Getting the family together for a road trip can be quite an exercise. And between heavy traffic, bored or uneasy children and driver fatigue, the process of "getting there" can try anyone's diligence.
But some unhurried planning - for everything from fuel costs to rest stops - will make the experience pleasant rather than frustrating.
AAA offers the following advice for families planning their next road travel.
Before You Go
* Take some time to plan your journey from starting to end. Plan your travel online using www.aaamaps.com for point to point driving directions. If you do not have access to the Internet, contact your nearest local AAA travel office for a custom-made triptik.
* Calculate your gas costs. If you are looking to pinch a penny on fuel, visit www.fuelcostcalculator.com. This website helps motorists calculate the price of fuel for their journey depending on the specific vehicle's make, model and year.
* Give your car a checkup. Have your vehicle checked by a registered auto technician. To find a AAA Approved Auto Fixing facility in your area, visit www.aaa.com.
* Do not forget, timing is everything. As you plan your travel, make time margins for traffic jams, road building and other factors that may cut down your required speed.
On the Road
* Begin fresh. Rather than leaving early after staying up late backpacking clothes and loading your vehicle, get plenty of rest the night before your trip. Driving drowsy is highly dangerous and leads to many collapses and deaths each year.
* Be safe. Make certain that all passengers are secured properly with safety belts and child safety seats as necessary. Choose the proper child safety seats for your children and make sure the seats are properly set up. Up to 90 percent of child safety seats are incorrectly installed.
* Keep your family connected. If you are traveling with children, they'll need something to keep them busy. Be sure to get games and books to help them pass the time. Many vehicles now feature on-board DVD players that can help keep children entertained for hours.
* Stop periodically to stretch your legs. Take a break every two hours or every 100 miles, particularly if you are traveling with children and pets. To deflect driver fatigue, make arrangements to alternate with other drivers. - NU - 31363
But some unhurried planning - for everything from fuel costs to rest stops - will make the experience pleasant rather than frustrating.
AAA offers the following advice for families planning their next road travel.
Before You Go
* Take some time to plan your journey from starting to end. Plan your travel online using www.aaamaps.com for point to point driving directions. If you do not have access to the Internet, contact your nearest local AAA travel office for a custom-made triptik.
* Calculate your gas costs. If you are looking to pinch a penny on fuel, visit www.fuelcostcalculator.com. This website helps motorists calculate the price of fuel for their journey depending on the specific vehicle's make, model and year.
* Give your car a checkup. Have your vehicle checked by a registered auto technician. To find a AAA Approved Auto Fixing facility in your area, visit www.aaa.com.
* Do not forget, timing is everything. As you plan your travel, make time margins for traffic jams, road building and other factors that may cut down your required speed.
On the Road
* Begin fresh. Rather than leaving early after staying up late backpacking clothes and loading your vehicle, get plenty of rest the night before your trip. Driving drowsy is highly dangerous and leads to many collapses and deaths each year.
* Be safe. Make certain that all passengers are secured properly with safety belts and child safety seats as necessary. Choose the proper child safety seats for your children and make sure the seats are properly set up. Up to 90 percent of child safety seats are incorrectly installed.
* Keep your family connected. If you are traveling with children, they'll need something to keep them busy. Be sure to get games and books to help them pass the time. Many vehicles now feature on-board DVD players that can help keep children entertained for hours.
* Stop periodically to stretch your legs. Take a break every two hours or every 100 miles, particularly if you are traveling with children and pets. To deflect driver fatigue, make arrangements to alternate with other drivers. - NU - 31363
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