CAA's March Break Trip Tips

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 8, 2012) - With the turbulent and unpredictable weather much of Ontario has experienced this winter season, many families will be using the upcoming March Break as a chance to escape the winter blues. Whether you're travelling abroad or taking a short road trip, CAA North & East Ontario has some tips to help ensure your travels with friends and family are enjoyable and stress-free.

• No one enjoys having vacation plans suddenly interrupted. Before you leave, have your vehicle serviced at a CAA Approved Auto Repair Service (AARS) facility to make sure it is in top condition. It's also a good idea to clean the interior and exterior of your vehicle in order to remove excess salt, sand and dirt that accumulated during the winter months.

• Be prepared and plan your route in advance. Also, make sure to always travel with a fully charged cell phone and an emergency road safety kit. Keep in mind that under Ontario's distracted driving law it is illegal to talk, text, dial or type using a hand-held cell phone or other hand-held communications device while driving. If a phone call on a hand-held device must be made, have a passenger make the call or wait until you are able to find a safe place to get off the road.

• Many roadways will be congested with car-loads of families eager to get to their own March Break destination. Make sure to give yourself plenty of time for your travels and monitor the weather forecast before leaving.

• Though road trips provide families with a chance to spend quality time together, you will also be in close quarters for the duration of your travels. Help keep arguments at bay and everyone content by packing a variety of games and activities that will appeal to everyone's interests.

• While you won't need your passport if you're staying in the country, ensure all of your passengers have valid identification in case of an emergency. For those who will be vacationing in the United States, remember that everyone travelling with you must have a valid passport.

• Whether with an adult or alone, all children travelling abroad must have a valid passport. Other documentation may be required to allow the child entry into another country, such as: a birth certificate; any legal forms pertaining to custody agreements; a parental letter of consent if a child is travelling with one parent, neither parents or alone.

Still deciding what to do during your March Break adventure? Check out some of the great offers available for CAA Members:

• Buy your attraction tickets before you get to the gate and save. CAA North & East Ontario offers special Member pricing on tickets to many popular theme parks. Visit your nearest CAA Travel Store or caaneo.ca/travel to learn more.

• Get the most out of your March Break travels; stop by a CAA Travel Store to pick up maps and TourBooks to find the best places to visit, eat, and stay at your destination.

For more than 100 years, the Canadian Automobile Association has provided travel, emergency road services, insurance and advocacy for its Members. Visit caaneo.ca.