Toward Stress-Free Travel

"One of the single most important things you can do when youtravel is to prepare as much as possible beforehand by gettingdirections and planning your route," says Emily Kaufman, a journalistand travel industry expert who travels the world as "The Travel Mom,"searching for terrific family vacations.

Kaufman notes that parents need to be flexible and prepared forthe unexpected traffic delays and car troubles and keep in mind, whenyou get tense -- so do your kids.

"Also, make sure you look into alternate routes just in case roadsare closed or traffic is unusually heavy," says Kaufman.

Here are a few ideas from "The Travel Mom" that will make themiles pass faster and your travel time an enjoyable experience foreveryone:

-- Create a "Boredom Bag" for each child, with age-appropriate toys such as crayons, activity books and electronic games.

-- Pack a baking sheet in the back pocket of the seat, which the kids can use as a desk for coloring or as a tray for snacks and mealtimes.

-- Don't forget the comfy favorites like pillows, blankets and stuffed animals so the kids can feel comfortable napping in the car.

-- When the kids start to get a little anxious, play word games and reward them with little trinkets, stickers or goodies from your "Surprise Bag."

-- Help small children select special toys that are appropriate for car travel and make sure they pack a "blankie" for nighttime.

-- Make the most of your stops by choosing locations that allow you to grab snacks, get a cup of fresh coffee or a cold soda, give everyone a bathroom break, and gas up the car at the same time.

-- Take advantage of convenient timesavers, such as Speedpass(TM), which can be used at Exxon and Mobil gas stations and On the Run(R) convenience stores across the country. Speedpass allows you to quickly pay for gas or convenience store items with the wave of your hand, so you can get what you need and be on your way in a flash.

"A road trip is a great opportunity to create family memories --it's about the journey, not just the destination," says Kaufman."Relish the quality time together and build memories that will lastfor years to come."

For more great stress-free travel tips, visitwww.thetravelmom.com. Information about Speedpass can be found atwww.speedpass.com. Information about On the Run convenience stores canbe found at www.prod.exxonmobil.com/ontherun/.

Emily Kaufman is The Travel Mom. She appears on television, inprint, on the radio and online as an expert in travel. Emily is thetravel contributor for Good Morning America and The View. She writesthe annual travel feature for Woman's Day Magazine, and will be apublished author with a series entitled "Are We There Yet?" withBroadway Books. She is also heard regularly on ABC national radio.

Exxon, Mobil, On the Run and Speedpass are trademarks of ExxonMobil Corporation or one of its subsidiaries.