After hearing about the famous 15.5 hour trip, I felt compelled to write a few thoughts about travel. It really doesn't take much to compell me to share my thoughts, especially about travel.

When you have a choice of freeway or regular roads, stick with the freeway after dark and drive the regular roads in the daytime. There are several reasons for this. You can see the countryside better in daytime. Freeways may go through the same countryside, but at those speeds, you tend to keep your eyes on the road. If you are going to break down, run out of fuel, or have a flat, it's easier to get help on the freeway. If you conk out on a country road at night, you may have trouble pinpointing your location and help may not arrive for hours.

If you are going to drive long distances, start at daybreak so as to make as much of the distance as possible in daylight. Carry food and water. If you are going to need caffine, Mountain Dew is a good choice, but coffee works for me. So be sure your caffine fix is on board. Don't eat or drink while driving. Smoking is bad enough, but worse if you are driving. A dropped smoke will divert your attention. Stop to use the cell phone. Tell those who might call you to limit calls to emergencies. Otherwise, they will slow you down a lot. If necessary, promise to check in at rest stops.

Take a break every hour if you are over 40, every two hours if you are younger. Just getting out and walking around the car will help circulation. Most Interstate rest areas are safe.

Fill up with fuel the night before, and don't forget to check other fluid levels, even in a new car. Check a rented car more often than your own.
You don't know what the poor thing has been through. Never drive with a dirty windshield. In bad weather, remember to wipe off headlights and tail lights at stops. You can see better and be seen better.

Use that tire gauge every morning before the tires have a chance to warm up. It's a good idea to add a pound or two to the tire pressure if you are going to be driving fast or if you are carrying more of a load than usual. Soft tires fail sooner and waste gas.

If you have two drivers, take turns driving. Avoid heavy meals while traveling.
Make hotel reservations in advance.
Stop for gas when the gauge gets to 1/4. Out west you may need to stop sooner, because services may be further apart.

Watch that rear view mirror. Trouble doesn't always come at you from the front.

Always look at a road trip as an adventure. Getting there really is part of the fun.
Howard