• 1

We know you're out there planning a road trip, even if you don't own a car. According to LeaseTrader.com, their June 2009 "Summertime Vehicle Recreation Survey" of more than 1,500 people reveals that a majority of clients are planning road trips. This company serves families on a budget, who take over short term leases to save money on car rentals. The majority of those surveyed (63%) are opting for shorter-term summertime recreational vehicles that are 10-20% less expensive than what they would normally spend in years past.

According to LeaseTrader.com, their customers are opting for the Ford Escape Hybrid for summer activities like family fishing trips. They also found that the Volkswagen Tiguan and Mazda CX-7 are two additional vehicles many people are choosing for budget-friendly recreation outings.  While the majority of customers want summertime activities, like camping and backpacking, that involve being together with the family, many still want convertibles for a fun summer ride. Leasetraders.com found that short-term lease drivers today favor the MINI Cooper convertible compared with the most popular (and much more expensive) choice of two years ago – the Mercedes-Benz CLK convertible. Other companies have seen an increased interest among daily vehicle renters for a hybrid or vehicle that runs on bio-fuel or diesel.

Today, eco-friendly driving is what's on the radar, instead of avoiding speed traps. Families should keep in mind a few helpful tips to conserve on fuel, and driving the speed limit (or less than 60mph) is the first one. We know city kids love drive-in fast food places, but supporting local restaurants who use local products is better for the communities you visit. Consider avoiding drive-through lines altogether, as idling wastes gas, produces emissions, and increases overall engine wear. 

As American families hit the road this season, we thought about what advice we might offer to make those car trips the most comfortable and safe experiences.

Making the Road Trip More Driver-Friendly

Buying, leasing or renting a convertible is an easy way to guarantee fun. But no matter what wheels you've got, taking frequent breaks is a very important strategy for dealing with the dreaded CBKS (car-bound kid syndrome), whose symptoms include squabbling, whining, and kids’ general dissatisfaction with being in a moving compartment with their parents. 

Most parents agree that distractions such as iPods, games and audio books are absolute musts, as well.  And you’ve heard that as the in-charge adults and drivers, parents can trade off the driver and cruise director roles. 

For the parent in the driver’s seat, however, there are ways to optimize the comfort and function of your seat, which is your closest companion for those long stretches of driving that make up more and more of our vacations.