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Gearing Up For Holiday Travel
(NAPSA)-Before you take to the road this holiday season, heed these hints that can drive
down on-the-road tensions.
Prepare Your Vehicle
Make sure your turn signals, wipers, parking brake, brake lights
and headlights are working. Check the air pressure in your tires, including the spare.
Check the oil, radiator, and windshield washer fluid and refill as needed. Remember to
pack safety equipment such as a flashlight, first-aid kit, blankets, jumper cables, food
and water. A cell phone is also helpful for emergencies.
Plan Your Route
Minimize stress by mapping out your route in advance and having
an alternate in case of heavy traffic. Keeping a road atlas on hand for quick reference
can be a good idea. To help, Michelin recently launched a brand-new atlas for North
America. This spiral bound, compact atlas lies flat for easier navigating and is organized
geographically, not alphabetically, as are most atlases. That means you can focus on your
trip and spend less time fumbling to find the right map.
Don't Eat and Run
Don't eat a big holiday dinner and immediately get back into the
car for a long drive. A big meal can make you drowsy and a tired driver has slower
reaction times. Take a walk after dinner to get the blood flowing or better yet, take a
nap. Once you do head out, take a 15-minute break-or more-every two to three hours to
stretch and break the boredom of driving.
Leave Early, Stay Late
If your schedule permits, avoid peak traffic by leaving a day
earlier than everyone else and returning a day earlier or a day later.
Entertain The Kids
Entertaining car-based activities for the kids will help make the
journey more pleasant. Compact board games with magnetic pieces or such classic games as
"I Spy," scavenger hunts or even counting cows can help make the time pass
quickly. Try giving children their own map or atlas so they can track the journey and
learn how to use a map at the same time. Make a game out of it and see who can calculate
the distance the fastest.
Spending time together on a road trip can be a great way to have
quality time with your family. Some advance planning can help keep your family in a
festive holiday mood.
For more information on Michelin's North America Atlas, call 1-888-610-5122. |
