Although he made his career driving around a track at speeds of more than 180 mph, Rusty Wallace, newly retired NASCAR driver and Nextel Cup champion, loves spending low-key time on the open road with his wife and their three children. The Wallace family knows road trips can be stressful, especially when you add kids to the mix. However, with a little planning, creativity and preparation, road trips can be a cherished experience for all. Here are a few tips from the professional to make your next road trip fun for the entire family:
-> Safety first. “In the early days of my racing career, drivers had to be mechanics too,” Wallace said. “I know the importance of making sure your vehicle is in tip-top condition.” Wallace recommends having a mechanic perform a once-over on your vehicle before the trip. But don’t forget to pack an emergency road kit just in case.
-> Plan ahead. “With today’s unpredictable fuel costs, a wrong turn can be costly,” said Wallace. He recommends a trip-planning tool such as Microsoft Streets & Trips 2006 with GPS Locator to help your family map out the perfect route in advance. With a...