Getting the family together for a road trip can be quite an exercise. And between heavy traffic, exhausted or uneasy children and driver fatigue, the process of "getting there" can try anyone's diligence.
But some patient preparation - for everything from fuel costs to rest stops - will make the experience enjoyable rather than frustrating.
AAA offers the following advice for families planning their future road journey.
Before You Go
* Take some time to plan your trip from beginning to end. Plan your trip online using www.aaamaps.com for point to point driving directions. If you don't 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 web site helps motorists calculate the cost of fuel for their journey based on the unique vehicle's make, model and year.
* Give your car a checkup. Have your vehicle checked by a qualified auto technician. To find a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility in your area, visit www.aaa.com.
* Do not forget, timing is everything. As you plan your trip, make time margins for traffic jams, road building and other factors that may cut down your required speed.
On the Road
* Start fresh. Rather than leaving early in the morning after staying up late backpacking clothes and loading your vehicle, get enough of rest the night before your journey. Driving drowsy is highly hazardous and results in many crashes and deaths every year.
* Be safe. Make sure that all passengers are secured properly with safety belts and child safety seats as needed. Choose the proper child safety seats for your children and make sure the seats are properly installed. Up to 90 percent of child safety seats are wrongly set up.
* 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 sporadically to stretch your legs. Take a break every two hours or every 100 miles, specially if you are traveling with children and pets. To deflect driver fatigue, make arrangements to substitute with other drivers. - NU - 30413
But some patient preparation - for everything from fuel costs to rest stops - will make the experience enjoyable rather than frustrating.
AAA offers the following advice for families planning their future road journey.
Before You Go
* Take some time to plan your trip from beginning to end. Plan your trip online using www.aaamaps.com for point to point driving directions. If you don't 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 web site helps motorists calculate the cost of fuel for their journey based on the unique vehicle's make, model and year.
* Give your car a checkup. Have your vehicle checked by a qualified auto technician. To find a AAA Approved Auto Repair facility in your area, visit www.aaa.com.
* Do not forget, timing is everything. As you plan your trip, make time margins for traffic jams, road building and other factors that may cut down your required speed.
On the Road
* Start fresh. Rather than leaving early in the morning after staying up late backpacking clothes and loading your vehicle, get enough of rest the night before your journey. Driving drowsy is highly hazardous and results in many crashes and deaths every year.
* Be safe. Make sure that all passengers are secured properly with safety belts and child safety seats as needed. Choose the proper child safety seats for your children and make sure the seats are properly installed. Up to 90 percent of child safety seats are wrongly set up.
* 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 sporadically to stretch your legs. Take a break every two hours or every 100 miles, specially if you are traveling with children and pets. To deflect driver fatigue, make arrangements to substitute with other drivers. - NU - 30413
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