One of my favorite parts of going on a road trip is the food. I’m a firm believer that food is one of the most accurate representations of a region’s local culture. Fortunately for me, I live in the Midwest, where road trips are common and the off-road restaurants usually have delicious food that fills you up without costing a fortune. However, many of my friends, who are less adventurous than I am, often fall into the typical trap of sustaining themselves on greasy fast food and vending machine foods because they don’t want to eat somewhere that they’ve never read a Yelp review about.

Yes, finding a good diner can be hit-or-miss and you may very well end up at a less than stellar restaurant, but eventually you’ll find one gem that will make you forget about all those duds. Whether you are on a budget or just hesitant to try a restaurant you’ve never heard of, traveling on the road doesn’t mean you have to live off of fast-food and chips. With a little exploration, creativity and spontaneity, you too can eat well on the road.

Fortunately, my culinary hero, Alton Brown, has recently written a book, Feasting on Asphalt, about the adventures of road food. He recently gave an interview to National Geographic Adventure Magazine about how to eat well on the road, here are a few of his tips:

1. Eat BBQ – According to Brown, barbeque can’t be frozen, canned or vacuum stretched so it’s more likely to be fresh and cooked by someone with experience.

2. Stay off the expressway – Generally pit stops right off the expressway are usually filled with fast food chains and gas stations. According to Brown, authentic diners are usually in the northeast because way back when, these establishments were easier to ship supplies to than those in the Midwest.

3. Befriend a stranger – Recently there has been a big push in the culinary scene for communal tables and communal eating. So next time you are on a road trip, Brown recommends eating with strangers. While this idea may sound strange to you, consider the advantages, you may hear some interesting stories and even make a few new friends on your trip.

4. Don’t be afraid to ask – Instead of sticking to your usually routine of chocolate chip pancakes and bacon; ask your server and the diners around you what they would recommend. Be adventurous and you’ll never know what you will discover!

5. BYOC (Bring Your Own Condiments) – If you are a foodie like me, Brown suggests bringing your own condiments like kosher salt, peppercorn and your favorite kind of hot sauce. This way, you can spice up your meal, just in case it comes out bland.

Road tripping through the Northern part of the United States is the perfect vacation if you and your family love the great outdoors. In addition to the beautiful hills and vast bodies of water throughout the region, Northern America has some of the most breathtaking views and if you are a nature buff, many Northern states have Native American reservations and museums you can visit.

So get ready to embrace your inner nature junky with these four scenic road trips in Northern America:

1. Edge of Wilderness (Minnesota) – Minnesota’s Edge of Wilderness runs through the Chippewa National Forest with more than 1,000 lakes and the Mississippi River. Throughout your drive, you’ll have breathtaking views of Minnesota’s lakes, meadows and forests. If your family or friends are into the great outdoors and nature, this is the perfect scenic route to drive. The Edge of Wilderness offers hiking, camping and fishing opportunities.

2. Salmon Bitteroot Valley (Idaho/Montana) – The Salmon Bitteroot Valley in the Idaho and Montana area is the ancestral home of two Indian tribes; the Shoshones and the Flatheads. While it’s been several centuries since these native tribes have lived on the land, the beauty of the Valley’s rivers, mountains and backcountry still remains. If you take Rte. 75, you can drive along the Salmon River, the longest free-flowing waterway in the lower-48 states. This 250 mile valley is also home to Painted Rocks State Park which has camp grounds and the National Bison Range (Rte. 93) where you can take a 19-mile auto tour of Montana’s bison and other wild animals.

3. Lake Michigan Tour (Michigan) – Although Michigan has been hurting after the collapse of the American auto industry, the Wolverine state has more to offer than just great American cars. In addition to great wineries and fruit pastures, the shores of Lake Michigan offer a variety of fun opportunities for your entire family. Along the coast of Lake Michigan, Ludington is a quaint fishing port where you can go fishing, boating, waterskiing and canoeing. Further north along Rte. 31 is a town called Manistee, which is listed on the National Register of Historic Places. The town has a commercial building from 1883 filled with historical exhibits and churches reflecting the Irish, German and Scandinavian heritage of the town’s early settlers.

