Trip Tips From CAA North & East Ontario to Enjoy March Break With Ease

OTTAWA, ONTARIO--(Marketwire - March 10, 2011) - For many families in Ontario, March Break is not only a chance to spend quality time together, but also a chance to escape the winter blahs. Whether you're travelling abroad or taking a road trip not too far from home, CAA North & East Ontario offers some helpful tips to help minimize stress and allow you to relax on your travels with friends and family.

• Before you hit the road, have your car tuned up at a CAA Approved Auto Repair Service (AARS) centre. It's also a good idea to give both the interior and exterior of your vehicle a thorough cleaning to remove all the salt, sand and dirt that may have accumulated during the winter months.

• For safety, plan your route in advance and make sure to always travel with a fully charged cell phone.

• While your travels on the road are family time, remember that you will also be in tight quarters for the duration of your trip. In order to ensure a stress-free trip and keep arguments at bay, pack a range of games, toys and activities that will cater to everyone's interests.

• Active kids can be a challenge in the car. Frequent stops and seat switching will turn their attention to something new and different until the next stop, while also preventing driver fatigue and distraction. Try packing plenty of snacks for those long stretches between available stops on the road.

• While you won't need your passport if you are staying in the country, ensure all of your passengers have valid identification in case of an emergency. For those who drive through the United States for a vacation, keep in mind that all of your passengers will need 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 entry of child to another country such as: a birth certificate; any legal forms pertaining to custody agreements; a parental consent letter if a child is travelling with one parent, neither parents or alone.

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

• Remember to book your attraction tickets before you get to the gate. Right now, CAA Members who buy a ticket to Seaworld Orlando get a free ticket to their choice of Aquatica or Busch Gardens. Visit your nearest CAA Travel Store to learn more about this and other great offers available for CAA Members on attraction tickets to help you save.

• Want to ensure you make the most of your March Break trip? Visit a CAA Travel Store for maps and TourBooks on your destination.

For more than 100 years, the Canadian Automobile Association has provided travel, emergency road services, insurance, and advocacy for its Members. CAA North & East Ontario continues to be the leading membership organization by recognizing and promoting its heritage and integrity in the community, while maximizing Members' value.