Hitting the road for summer vacation

(WPRI) - With prices for flights climbing and gas prices dropping, more people are driving to their vacation spots to save money.

AAA is predicting a total of 42 million Americans will hit the road this summer. With more people jumping in their cars, expect a build-up of traffic.

Also, make sure your car is ready with a pre-trip stop at the mechanic. The heat can easily damage tires, so check tire pressure to avoid any possible mishaps.

Traveling with kids can be especially difficult, so make sure you prepare by packing snacks and appropriate distractions for the car. If your vehicle has a DVD player, bring enough to keep them entertained. If not, try bringing a laptop or tablet pre-loaded with videos.