Finding the shortest route between points A and B requires onlya ruler, but what about the fastest, safest, or prettiest routes?Computer users with a taste for exploration will love DeLorme's AAA Map'n' Go 6.0 software package. Create customized trips of any length andduration, choosing routes based on any of a range of criteria,including AAA accommodation ratings, up-to-date constructioninformation pulled off the Internet, and more.

Installation is simple, and the friendly interface makes trip planningalmost as fun as the big vacation itself. Once the trip is settled, youcan print the maps on paper, port them to Palm OS devices, or evenshuttle them along on a GPS-enhanced laptop--but keep your eyes on theroad! There's no comprehensive address database, so some out-of-the-wayrelatives might be hard to track down unless they give exceptionallyclear directions, but for the most part campgrounds, restaurants,hotels, and most urban locations are pretty easy to find.

Tracking past trips is easy and fun with the slide-show feature, whichlets users develop multimedia presentations, including digitalpictures. Keeping kids busy in the car is also a breeze with theactivities provided on the disc and available forprinting--license-plate bingo should keep the driver sane long enough to reach the nextdestination. AAA Map 'n' Go 6.0 will keep road trips fun, safe, andwell planned, even for travelers who want to leave the computer backhome.--Rob Lightner