Some Tips for the Traveling Family

Some family traveling tips from the Automobile Assn. of America:

Suggested budget for a family of four--two adults and two children--is $168 a day for lodging and meals, plus $8 per 100 miles for gas, oil, tires and maintenance (with a car averaging 23 miles a gallon).

The average cost for lodging is $78 a night, based on the rates charged by approved accommodations listed in AAA TourBooks. This rate includes $5 nightly per child. However, if children are within an age limit set by the management, usually up to 14, there may not be an extra charge.

Families traveling in Southern California probably will spend a little more than the national average, according to AAA figures. The average cost of lodging will be $10 to $15 more and gas prices probably will be about $5 more. This adds up to an average daily cost of $188 for a family of four traveling in Southern California.

Vacation spending depends on a family’s preferences and means, but costs vary by area. Higher rates can be expected in large metropolitan areas and at resorts in season.