Toddlers may be cute, but they are by far the hardest traveling age.  Who can blame them?  They are just learning to walk and are discovering their independence, and we strap them in a seat for hours on end.  Too young for movies but too old for the baby travel toys, it is especially hard to find fun things to entertain toddlers for hours at a time.  The only thing guaranteed is that it will be quite an experience.  There are a few surprisingly simple things you can do to help the journey.
 
The most important thing to remember while traveling with toddlers is a sense of humor.  Toddlers are funny -- they make interesting (and sometimes insightful) connections, ask many questions, and have a unique way of seeing the world.  Engage in conversations with them on the journey.  In today's fast-paced world, this is an deal opportunity to really get to know your child.  If he or she gets fussy, try physical humor.  Funny faces and the tickle monster can work wonders!
 
Pack some simple, versatile toys.  Stacking cups, for example, are great for traveling.  Obviously they are great for stacking and nesting but they also work for pouring activities, memory and hiding games.  A little water or Cheerios and some stacking cups can provide loads of fun, and if they spill a little, it's only water!  But beware of the stacking cups with holes! 
 
Some other ideal toddler travel toys are small cars or airplanes, mini bead maze games (small versions of those found in most doctor's offices), cloth tape measure, triangular crayons and paper, and a tissue box.  What toddler doesn't like pulling all of the tissues out of a box?  It is well worth the cost of the tissues, if it provides 15 minutes of quiet entertainment.  Of course, teaching them not to do it when you get home is another problem!
 
If all else fails, never underestimate the importance of a sock puppet.