4. Route 89 (Wyoming) – While Wyoming is best known of Yellowstone National Park, Route 89 offers just as many outdoor adventures as Yellowstone and the charm of a less-traveled road. Route 89 can reach altitudes up to 3,000 feet which means when you reach the top, you will have spectacular view of Bear Lake and the peaks of the Sawtooth Mountains. If you take a detour to Bear Lake, be sure to check out the Bear Lake National Wildlife Refuge, 18,060 acres of wetlands for many of America’s most beautiful wild animals. At the end of Rte 89 is the Grand Teton National Park, a beautiful park known for its wildlife, including moose, bears, elk, bald eagles and wolves.

Whether you are looking for a relaxing summer vacation along the beach or a more rugged vacation outdoors, the South offers more than enough options to keep your entire happy. From its heart warming soul food to Southern hospitality, the South has so much to offer! It is definitely a region you’ll want to road trip around this summer.

Her are four recommendations for an All-American vacation in the South:

1. The Great River Road – Mississippi
This summer, explore the Mississippi Blues as you drive along the Great River Road, a path that follows the Mississippi River from northern Minnesota to the Gulf of Mexico. During your drive south, you’ll find yourself in the history, culture and traditions of Mississippi’s unique music scene. Discover the birthplace of the blues at the B.B. King Museum in Indianola to learn about the fascinating roots of the blues and how it spread throughout the nation. Next, take a trip to Vicksburg National Military Park in Vicksburg, a significant area in American history where John C. Pemberton surrendered and gave the Union control of the Mississippi River during the Civil War. History buffs will love the U.S.S.Cairo Museum which displays a recovered Union gunboat, weaponry and other artifacts from the Civil War. Also in Vicksburg is the Biedenharm Coca-Cola Museum where your family can learn about how the classic America cola is made and see equipment used to process the first Coke bottles from 1894. Finish your trip at the Rosemont Plantation near Woodville. Once a thriving cotton plantation with over 100 slaves and home to Jefferson Davis, President of the Confederate, Rosemont is now open for daily tours.

2. Overseas Highway – Florida
Whether you are a long-time Florida resident or an out-of-towner, nothing says summer better than the beach. This summer, take a road trip along U.S. Route 1 to explore Florida’s many beautiful islands. Route 1 is often known as the Overseas Highway because it runs through an 105-mile chain of islands—from Key Largo to the Key West. In addition to lounging on the warm sand and watching the shimmering ocean in the background, there are many opportunities for your family to explore and learn on this road trip. Consider stopping in Tavernier at the Florida Keys Wild Bird Rehabilitation Center, the only place in the Keys where you can see indigenous bird life in close quarters. And if you want a better view of the ocean, consider going to the John Pennekamp Coral Reef State Park in Key Largo where you can see Florida’s coral reef by a glass-bottom boat as well as snorkeling, sailing and scuba. Finally, you can also visit the Dolphin Research Center in Grassy Key, home to a family of Atlantic bottlenose dolphins and California sea lions. The Center even offers “hands-on-training” sessions.

3. James River along Route 5 – Virginia
Richmond, Virginia shares a deep connection to our nation’s roots. After being plundered by the British during the Revolutionary War, the entire city was almost destroyed by a fire during the Civil War. Even with its rich and sometimes violent history, Richmond is home to the serene James River and many historic structures, including an 18th century building designed by Thomas Jefferson. Whether your family members are history buffs or nature lovers, the drive along Rte. 5 on the James River begins near the state capitol and will take you through rural farms and fields of corn, wheat, soybeans and cotton. Further down the road, you’ll find historic plantation houses that sit along the banks of the James River.

