Christine Brown: Greetings! My name is Christine Brown and I work for AAA here in Washington, DC. I'm excited to help you with some of your travel questions, so let's get started...
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New York City, NY: Our daughter will drive a car from NYC to LA on Aug. 31, and she's wondering where to stop along the way so she doesn't get too tired.
Christine Brown: One of the most important things to remember when you're on a long road trip: take lots of breaks! Driving while tired is almost as dangerous as driving while intoxicated, so don't take any chances. Take a break every couple of hours, even if you don't feel extremely tired. Just get out & walk around the car a few times, or go to the restroom... that'll get your blood moving & give your brain a break from the monotony of the road in front of you. Always be sure to choose someplace safe when you stop. Keep going if there's no one around, if there's poor lighting, or if you just don't have a good feeling about the place. Better safe than sorry!
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St. Paul, MN: We are planning a road trip at the end of September from Minnesota to Pittsburgh, PA to visit family. We need to rent a vehicle. We'd like something economical, yet comfortable for the long drive with our 6 month old daughter. Any suggestions? Thanks. Laura
Christine Brown: Safety is the number one factor here, especially since you'll be traveling with a small child. Try a Kia Sportage if you're looking for a true "economy" car (they tend to be pretty compact), or if you'd like something a little roomier, see if your rental company has a Ford Fusion. Both cars are reliable and great for families with kids. Speaking of child safety, always be sure to put your child in a car seat (or booster seat if they're over 40 lbs)!
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Harbor City, CA: Our Mission: Visit all 48 contiguous states. Date of attempt: Summer 2007. Time Limit: 10 Days. Method of Transportation: Chevy Surburban. Our Request: We need help planning the shortest,fastest, most efficient route. P.S. We have already visited CA, WA, OR, ID, WY, NV, UT, AZ, NM, TX, and OK.
Christine Brown: That's quite a mission, HC -- an average of over 3 states per day! And with the average price of regular unleaded gas at almost $3.00 per gallon, driving such a large SUV could also mean mega bucks at the pump. I'd suggest checking out an online mapping service that allows you to enter in where you'd like to stop. If you're a AAA member, check out aaamaps.com for an online TripTik®.
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Chicago, IL: Hi, I am getting married in Toronto on Sept. 2nd, and then heading out on a honeymoon the next afternoon. We are on a tight budget, but friends of ours have generously offered to loan us their summer-home on Prince Edward Island (near Souris), and we are planning on driving from Toronto. Monday the 4th we will be staying in Quebec city, but are trying to figure out where to stay the next night before arriving in P.E.I. Do you have any suggestions for a good place to stopover (even a particularly cute hotel or bed and breakfast)? Or, perhaps you know of a particularly scenic or interesting route? All tips would be appreciated. Thanks, Amber
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