Hit the Highway With These on the Road Trips

(ARA) - The great American road trip is still a very popular vacation, and with so many people hitting the roads, Sam Katz, chairman and CEO of Cendant Travel Distribution Services, which operates CheapTickets.com, offers some road trip tips for a stress-free vacation.

* Plan ahead. With the accessibility of the Internet, planning a vacation can be done more easily than ever before. Online planning allows every member of the family to be involved in the planning and to preview their trip before they set off. CheapTickets.com allows travelers to select a rental vehicle that accommodates group travel no matter how varied the needs -- from the standard car rental to SUVs and minivans.

* Use your tools. Be sure to do your homework and study maps before you hit the road as to avoid fumbling with multiple maps and directions while driving. Another good tip is to check the weather along your route to avoid navigating through undesirable conditions.

* Maximize comfort. Find a nice hotel that fits everyone’s needs so you can unwind after a long road trip. Select a hotel that has the convenience of an in-house restaurant to provide breakfast while you’re traveling as a fast and convenient way to save time during your journey. Hotels with pools can provide great physical activity if you’re traveling with children who need to expend some energy before hitting the back seat.

* Just fly. If the open road isn’t appealing, you’re still in luck. CheapTickets.com offers flights to all major domestic destinations such as Orlando, Chicago, New York, Las Vegas and Hawaii to name just a few. Or if you’re interested in international travel, there are plenty of options as well. For convenience, the site allows travelers to search according to preferences such as airline, travel time, departure and arrival time, by price and by schedule. It is also the only major travel site that enables consumers to purchase without becoming a member or creating a password.

“With the right planning, you can help ensure a worry-free getaway. In a recent survey, we found nearly 50 percent of travelers thought online booking made vacation planning less stressful,” says Katz. “Most importantly, remember the reasons that you're on vacation, to relax and enjoy yourself.”

CheapTickets.com provides consumers access to flights, hotel accommodations, rental cars, cruises, vacation packages, Last Minute Trips and condo rentals. For great savings on all of your travel needs, log on to www.CheapTickets.com.