(NAPSA)—Although he made his career driving around a track at speeds of more than 180 mph, Rusty Wallace, newly retired NASCARdriver and Nextel Cup champion, loves spending low-key time on the open road with his wife and their three children. The Wallace family knowsroad 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: eSafety first. “In the early days of my racing career, drivers had to be mechanics too,” Wallace said. “I know the importance of Rusty Wallace, former NASCAR driver and Nextel Cup champion. bonding time. Our family plays gamesandtakesa lot of breaks to stretch our legs and take in the scenery,” said Wallace. eMakepit stops fun. What making sure yourvehicleis in tiptop condition.” Wallace recom- would the great American road a once-over on your vehicle before the trip. But don’t forget to pack an emergency road kit just in From the World’s Largest Ball of Twine in Cawker City, Kan., to ePlan ahead. “With today’s are landmarksall over the country to be discovered. If you are mendshaving a mechanic perform case. 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 per- fect route in advance. With a reas- suring voice to guide the way and mapping information that is accu- rate and easy to use, you'll know exactly what to expect along the way. Streets & Trips 2006 with GPS Locator goes beyond simple driving directions to provide trav- elers with an easy way to plan personalized trips. *Keep the kids entertained. Taking vacations is supposed to be fun, but after spending hours in the car your family may arrive at the destination in anything but a good mood. “Nowadaysit’s easy to keep kids entertained with portable DVD players and such, but then you miss some valuable trip be without experiencing a bit of classic roadside Americana? the 18-foot-tall Paul Bunyan statue in Bemidji, Minn., there ever in Rusty Wallace’s home state of North Carolina, he recommends visiting the Great Smoky Mountains National Park. e Makeit a family affair. The journey is an important part of the trip, particularly when you’re traveling by car. It’s an opportunity to see new places and spend time together as a family. Wallace suggests involving the entire fam- ily in the planning. “A weekend fishing trip may not always be the ideal getaway for my wife and daughter,” Wallace said, “but if the whole family is involved in the preparation, we can plan activi- ties that will make everyone happy.” For more information about Microsoft Streets & Trips 2006 with GPS Locator or Rusty Wallace, please visit http://www.microsoft. com/streets/rustywallace.
