How to plan a road trip?

• Research well.  As we hop into our cars, many websites are now offering information on places that are far from airports but not so far from the nearest highway.  So use the Internet.  The other great way to find where to go is to visit chat rooms specific for a area.  You often run into locals and ask for great tips on where to go/stay/eat.

• Talk to friends who have been on road trips.  Nothing like a personal recommendation.

• While it is a good idea to book hotels ahead of time, you can take some risk during off-season.  What I have found is that if you plan ahead (even if it is the night before) you can often get discounted rates on Priceline.  You get totally screwed when it is late and night and you start knocking on counters at motels.  That is when they know you will pay whatever you they will ask for.

• Give yourself enough time so that you spend as much time checking out new places as you would sitting in the car.

• Pack a good map (you can often pick free maps in rest areas or state welcome centers), water, music CDs, snacks, blankets, medicines/first aid kit, and of course, some cash (comes handy when you are in a new place and the only store in the area does not accept American Express credit cards).

How to enjoy the road trip?

• Keep an open mind.  Enjoy the view as you drive by.  If possible, take the back roads, instead of the highway.  Shop at locally owned businesses and ask the owners/staff about places to eat and visit.

• Keep stress away.  If the car breaks down or you get stuck in traffic or get lost, just think of it as part of the adventure.

• Give privacy to your partner.  Just because you are together in the car for hours together, you do not have to talk all the time.  Let your partner listen to music of his/her choice while you do the driving.  Or if s/he wants to sleep or read or watch a DVD in the back, it should be perfectly acceptable.  Just observe your partner's body language and respond accordingly.

• Finally, connect with your partner.  Couples rarely have so much time together so close.  It is a great opportunity to enjoy the proximity.

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