4. Central Texas Getaway – Texas
While Texas is known for its state-pride, cowboys and George Bush, it has more to offer than the stereotypes it is often associated with. Take a trip with the family to Central Texas for a good time, filled with fishing, barbeque and other Texan memories. Start your trip in Hill Country along the Guadalupe River, one of the top 100 U.S. trout streams. You can take a day-long fly-fishing trip, go rafting and tubing or just explore the area’s shopping options. Afterwards, consider visiting the Enchanted Rock State Natural Area in Fredericksburg, home to a unique pink granite dome that rises 425 feet above ground. It is home to one of the largest and oldest batholiths, or exposed underground rock formations in North America. In addition to hiking and backpacking opportunities, you can also go rock climbing, birding and relax at night with some stargazing and camping. During your road trip, be sure to make a pit stop and get a taste of some famous Texas-style barbeque.

When you live on the West Coast, it’s easy to settle for a simple family vacation to one of California’s many beaches. But if you’re looking for more than a standard family vacation, consider taking a trip to some of the mountains and forests and discover some of the West Coast’s best kept secrets.

Here are five West Coast road trip ideas:

1. Volcanic Legacy Scenic Byway (California and Oregon) – Running from Oregon’s Crater Lake National Park to California’s Lassen Volcanic National Park, this scenic highway offers the best of the beauty and drama of a volcanic landscape. From mountains, lakes, wildlife and charming towns, you’ll need two to five days to enjoy the entire 500-mile route, but it is well worth your time. Along the byway is Mount Shasta, the second highest volcano in the U.S., which peaks at 14,162 feet and the Lamath Basin which is home to the great American Bald Eagle and a 53,000-acre wildlife refuge.

2. Redwood Highway – California’s Redwood Highway offers beautiful views of the ocean, lagoons and picturesque Victorian homes, perfect for a trip with your friends or family. North on Route 101 is the Standish-Hickey State Recreation Area, 1,000 acres of redwoods, maples, oaks and Douglas firs as well as the Eel River which you can swim or fish for salmon and steelhead trout. You should also stop by Trinidad, an old fishing village home to sea lions and a replica of the 1871 Memorial Lighthouse. If you are interested in architecture, consider visiting the Carson Mansion in Eureka, a three story eighteen room Victorian home constructed in 1884.

3. Strait of Juan de Fuca Highway (Washington) – The Strait of Juan de Fuca is the perfect road trip route for the Native American history buff. This byway runs along the shores of a glacial fjord that connects Puget Sound to the Pacific Ocean. You can also take a detour to the Cape Flattery Tribal Scenic Byway to visit the Makah Indian Reservation which is home to the Makah Cultural Museum which was originally built to store artifacts from an ancient Ozette fishing village. You can learn about Native American history and culture while you enjoy the views of wild eagles, rugged cliffs and forests and the beautiful ocean.

4. Red Rock Scenic Byway (Arizona) – The Red Rock Scenic Byway winds through Sedona’s Red Rock Country and offers its travelers everything from stunning views or red rocks and monoliths to public golf courses and hiking trails. There are only three public golf courses in Sedona and Red Rock Country and they are all located off of this beautiful route. Each course is home to beautiful red rock scenery and challenging fairways. Arizona’s Coconion National Forest is also off the Red Rock Byway. You can enjoy the beautiful high desert country at 4,000 feet and even take a trip to Courthouse Butte, a popular spot for off-road mountain biking and an area that is considered sacred by Native Americans.

5. Nevada – While Las Vegas is best known for its casinos, exciting shows and glitz, hidden underneath its bright lights and fancy hotels is the Las Vegas Boulevard, a nighttime byway with museums and roadside charm. If your family is not the outdoorsy type and is looking for a short road trip, this might be the perfect option because Las Vegas Boulevard has an abundance of museums for everyone to enjoy. Start your trip at the Nevada State Museum to see the skeleton of the Columbian Mammoth or go the Las Vegas Natural History Museum to see sharks, stingrays and fish in a marine life exhibit. You can also check out the Atomic Testing Museum which has videos of the nuclear tests in the late ‘60s. You can finish your vacation at the Neon Museum and Boneyard, home to over 150 of the signature Las Vegas Signs you see lit up at night.

Growing up, many people told me that road tripping was strictly a Midwest fad. But after moving to Delaware, I discovered that the East Coast had more to offer than clam chowder and fresh blue crabs.

