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| Road Trip, Planning |
| This DIY Basic brought to you by Choice Hotels provides tips on planning a family road trip. |
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A road trip can be an adventure, with your travels leading to interesting places and unforgettable moments. To ensure every road trip is memorable, it's important to plan ahead. Here are some tips: - Begin by identifying the purpose of the trip and your final destination. Your answers will let you know how much planning is required.
- With your destination in mind, pull out your trusty map and determine which direction you'll be traveling.
- Since this is a family vacation consider the duration of the trip, the travel times and distance (figure A) to your destination and the attractions you want to see along the way.
- Keep in mind your traveling style, and in this case, the traveling style of your family. Do you go online and make hotel reservations in advance? Or when the sun sets, pull over at a roadside hotel?
- What will your family enjoy? The children will probably love being at the beach, but you and your spouse may wan to tour some historic mansions.
- Gather trip information from many sources. Research by browsing the Internet, using travel books (figure B) or videos, going to the library or accessing automotive associations. And look for sites and attractions off the beaten path.
- Then comes the fun part -- making an itinerary. Piece your ideas together like a puzzle, and place your trip so there's something exciting each day. Take a journal and jot down thoughts every day -- what happened, expenses and mileage.
- Make sure your vehicle is properly maintained and prepared for emergencies. Have car emergency and first-aid kits handy. And take a cell phone and car charger.
- Create a nice ambience inside your care with music and audio books. The children can pack travel games, books and pillows for naps.
- And finally, roll with the punches. Even if your trip takes some unexpected turns, getting there is half the fun. It's all part of the adventure!
RESOURCES :
Choice Hotels Information
Comfort Inn, Comfort Suites, Quality, Sleep Inn, Clarion and Mainstay Suites by Choice Hotels.
We'll see you there.
Choice Hotels
Website: www.choicehotels.com
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