Planning tips for safe family trips

"Some of these suggestions can be very helpful and are similar to those that I used from Triple A (AAA) on past family trips when my grandchildren were much younger. In fact, during spring break last year, my family and I decided to fly to Tallahassee, Florida's capital city, and then rent a car and continue our trip to the Emerald Coast by motoring to St. George Island. Fortunately, my son-in-law, Dr. Stuart Wasser, is an excellent driver who wasn't intimidated by the pitch-black narrow two-lane road and drove the three-hour stretch without the benefit of the recommended well-marked, well-lit highways. We arrived at our final destination us without any mishaps well past midnight. Before departure, when possible, FTF suggests that you thoroughly inspect your vehicle, check your spare tire, pack a repair kit, flashlight, blankets and a gallon of water in case of emergencies; copy and carry all drivers' licenses, registration, insurance policy and car keys. Another wise admonition for car renters is not to pull out of the lot until you've checked the owner's manual, spare tire, tools, radio, A/C and obtain a 24/7 contact number. Also, if possible, call the D.O.T. Travel Safety Association Auto Safety Hotline (888-Dash-2-Dot) for current highway safety reports.It is suggested by FTF that when planning your travel route, that you contact the local tourist information office or, (if you're a member), your automobile club for free maps and destination details, like local festivals and special events. (I remember driving from Brussels, Belgium to Vichy, France when we stopped because we found a colorful fair in progress. We ended up with the raffle prize of a live rabbit, which we quickly donated to a grateful French family.) For long trips involving overnight stays, FTF advises that it's wise to set realistic driving goals and end each day at a motel or hotel with a pool for off-road fun. Another good idea is to review the route with the family and explain if there will be stressful driving conditions and devise a signal in advance so that the children will know immediately when the driver needs tranquility to navigate tough intersections or narrow winding roads.Keeping the car well stocked with snacks and finger foods, such as pretzels, chips, bagels, cheese slices, dried fruits and beverages can make the kids happy. Additionally, age-appropriate entertainment is a must for children of all ages. The older children, pre-teen and teen-agers can pack their own sound systems, headsets and music or play some favorite show tune CDs that the adults could enjoy. Of course, showing a movie on a portable TV with a built-in VCR, or on the new portable DVD players is an expensive but unbeatable way to entertain the kids.I can recall traveling with my family even when my own children were toddlers and making sure that I had the appropriate toys for them on long road trips. We started motoring south with my then 18-month-old son Barry, but only got as far as Maryland when my late husband Martin had to have surgery for a perforated appendix. We didn't make it to Florida on that trip when just about everybody drove or took the train to Florida. But we did succeed in driving to Sarasota when Martin had a magazine assignment from Readers' Digest to do an article on the Barnum and Bailey Circus' 8-foot giant. After the interview, we headed for Miami and made it this time. Our next trip was by plane to the Caribbean when our daughter Jill was about three-years-old. Fortunately, we always traveled with enough reading and basic coloring books and crayons to keep the children busy. Luckily, none of my children and grandchildren never really suffered from air pressure on takeoffs and landings. I made sure to buy earplugs when I took Bradley on his first overseas flight to London, but he preferred chewing gum and did not seem troubled by the changes in air pressure.Family travel can be safe, calm and enjoyable for the whole family either by sea, air or car without the whining of the kids saying, "Are We There Yet?"© Copyright 2006 Marcia AbramsonE-mail: mascribe@verizon.net