While historic routes on the highway often offer kitschy towns with interesting trinkets and eclectic people, the scenic routes on the East Coast offer breath taking views of mountains and towns rich in America’s colonial history.

Here are five must-travel East Coast road trip ideas:

1. Brandywine Valley (PA, DE) – If you’ve ever wondered if rolling hills actually exist, then you’ve clearly never driven on the Brandywine Valley. Stretching from the rolling hills of southeastern Pennsylvania through Wilmington, Delaware, the Brandywine Valley is a beautiful route that has an array of museums and historic locations for everyone in your family. You can even visit the Nemours Mansion, a 102-room chateau owned by Alfred I. du Pont. You can find more attractions off the Brandywine Valley here.

2. Maine Coast, Route 1 (ME) – With 3,478 miles of coastline, the Maine Coast has more coastline than California so touring the Maine Coast is not an easy task. However, if you have a week or more for vacation, this is definitely a route you should consider. The first 30 miles of Maine’s southern coast has eight quaint historical towns which are home to the oldest jail in America, a mini-lobster and fishing village, summer festivals and amusement parks for your kids. While you are driving along this route, be sure to check out Maine’s seafood and spectacular beaches.

3. Mohawk trail (MA) – Massachusetts’ Mohawk Trail offers over 100 attractions for your entire family, including adorable inns and gift shops, private camping areas and beautiful parks, mountains, canyons and rivers. Like many routes on the east coast, the Mohawk Trail has deep historical roots. During the colonial period, Benedict Arnold traveled the Mohawk Trail to Fort Ticonderoga, New York. If you are short on time, you can find ideas for one-day road trips along the Mohawk Trail here.

4. Seaway Trail (NY) – New York’s Seaway Trail runs along the shores of Lake Erie, Lake Ontario, the Niagara River and the Saint Lawrence River. Along with breathtaking views of New York’s lakes and rivers, are quaint villages and picturesque farms. If you enjoy fishing, there are many fishing opportunities along the Seaway Trail where you can catch bass, walleye, salmon and rainbow trout. The Seaway Trail was selected as one of America’s Byways by the U.S. Department of Transportation, an honor given to highways that “exemplify the regional characteristics of our nation.”

5. George Washington Memorial Parkway (MD) – Running from northeast Virginia to south-central Maryland, the George Washington Memorial Parkway passes by historic sites such as Mount Vernon, the White House and the Potomac River. There is a six-mile, four-lane section called the Clara Barton Parkway which is home to the Clara Barton National Historic Site . This site has a 38-room house that was first used as a Red Cross warehouse. Adjacent to the Clara Barton National Historic Site is Glen Echo Park, an arts and cultural center with a beautiful antique, hand-carved and hand-painted Dentzel carousel that operates on weekends.

For decades, road trips have offered families an affordable way to explore some of America’s most eclectic and kitschy towns. With the rising cost of hotels and the hassle of flying and dealing with airport security, now may be the perfect time to hit the road with the family.

One of America’s most iconic roads, the “mother of all road trips”,” if you will, is Route 66. Prior to 1984, Route 66 was called “the main street of America.” Running between Chicago to Los Angeles, the historic Route 66 was a symbol of America’s highways and the all-American family road trip.

Although the towns and cities off the historic Route 66 have a lot to offer, there are hundreds of equally memorable and quirky highways across the U.S. So take the road less traveled this summer and check back with Vehicle Vibes over the next couple of weeks for suggestions on some of America’s most interesting and scenic routes.

It’s that time of year again—the time when your children celebrate the end of school and start planning their summer fun. From summer school, camps and of course, family vacations, summer can be an exciting time of the year for the entire family.

However, if your family is like mine, you are probably trying to cut back on unnecessary expenses and save for the future. From hotels, rental cars, airfare, souvenir and food costs, the expenses from a family vacation can add up. But don’t let this stop you from creating long-lasting memories this summer.

Instead of flying to the Caribbean or visiting a commercialized theme park, consider traveling to a location closer to home and taking a road trip with your family. Even with rising gas prices, a road trip can often be an extremely affordable option when its time to plan your annual summer vacation.

