Boston, MA March 21, 2004 ??”-This summer, more Americans than ever will spend their vacations traveling in the US. Surveys by the American Automobile Association (AAA) confirm that, since 9/11, more people are choosing domestic vacation travel. And, more of us are traveling by road. Recent surveys show that both trends will continue.

Turning dreams of an American road trip into reality takes time and planning, but the rewards are as limitless as the country itself. Lori Hein, author of “Ribbons of Highway: A Mother-Child Journey Across America” (www.Booklocker.com, 2004), traveled 12,000 miles of American back roads and byways with her two young children. Hein says that anyone ??” solo travelers, moms with kids, families, seniors ??” can plan and enjoy a road trip into America. “America is a rich tapestry of places to discover and savor,” she says. “When you get off the interstate and travel the country’s small roads, through its downtowns and open spaces, when you stop awhile at its fishing docks and ports, its churches and diners, its parks and ballfields, you experience first-hand the country’s majesty and humanity.”

Hein, a freelance writer, newspaper correspondent and marathoner, is a travel expert, having visited over 50 countries, often solo, often with children in tow. While “Ribbons of Highway” is a travel narrative, a family story and a fresh look into the heart of America, it’s also a blueprint for planning a trip of your own.

Some tips for planning a great summer road trip? “Preparation and attitude are key,” says Hein. “Start your planning early. Study maps, scour brochures, make lists of places you must see and places you’d like to see. Choose routes and calculate time and distance between planned stops. You may have to rework your itinerary several times before all the pieces fit. (And save the pieces that don’t fit for your next trip!)”

And, says Hein, “Clear your mind. Jump into your trip with an open, positive attitude so you can accept and enjoy whatever the trip presents. When you hit bumps in the road, literal or otherwise, relax, take a deep breath, and manage the hurdle. Then continue your journey. There’s so much to see.”

Asked what impressed her and her children most on their cross-country odyssey, Hein said, “The country’s vastness and the freedom we have to travel through it. Each morning, we set out on that day’s 300 miles of small, beautiful roads and looked up other roads, knowing there were 300 different miles to be had by traveling any one of them. And, we were free to do so. There were no border stops, no papers to check, no questions to answer, just an overwhelming sense of freedom.”

Read excerpts from “Ribbons of Highway: A Mother-Child Journey Across America” at www.lorihein.com. The book is available at www.booklocker.com or major online booksellers such as Amazon. Contact the author at LHein10257@aol.com or 508-230-3766. And get out there!

Fort Walton Beach, Florida January 1, 2004. September 11, 2001 changed the face of travel as it changed all our lives. For the past two years, the travel industry has struggled to enhance travel security and bring travelers back. Trends indicate that travelers are coming out of their cocoons and are once again ready to enjoy the pleasures and privileges of our world. Consider these ways to explore your travel horizons in 2004.

1. Dream a little. Start a list of everywhere you want to go???everything you want to do. Build your Travel Resource File. Use a three-ring binder with tabs for Trips to Take Someday, Upcoming Trips, Travel Resources, and Past Trips.

2. Plan Ahead. Plan Ahead. Plan Ahead. Do your homework. The most successful trips are well-researched and well-organized. You may love last-minute, spontaneous travel. Great! If you do your homework, you’ll always be ready to grab your bags and go.

3. Learn to pack smart and travel light. You can take less and have more! Travel-friendly clothing is wrinkle-free, washable, and comfortable. Plan your travel wardrobe around three colors in a combination of prints and solids and become a mix n’ match expert. When all your tops match all your bottoms the possibilities are endless.

4. Develop a relationship with a good travel agent. Although the world-wide Web is an ideal way to explore travel horizons and compare prices, it does not replace the confidence and security of working with a knowledgeable travel agent. A travel agent who understands your travel preferences and needs can add value to your trip in ways not found on the Internet.

5. Budget travel wisely. Open a travel account at your bank and make contributions to it on a regular basis. Decide how much you can spend on your trip and research your options. Learn about the ???hidden??