| Before you take to the highways for your next | | | | station. Check for brand names of map suppliers, |
| vacation or business trip, look for a good map or two | | | | keeping in mind the higher quality sources like Rand |
| to take along. Although you may know the way | | | | McNally, etc. Also look for more recent maps, |
| there quite well, an up-to-date map may be able to | | | | preferably for the current year, although some |
| show you shortcuts or help you avoid road | | | | stores may not stock the latest edition. Then try to |
| construction and other delays. Don't take chances on | | | | get map coverage for the most specific part of your |
| a stressed-out memory or a change of location for a | | | | trip rather than for a three-state area that will just |
| business or address that you haven't visited in some | | | | make your travel route harder to find. Use a |
| time. And you certainly don't want to end up in a | | | | highlighter or marker to trace your route, taking care |
| strange city without a hint of where to stay or what | | | | not to obliterate the exits or town names you need |
| to do while you're there. Take advantage of some | | | | to look for when driving. |
| of these low-cost maps and services. | | | | One of the best ways to get a quality roadmap is by |
| The easiest and fastest type of road map most | | | | joining your local automobile association. In addition to |
| people can get is over the Internet by visiting one of | | | | providing free maps that plot your trip from one |
| the popular map sites for road trips. In a matter of | | | | location to another, the staff will highlight the driving |
| seconds, you can type in your starting address as | | | | areas for you so that you just pick up the maps and |
| well as your intended destination, and receive a | | | | you're ready to go. The association typically offers |
| downloadable map charting your course as well as a | | | | lodging and attraction guides for major cities, rating |
| list of driving instructions. Just print and go! You might | | | | hotels and motels with a five-star system and |
| want to visit a couple of these sites and compare | | | | detailed information on which accommodations are |
| them for the simplest or fastest way to get where | | | | available through various lodging chains. You can find |
| you want to go, although chances are that both | | | | out where to get Internet service, a swimming pool, |
| routes will be similar. The more you do this, the | | | | and other amenities, including parking options, with |
| better feel you will get for which site has the best | | | | these helpful guides. |
| updates on construction areas and highway | | | | Don't start your trip empty-handed. Fill up with the |
| modifications. | | | | latest travel information that will make your journey |
| Another way to get a useful map is to pick up one | | | | more pleasant and productive and get you where |
| up a convenience store, department store, or gas | | | | you want to go with the greatest possible ease. |