Nearly eight in 10 Americans plan to drive for their next family vacation, although nearly six in 10 Americans experience stress before or during a family road trip.

Susan Foster, recognized travel expert and author, has teamed with Dodge to offer simple tips families can follow to avoid potential road trip disasters and focus on quality family time.

Taking it on the road

In conjunction with the upcoming holiday season and the introduction of the all-new 2008 Dodge Grand Caravan, Dodge commissioned a national survey to provide insight into how Americans deal with family road trips. According to the survey, 77 percent say they plan to drive for their next family vacation, compared to 8 percent who plan to fly.

Part of the appeal of driving is the extra luggage and gear you can bring on your trip. Many of today’s vehicles have innovative storage areas that give travelers more packing flexibility than ever before.

So, first thing’s, first, when packing the vehicle, gather everything in one area and edit to fit. Soft-sided bags often squish in more easily than rigid rectangular suitcases.

Stressed to the max

However fun a road trip may be, 59 percent of Americans have experienced stress before or during an extended family car trip. The most common stress inducers are boredom or lack of entertainment. And when asked what they would most want in a car, more than half said they desire more space or more comfortable seats for a road trip.

The best way to combat boredom is really having a combination of activities at your fingertips. Entertainment features such as DVD players and satellite radio have really changed the modern American road trip. Classic family games are great ways to supplement -- looking for license plates from different states, telling jokes or counting cars of a specific color.

Control craze

One in three Americans say that his/her reason to drive rather than fly this holiday season is to maintain control of the trip, including the ability to decide when to stop or to go sightseeing.

Enjoying the journey – not just the destination – is a definite advantage of car travel. Choosing a vehicle that has a navigation system is an easy way to chart your itinerary, including stops at places of interest, instead of simply rest stops. Visit local parks or sights throughout the trip. History and geography become real when kids see the country for themselves. Choosing a different route for the return home helps to keep everyone interested for the entire trip.

Pack it up

One in four Americans have experienced stress on a family road trip related to packing the car. To help combat this, decide where things should go based on when they are needed – last in, first out.

Use storage bins inside the vehicle to pack the clothes you’re going to travel home in, but don’t include items you need access to first while driving, such as the kids’ stuffed animals they may want on the drive or the book you want to start.

Eliminate packing stress by working in advance of the trip to prep your vehicle.

• Two days ahead: Clean out the interior and cargo area and get rid of everything not needed for the trip. Make sure the interior light, especially in the cargo area, works properly.
• One day ahead: Pack as much of the vehicle as you can the night before you leave using the “last in, first out” rule. Packing always takes longer than you think it will, and this way you can actually leave first thing in the morning before everyone gets cranky.

Source: Chrysler LLC