Going to see Grandma for Christmas?

'Tis the season for goin' to Grandma's house, and that may mean a road trip. We might sing "over the river and through the woods," but we are most likely to get to Grandma's house these days via a crowded interstate highway or an even more crowded airplane. AAA estimates that 65.2 million of us will travel 50 miles or more from home this holiday season that includes Christmas and New Year's. Approximately 53 million travelers (more than 81 percent of all holiday travelers) are expected to go by motor vehicle and 8.9 million will travel by airplane.

Whether driving or flying, travelers can expect a steep increase in their travel expenditures. Gasoline prices are averaging $3.00 or more across the country and airfares are 16% higher on average than last Christmas. If you want to check out the cheapest gas, both GasBuddy.com and GasPriceWatch.com depend on motorist to report gas prices, so you can find the cheapest gas in your neighborhood or wherever your travel takes you.

• If you're driving, check out my Florida Driving Guide where you'll find laws, rules of the road, gas saving tips and more!
  
• Florida Maps
• Driving Distance Chart

Family Vacation Guide, Teresa Plowright, shares practical tips for family travel any time of the year:

• Feeding Kids on the Road: Dashboard Dining
• Print and Play Travel Games
• Car Seat Safety for Kids (Florida law requires all children five years of age or younger be restrained in a proper child restraint system.)
• Babyproofing Your Hotel Room

Whatever you do or wherever you go this holiday season, drive safely and sanely... and arrive alive!