, magazines and handheld games so you have something to do other than stare out the window counting road signs. Also, fill baggies with your fave snacks so you'll have stuff to nibble on when you get the munchies (pack enough to share).

* Have an MP3 or CD player--with headphones. You'll avoid arguments over what kind of music to pump from the car stereo. Plus, you can tune out your parents' classic-rock station ... and your sister whining, "Are we there yet?"

* Trade seats every once in a while for a change of scenery. Also, make stops for bathroom breaks, leg-stretching, sightseeing and drink refills. Breaking up a long ride makes it seem shorter.

Tripped-Out Parents

Spending 24/7 with the 'rents can be difficult, for sure. And vacations bring up all kinds of stressful situations. Frustration, anger and even arguing while traveling is normal. But ditch the drama by keeping a few things in mind.

You rule Find out what your parents expect of you. If your mom wants the family together for dinner every night at 6 o'clock sharp, be there. If you're supposed to watch your baby sibs one night so Dad can take Mom for a dinner date, do it. The more you follow their rules, the more responsible you'll seem and the more they'll trust you--maybe even let you go to the beach bonfire.

Flex time Plans might change a bit here and there because of unforeseen problems like rain, a scorching sunburn or shuttle-bus breakdowns. Stuff happens, so be a sport if you have to strike the batting cages from your itinerary.

Cha-ching! Work out a money plan with your parents. Talk about how, when and what you can spend. Are you bringing savings to splurge on souvenirs? Do you get a vacation allowance? Knowing what you'll have to spend will make it easy to create a budget--so you can buy that too-cute puka-shell necklace.

Sib S.O.S.

So you're stuck hanging with your sister for two whole weeks in the Poconos. We know sibs can be total pains sometimes. OK, most of the time. But, believe it or not, you can get along--even have a blast!--on vacation with your sibs.

Time out Make a pact to leave the fighting at home. Just think how relaxing it will be without all the squabbling.

Privacy, please Give each other plenty of space and privacy. If your big sis wants to take a walk on the beach by herself, let her have her alone time. And make sure she lets you go solo when you need to, as well.

Together time Go on an excursion together without your parents. Pick something you both dig, like bumper cars or a nature hike. Try not to think of your sib as your annoying brother or bossy sister--just enjoy his or her company. You might even find your little bro is a pretty cool temporary BFF.

Buddy System

Your parents have given the thumbs-up for letting your BFF come along on your family vacation. Now you're definitely gonna have a lab trip! But even traveling with your best gal pal can be a challenge.

Share wear Having a BFF on vacation means double the wardrobe, which can be lab when it comes to your passion for fashion. Just be sure to respect each other's stuff. Don't go digging into your BFF's suitcase and helping yourself to her cashmere cardigan. Make sure she knows your boundaries, too. It's OK to keep certain fare items (and bathing suits) all to yourself.

Peace out Beach volleyball and historic field trips with your BFF are fun, but spending so much time with her can pluck your nerves. Just like with your sibs, give each other space and privacy when needed. And if you feel an argument coming on, call a time-out and do something solo for a while--read a mag, take a walk or listen to some tunes.

Follow the rules Get your BFF up to speed on your parents' vacation expectations--let her know what your rules and responsibilities are. If the 'rents want you in at 10 p.m. nightly, make sure both of you stick to that curfew.

Invite her to help with chores, like making beds or washing dishes. It's important she makes a good impression--you want her to be allowed to tag along on the next family excursion, right? And let her know what activities to expect, so she's as well-prepped as you are now that you've digested our nifty travel guide. Happy trails!

QUICK-PACK CHECKLIST

* Matching outfit for each day

* Sweater or lightweight jacket

* Socks and undies

* Sneaks and flips

* Two sets of jammies

* Sun visor or cap

* Small tote

* SPF 15 sunscreen 

* Camera and film

GIVEAWAY FOR YOUR SUMMER GETAWAY

You've been in the car for hours, you have graham crackers stuck to your thighs, and one more sec of your little bro screaming and you're tossing him out the window with your peach pit. Never fear--the Road Trip Activity Journal has games, puzzles and activities to put the brakes on "When will we be there?" Because we know you can handle only so many rounds of "I Spy," we have 25 free copies for travellin' gals. Write us at Roadie, GL, 4517 Harford Road, Baltimore, MD 21214 by July 31, or buy it for $10 at mudpuppy.com.