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AAA Offers Tips for Arriving Happy and Safe During Holidays

21 December 1998

AAA Offers Tips for Arriving Happy and Safe During Holidays

    ORLANDO, Fla.--Dec. 21, 1998--If you and your children are among the record 45 million Americans expected to take a trip during the Christmas-New Year's holiday, AAA offers these tips for arriving in a jolly mood.

--   Let youngsters help plan the vacation. They could choose a
     restaurant to stop at along the way, or decide on a family outing
     during the trip.

--   If you plan to stay at a hotel, ask a travel agent to help you
     select one that features children's activities and programs.

--   Buy a few inexpensive toys, books or snacks, and wrap them.
     During the trip let the youngsters have them as special treats.

--   If you are traveling by auto, plan to stop for 10-15 minutes
     every 2 hours. This will give you time to stretch your legs and
     the children will get to use some pent-up energy.

--   Let the children choose a radio station, tape or CD they like.
     Consider playing recorded stories and songs for youngsters. 

--   Consider having a parent or adult ride in the back seat with
     children to help entertain them. Think of it as an opportunity to
     play with them.

--   Bring a pillow so your child can nod off comfortably.

--   Remember that children under 12 should always ride in the back
     seat. Until the adult seat belt fits your children -- usually
     around age 8 -- they should be in a properly installed child
     safety or booster seat. Be firm on the use of a car seat and
     refuse to drive if the child is not properly secured.

    AAA is a not-for-profit federation of 93 clubs with 1,100 offices providing more than 41 million members in the United States and Canada with services such as travel, insurance, financial and auto. Visit AAA's Web site at www.aaa.com.

    AAA news releases can be downloaded from http://www.aaa.com/news