Get Kids Involved In Planning Holiday Getaways, Says AAA

26 August 1997
Get Kids Involved In Planning Holiday Getaways, Says AAA

    ORLANDO, Fla., Aug. 26 -- With a record 34 million Americans
expected to hit the highways and airways during the Labor Day holiday, AAA
offers the following tips to help time pass quickly and safely when traveling
with children:
    *  Involve the children in as much of the planning phase of the trip as
possible.  From choosing the destination to selecting the restaurant along the
way, the more the youngsters feel a part of the trip, the more the kids -- and
parents -- will enjoy the Labor Day getaway.
    *  Check with an established travel agent who can recommend specific
destinations and lodgings that feature children's activities and programs.
Ask the agent to make the reservations for you, saving you time and money.
    *  Purchase a few inexpensive items -- small toys, books or snacks -- that
can be wrapped in brightly colored paper and given out as treats along the
way.
    *  Outfit the children in comfortable clothes.  Airplane cabins and an
air-conditioned car tend to be cool.  Carry a sweater or jacket for the kids.
    *  Pack special snacks and favorite toys that are appropriate for auto or
air travel.  Pack a damp cloth and paper towel for those spills that are bound
to happen.
    *  For air travelers with infants or toddlers, consider holding off on the
early boarding option.  Remain in the boarding area where the child is free to
move about as long as possible.  Early boarding for an active youngster can
mean another 30 minutes of confinement.
    *  For auto travelers, stop every two hours for a 10-minute break.  These
frequent stops are even more important when traveling with kids!  Before
hitting the road again, make sure everyone has buckled up and kids 12 and
under are properly belted and seated in the back.
    *  During those much-needed breaks, accompany your children to the
restroom or snack area.
    AAA is a not-for-profit federation of 99 clubs, providing its 40 million
members in the United States and Canada with a full line of travel, insurance,
financial and auto-related services.
    AAA news releases can be downloaded from the following sites:
AOL -- Keyword:  AAA; Click on "News and Events," "News Releases."
 INTERNET -- http://www.aaa.com/news/news.html

SOURCE  American Automobile Association