BEFORE YOU GO

• Join American Automobile Association (AAA) for Triptiks (maps that give a route for your journey). AAA also provides free state travel guide books and maps to members featuring destination descriptions, attractions listings and reviews as well as listings of lodgings and restaurants plus member discounts.

• Check websites for state, county and city tourism departments for destinations along your route.

• Check with state parks departments; many have recreation facilities and lodging. You'll find them online.

• Detour to visit friends and family. Home-stays are a welcome change of pace for children -- and a money-saver.

ON THE ROAD

• Plan active activities for the mornings, drive in the afternoons. Or reverse. But don't plan to drive the entire day.

• Visit children's museums or general museums with children's activity spaces.

• Stay at hotels with pools, which offer kids a place to burn energy and cool off.

• Bring a deck of cards or UNO for a family game night in a hotel or campground.

• Borrow books on tape and DVDs from the public library and return/mail them back when you're done.

• Get new music for the road.

• Dangle gifts like souvenirs as a prize as you reach each state. Even one of those penny souvenir grinder machines in museums and highway rest stops are a lure for good behavior. (Alternatively, visit your local thrift shop or five-and-dime and stock up on cheap thrills you parcel out on the road.)

YA GOTTA EAT

• Got food restrictions? Do a pre-trip web search for vegetarian/kosher restaurant listings as well as dining/shopping options.

• Save money by picnicking at least one meal a day.

• Book hotels with breakfasts included.

• Pack water, juice and snacks to keep your travelers happy and eliminate stops.

-- DINA WEINSTEIN