Itching to get on the road again this summer? You’re not alone.
“America grew up on the move, and we are a nation of travelers,” says Jamie Jensen, author of “Road Trip USA,” which covers 35,000 miles of back-road jaunts.
“A lot of what we have is best seen by car,” the road trip guru says. “It’s all about finding the out-of-the-way places.”
If you’re not letting the price of gas stop your road trip plans, help is everywhere.
– Most travel agencies handle requests for road trips and are eager to help.
– Roadsideamerica.com is a handy pre-trip planner. It offers details on many of the quirky roadside attractions that are an American tradition.
– Budget Travel Online (budgettravel-online.com) offers a separate section on road trips, including interesting articles on theme trips.
– Local auto clubs are the great beacon of road trip information. They provide the same type of spiral-bound TripTik that your parents probably used, as well as online map services.
Things to do before you road trip
Long car trips always raise plenty of practical questions. Here are some areas to consider as you head out on the road:
– Pet prep. Like automobiles, pets joining you on road trips should have exams in advance. Ask your vet to ensure that shots are up-to-date and that the animal is healthy enough for the journey ahead.
Take along a copy of your pet’s health certificate, which gives the status of all vaccinations. State border checkpoints may ask for it. And be sure the pet has tags with contact information, preferably your cell phone number.
– Car prep. Your mechanic should check all belts, hoses and fluids, giving particular attention to coolant or antifreeze. Be sure to take a cell phone adapter that plugs into the cigarette lighter. Don’t forget a spare set of keys. And double-check your tire jack and spare tire.
– Maps and guidebooks. “Get off the interstate and travel the side road,” Jensen urges. “To me, that’s what makes it a road trip as opposed to just a long trip.” His Web site, roadtripusa.com, offers suggestions on sights off the beaten path. A good road atlas from a company such as National Geographic or Rand McNally costs less than $20 and can be found online or in bookstores.
– On the road. Many parents swear by an early start, while kids are still sleepy and before local traffic builds. Be sure to offer occasional breaks. Take water in the car, not juice, which makes kids jumpy and can permanently stain seats and carpets.
Finally, acknowledge what every parent eventually discovers: Children are not appendages; you cannot control everything. When things don’t go as planned, roll with it.
– Troubleshooting. Roadside assistance is provided by various services. Before leaving, refresh yourself on what your carmaker offers in the warranty package.
