Going “down the river and through the woods to Grandmother’s house” this holiday season?

Car travel during the holidays is increasingly common. In fact, AAA reports that nearly 91% of people will celebrate the holidays with a road trip of some length. And with gas prices staying relatively low, that number could increase.

Car travel during the holidays can be a stressful or pleasant activity, depending on how well you’re prepared and the resources you have at your disposal. When traveling to more remote destinations (such as Grandmother’s house or that Ski Resort you’ve been wanting to try), getting lost along the way can ruin a fun, family roadtrip.

Although GPS and cell phones have greatly increased our ability to navigate to new and remote places, there are times when cell phone and satellite reception simply don’t work. We’ve all been there – so close to our destination – when our GPS blips “lost satellite reception.” And if you’re in an unknown area or if the weather is cold or snowy, this can go from a frustrating situation to a dangerous situation quickly.

While it’s good to keep a charged up cell phone and GPS in the car with you while traveling, it’s even better to have an old-school, analog backup system: the old fashioned map! However, generic atlas and maps from the gas station can be awkward and difficult to place yourself and use for navigation. Those back roads you’re traveling may be so tiny on a large map that you can barely see them and unless you have a skilled navigator riding shotgun, you’re likely to get even more lost.

What is the best option?

The best option for getting to your holiday destination without taking an unnecessary scenic route or ending up at some other family’s potluck, is to get customized map routing for your trip from a roadside assistance company such as Best Roadside Service. Members of our emergency roadside service plans receive complimentary trip planning and routing. The maps we provide will correspond to the exact areas you will be traveling, so you don’t have to unfold a map the size of your vehicle to try and find exactly where you are. The customized mapping also gives you turn by turn directions to keep it simple.

If for any reason you still get lost, our members can also use our 24-hour emergency hotline. This complimentary service includes turn by turn navigation and one of our U.S. based customer service representatives will help you get back on track and reach your destination. Individual plans cover a person no matter what car they are in, so even if you’re traveling in another family member or friend’s vehicle, you’ll still have access to all of your benefits.

Best Roadside Service plans also make a great gift, and at less than $6 a month, it’s an affordable way to make sure your loved ones are safe, no matter where they travel. Not to mention, our plans come with many more benefits including travel discounts, coupons, discounts at national car maintenance companies as well as the roadside services we provide such as delivering gas, fluids, changing flat tires, towing services and more.

So this holiday season, don’t get lost. Get to grandma’s house on time and without the frustration of getting lost with Best Roadside Service’s customized trip routing and planning service. Happy Holidays!