Tips for a Perfect Family Road Travel
November 8, 2009 by Gertie Magwood
Filed under Hotels
Getting the family together for a road journey can be quite an exercise. And between heavy traffic, bored or uneasy children and driver fatigue, the process of “getting there” can test anyone’s diligence.
But some unhurried preparation – 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 trip.
Before You Go
* Take some time to plot your trip from starting to end. Plan your journey 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 petrol price. If you are looking to pinch a penny on fuel, visit www.fuelcostcalculator.com. This web site helps motorists calculate the price of fuel for their travel based on the unique vehicle’s make, model and year.
* Give your car a checkup. Have your vehicle inspected by a certified motorcar technician. To find a AAA Approved Auto Fixing facility in your area, visit www.aaa.com.
* Remember, timing is everything. As you plot your journey, make time allowances for traffic jams, road construction and other factors that may reduce your expected speed.
On the Road
* Start fresh. Instead of leaving early in the morning after staying up late packing clothes and loading your vehicle, get plenty of rest the night before your journey. Driving asleep is highly dangerous and results in many clashes and deaths each year.
* Be safe. Make sure that all passengers are secured properly with safety belts and child safety seats as required. Choose the appropriate child safety seats for your children and make sure the seats are properly installed. Up to ninety percent of child safety seats are wrongly installed.
* Keep your family linked. If you are traveling with children, will 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, particularly if you are traveling with children and pets. To avoid driver fatigue, make arrangements to substitute with other drivers. – NU
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