Page 10 - Explore Your AAA – AAA Southern Pennsylvania – Spring 2022

Scan to download the AAA Mobile app to find AAA Diamond Rated hotels
and restaurants, gas prices and
fun stops along the way.
10
EXPLORE | CARS & DRIVING SPRING EDITION 2022
Tips for a Relaxing Road Trip
The great American road trip is still one of the best ways for families to relax and reconnect with one another. This is quickly shaping up to be another busy year for family travelers, on the roadways as well as other popular travel destinations and attractions. To make the most of their vacations, experts recommend that families plan and research as far ahead as possible to avoid missing out on popular activities and fun.
Be prepared – For passengers, pack books, games, or music for the ride, and a pillow. Bring information on your destination to keep kids and other passengers entertained. Pack healthy snacks for kids, especially if you can’t stop for a full meal while traveling.
Safety first – Drivers should plan frequent stops, about every 100 miles or two hours, to remain alert. Make sure everyone is restrained by seat belts or a child safety seat to prevent injury in case of a sudden stop, swerve, or crash.
Pack your patience – Be prepared for busy roads and long airport security lines throughout the summer. If hitting the road during a holiday weekend, consider leaving earlier or later than the typical holiday travel times to avoid heavy traffic. The same goes for air travel; be sure to arrive at the airport at least two hours before scheduled take-off.
Be road trip ready – Take your vehicle to a trusted repair facility to perform any needed maintenance before heading out on a road trip. In case of an emergency, always carry a flashlight, extra batteries, warning devices such as flares or reflective triangles, jumper cables, a first-aid kit and extra water.
Do your research – To make the most of your trip, map out your route in advance. GPS and smartphone navigation apps are great for getting you from point A to B, but it’s recommended to always have a paper map and printed directions as a backup. The bladder of a child waits for
no man, so keep in mind the rest stops, gas stations, fast food restaurants or lodging while planning your route. For extra guidance, seek the advice of a knowledgeable travel agent.
Juice Dash | Shutterstock.com
7 GREAT ROAD TRIP GAMES
During road trips, both a driver’s alertness and their passengers’ patience can eventually drift. Playing games alleviates boredom and can help keep the driver’s brain in gear too. Most car games can be adapted to suite the age-range of passengers, and some can even be played by drivers embarking on solo trips.
I Spy
A classic car game for kids and adults alike. Age Range: 4+
Rules: Someone chooses an object in the car or in the distance and says ... ”I spy with my little eye something beginning with [insert the first letter of the word]. Players take turns to guess what’s been spied and the winner gets to choose the next object.
Yellow Car
An easy-to-play game that can help keep the driver alert. Age Range: 3+
Rules: Race to be the first person to spot any yellow cars
on the road. Shout “Yellow car!”. No points are collected.
You are a winner or a loser for each “spotting.” It must be a car (not a van/other). It must be agreed it is yellow (not metallic yellow, i.e. a variation of gold, or lime, or orange).