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!

Summer is the season for road trips, whether it’s with friends, the whole family or even hitting the road all by yourself.

But no matter how you travel or where you’re going, it’s good to be prepared. We’ve compiled a list of ten things you may not think to bring on your road trip, but that will help you out in a bind and make your trip more enjoyable.

Maps. In an age of GPS technology and Smart Phones, maps are sometimes overlooked as travel relics. But what happens when your GPS loses satellite service or there’s no cell reception or your batteries die? Having a map of your route can be a life saver. Depending on where you are traveling you’ll want to have a state map for each state you’ll be traveling through. If you are traveling cross-country an atlas may be a good investment. Members of some roadside assistance companies, such as Best Roadside Service, can also get customized trip mapping as part of their membership.
Road Flares. A flare can be an actual life saver if something happens to your vehicle during a trip. Especially if you are traveling on rural roads that may not have a large shoulder to pull off on, putting road flares around your vehicle will help ensure other motorists see you in the dark and can move around you safely. It will also help the tow truck or roadside assistance truck find you on a dark roadway.
Cash and coins. In a credit-based world, many people choose not to carry cash, and when you’re traveling you may not want to have too much on you. But it’s a good idea to keep a small amount of cash and especially coins on your person or in your car. When an unexpected toll road comes along, you’ll be prepared or when you’re almost out of gas and the back-roads gas station only takes cash, you’ll be covered. Coins are also useful for air machines in case your tire pressure gets low, car washes, and pay phones, in case you lose cell reception.
Cell Phone Battery Back Up. Cell phones tend to die at the most inconvenient times, and you can’t always get plugged in or wait around for your phone to charge. Fortunately, battery back ups have become extremely affordable and are small and easy to carry with you. Having one on your trip may just save the day.
Coupons and Discount Books. Eating out, staying in hotels, renting cars and travel attractions can add up and become expensive. Look for coupon booklets at places you pass through – especially at rest stops and in hotel lobbies. If you know where you are going in advance, research discount codes and coupons on the internet. You may also want to become a member of a roadside assistance company, which often offer discounts and coupon booklets for free to their members.
Tire Gauge and Spare Tire. A low or flat tire is nearly inevitable when traveling long distances. Having a reliable tire gauge will help you pinpoint the tire that is leaking and make sure all your tires are properly filled. Additionally, make sure you travel with a spare tire, in case worse comes to worse and your tires goes completely flat. Not having one can become a time consuming and expensive situation.
Bottled water. Keep bottles of water in your car to keep you hydrated on those long stretches when there aren’t gas stations or rest stops or when you just don’t want to lose any time by stopping. Make sure the bottles are safely accessible from the driver’s seat if you’re traveling alone.
Gas Can. Keeping a can of gasoline (safely capped and stored in your trunk or cargo area) may get you out of a bind. Especially if you will be driving through rural areas where gas stations may not be accessible, it’s good to have a little fuel insurance.
A Cooler. Stopping every time you want a snack or a cold beverage can extend your road trip and delay your destination. Putting a small cooler with a few ice packs in the car means you can pack meals in advance or keep food and drinks cool between stops. That way that egg salad sandwich you didn’t finish for lunch might actually still be edible in a few hours when your hunger strikes again.
Roadside Service. Although you can certainly think ahead and pack thoughtfully, you can’t be prepared for every single situation. Becoming a member of a Roadside Assistance Company before you hit the road means someone will always be there for you if you break down, get a flat tire, run out of gas, or just want customized mapping, discounts, coupons, travel deals and more. Most roadside service plans are very affordable and if something does come up, they will save you money and stress in an emergency situation.

This summer, hit the road with a sense of adventure, but don’t forget to be prepared to make the most of your trip. And remember – it’s not just about the destination, it’s the journey!

Here are just some of the benefit partners that Best Roadside Service works with to provide you with the best services, discounts and benefits in the industry.