Although planning a cheap road may seem like an art, it is not as difficult or time consuming as it seems. Here are five easy ways to save money on a family vacation, without skimping on fun or excitement:

1. Pack Your Lunch
Eating out can be expensive, especially when you are with the entire family. While I am certainly not suggesting that you pack enough food for every meal, consider skipping the fast food pit stops and bringing food for the car ride instead. This way you are not only eating healthier, you can also use the money you save to enjoy the local grub once you arrive at your destination.

2. Shop Early
Instead of waiting until the week before you leave to purchase items you need for your vacation, start looking through your local newspapers now to find the best deals on items such as sunscreen, beach bags, GPS devices and bug spray. Often times, large grocery chains will offer “Catalina” deals where you can actually earn gift cards for purchasing items you’ll need for a successful family vacations.

3. Travel during Off-times
If your work schedule is fairly flexible and you are able to take a few days off of work, consider leaving on a Sunday and returning on a Wednesday. This way, you will not only avoid the weekend rush of tourists, but often, prices for hotels are cheaper. Consider visiting sites such as Expedia.com, HotWire.com and Kayak.com before you book your hotel.

4. Find Free Ways to Entertain Your Kids
While there are many coloring books, crosswords and games you can purchase to keep you kids entertained on the road, there are also many free options online you can print out to save money. Consider visiting Printable Coloring Pages for coloring pages for kids.

5. Adjust Your Driving Habits
Stopping and accelerating suddenly and speeding are not only dangerous driving habits, they can also affect your car’s gas mileage. According to a Consumer Reports study, these types of habits can reduce your car’s fuel efficiency by two to three miles per gallon. Smooth driving can also help you extend the life of your car’s engine, transmission, brakes and tires.

When packing for a family vacation, it can be hard to predict what you’re going to need. Aside from vacation essentials like clothes, sunscreen and a camera, taking a road trip requires extra items in order to make your time in the car as enjoyable as possible.

But if you’re like most people, your life can be hectic and the last thing you want to think about is whether or not you’ve packed everything you need without cluttering your car.

So instead of racking your brain for all the items you need for your vacation, here are eight road trip essentials to make your life easier:

1. Maps/GPS
In addition to printing out maps to and from your planned destination, you should also map out gas stations and interesting pit stops along the way. The points of interest feature can also help you locate the nearest restaurant or gas station. If you are using a map, check multiple websites such as Google Maps, Yahoo Maps and Map Quest to make sure any unexpected detours or road changes are accounted for. Even if you have a GPS system, you should always bring a printed map, just in case your GPS malfunctions.

2. Snacks
Bringing food for the road is not only a way to save money on the road, it will also minimize the number of pit stops you’ll have to make for food. Consider bringing healthier, crumb-free snacks such as trail mix, granola bars and hard-to-bruise fruits. Healthy snacks will also help you keep your energy up.

3. Emergency Car Kit
While you should always take your car in for a check-up before you hit the road; it’s always a good idea to pack an emergency car kit, just in case. Items to pack include a first aid kit, jumper cables and duct tape.

4. Garbage Bags
Instead of collecting trash in the corner of your car bring a couple empty trash bags or grocery bags. Your car will be less cluttered and cleaning up will be a lot easier.

5. Blanket
Picnics are a great way to enjoy the beautiful weather and a blanket will make spur-of-the-moment picnics and naps at rest stops possible.

6. Books on Tape
While spending hours with your kids asking ‘are we there yet’ may not sound ideal, consider it a great opportunity to bond as a family. Pack a few books on tape for the whole family to enjoy.

7. Activities
In addition to packing games and entertainment options for the kids, also remember to pack a few for adults in the front passenger seat. Sudoku, crossword puzzles and magazines are all good choices.

8. Emergency Phone List
An emergency contact list isn’t just for kids. Always bring a list of important phone numbers such as numbers for your insurance company, your doctor and a neighbor or emergency contact at home.

Creating a road trip checklist will ensure that your car, family and home are all prepared before you leave on the open road.

