(ARA) - Long drives have a way of provoking short tempers. While family car trips are a great way to see the country and an economical way to travel, they do have their drawbacks: fights in the back seat, getting lost in an unfamiliar city, changing a flat tire as semis whiz past. As you plan your summer car trip, use the tips below to make it a hassle-free, fun-for-the-whole-family experience.

First, and most important, expect the unexpected; or as your favorite Boy Scout would say, be prepared. Make sure your car is in good traveling condition by having it tuned up before you leave. At the very least, be sure to check tire pressure and essential fluids like oil. Confirm that your spare tire is in good condition, and that you have emergency flares in the trunk. Stow a first aid kit in the glove compartment, just in case.

If you're traveling with kids, you need to do some extra preparation to make sure they're entertained during the drive. Toys, games and books will help the trip go faster; audio books are a wonderful diversion for long drives. Many cars and vans now come equipped with video or DVD players, which can keep kids quiet indefinitely. Pack pillows and blankets in case anyone needs a nap.

Grown-ups need to do a little planning, too. Dress comfortably -- you'll be in the car for a while. Remember to bring along your favorite music, whether on a cassette or CD, lest you are reduced to listening to farm reports for hours on end. Get enough sleep the night before you leave, and allow yourself frequent breaks along the way. Save yourself stress by knowing where you're going and how you'll get there.

But there's no need to pack a library's worth of maps. Try using one of the online map services to plot routes to your specific destination. MSN MapPoint, a new, free online mapping and directions service lets you get driving directions and locate addresses or destinations in a snap. Print the advertising-free directions and take them with you. You can zoom in on maps and pan and resize them without refreshing your screen. A team of cartographers on staff at Microsoft Corp. work with a variety of information providers to ensure that you're getting the most accurate maps available.

If you want real-time traffic updates or the cheapest gas prices in a given area, try the MSN Carpoint online automotive service. Once you reach your destination, MSN MapPoint also offers links to city guides, so you can find the perfect restaurant or a great park to explore. You can even check out what's playing at the local movie theater.

If you need help while you're on the road, MSN MapPoint also feature free driving directions by phone. Simply program your cell phone's speed dial; if you get lost, call for automated driving directions to get you to your destination in no time.

So sit back, relax and enjoy the drive. For more information, visit mappoint.msn.com or click on the "maps and directions" link on MSN, www.msn.com.

Courtesy of ARA Content