As a child, one of my fondest memories was a road trip I took with my family to Silver Dollar City, Missouri. Although my parent’s Toyota Camry was crammed packed with suitcases and snacks, I will always remember sights and sounds of the road. And since then, I’ve always had a special spot in my heart for road trips.

With the hassle and sky-high prices associated with flying, this summer may be the perfect time to embark on a road trip with your family. While the cost of flying may limit your ultimate vacation destination, road tripping presents an endless number of options. In addition to your final road trip destination, you can also explore local restaurants and mom and pop stores in the towns you drive through.

With more than 35,000 towns and cities throughout the United States, there are endless possibilities for your road trip. So to make your life easier, I will be recommending five locations for each geographical region of the United States in upcoming Vehicle Vibes articles.
But before you start planning, here are four tips for choosing the perfect location for your road trip:
1. Hit the Books (or the Internet)
There are a plethora of websites and books available on America’s historic scenic routes, beyond the well-traveled Route 66. The more resources you peruse the more options you will have the more likely your family will find an ideal location that everyone will enjoy. Must-read sites and include: Reader’s Digest “The Most Scenic Drives in America,” ByWays.org, and RoadtripAmerica.com.

2. Ask Around
While consulting books and travel websites offer a lot of great information and suggestions, often the best way to find the road trip route or vacation spot is to ask your friends and colleagues that share similar interests. You might be thinking road tripping to a nearby cave, but your friends may be able to share some advice or information, not available elsewhere that makes you reconsider your location. So ask around, you never know what you might discover.

3. Consult the Family
If you’ve been charged with the task of arranging all of the logistics of your family vacation, it is always best to make sure everyone on the trip is happy with the location you’ve chosen. Ask all attendees for suggestions, ideas and most importantly, what they do and do not want to do so you can prevent any conflicts before they occur.

4. Consider special needs or interests
Even if the rest of your family enjoys hiking and the great outdoors, if one member of your party is uncomfortable sleeping in a tent and has expressed their aversion to nature, it may not be the best idea to plan a road trip to a camping site. At the very least, make sure the location you choose offers an activity or opportunity for everyone in your party to enjoy themselves and have a good time.

On my long commute back and forth to work, I often witness the ever increasing problem of road rage and aggressive driving. However, I have never heard of such an awful incident of road rage as I did recently.

On January 15, 2010, after two truck drivers were cutting each other off and having heated discussions over the CB radio, they decided to stop on the shoulder of a Chicago expressway to settle their differences. The ensuing argument led to one of truckers being fatally stabbed. State police blamed road rage for causing the fatal argument between the two truckers.

The National Highway Traffic and Safety Administration (NHTSA) defines aggressive driving as occurring when “an individual commits a combination of moving traffic offenses so as to endanger other persons or property.”

Road & Travel reports that according to a survey conducted by Response Insurance, one-half of drivers who are subjected to aggressive driving behavior on the road respond with their own aggression, thus risking a more serious altercation. When it comes to aggressive responses, men are more likely than women to do so (54 percent vs. 46 percent), as are drivers age 18-24 (67 percent) versus drivers 65 and older (30 percent).

If you are an aggressive driver, or should you come into contact with one, your safety and that of your passengers and others on the road is seriously compromised. To protect yourself and others when confronted by aggressive drivers, the NHTSA recommends the following:

• Let it pass. Make every attempt to get out of their way by moving to another lane and let the other driver pass.
• Stay calm. Focus on getting from one place to another safely and do not challenge aggressive drivers by speeding up or attempting to challenge them in your lane.
• Wear a seat belt. A seat belt will protect you in the event you need to make an abrupt and defensive driving maneuver and it will protect you in a crash.
• Avoid eye contact. The driver of the other vehicle may take your look as a challenge and become even more aggressive.
• Ignore it. The best way to deal with aggressive driving and rude gestures is simply to ignore it.
• Report aggressive drivers. Aggressive driving and road rage between drivers is underreported. Motorists are encouraged to call police before incidents escalate.

Aggressive driving can affect anyone. Avoid the challenges or confrontations of an aggressive driver at all costs and support law enforcement’s efforts to free the streets and highways of this danger.