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Software Review of:
TripMaker 
1999 

From the May, 2000 issue of PC Alamode Magazine
by Bill Klutz 
TripMakerTripMaker 1999 Edition covers primarily the road networks of Canada, the U.S., and Mexico. It has over one million miles of routable roads. But TripMaker goes beyond simple roadway usage. Rand McNally knows that useful road network software should do more than just put a proposed travel line on a map. 

For any type and length of trip ) business, vacation, or a local drive to the surrounding unfamiliar area ) TripMaker software can provide travelers with the tools they need to find their way when venturing into new surroundings, and then help plan, organize and remain oriented for a successful trip. 

Innovative features

  • Enhanced! RoadSense: 

    • Advanced routing wizard lets you create the optimal route based on road conditions, seasonal road closures and your personal travel preferences. 
  • Updated! Searchable Street-level Detail: 

    • Search for exact addresses, cross streets, and major points of interest in 82 key cities. (Note: An excellent companion to expand on this task, would be Rand McNally's StreetFinder software.) 
  • Updated! Hotel and Restaurant Listings: 

    • Select from thousands of hotel and restaurant listings conveniently located along your proposed route. 
  • Updated! Easy-to-use Interface: 

    • Six key steps allow you to logically and easily plan the perfect trip and quickly print customized maps with detailed directions. 
  • Moneyminder: 

    • Search hotel and restaurant listings by price, conveniently keep track of your estimated travel costs in your trip itinerary, and connect to the Rand McNally Web site to find more money saving tips. 
  • Highway Exits: 

    • Exits for the U.S Interstate Highway System (associated with the mile marker posts on each Interstate), along with the associated exit number, display on the map. 
The Delux edition includes the following additional features: Searchable exit service and amenities information, Mobile Travel Guide restaurant and lodging information, Weekend getaway and Day Trips, Parent's corner — family travel suggestions, Global Positioning System (GPS) support, and support for the Palm Pilot and Palm III.

The software is designed to aid the traveler in at least four major areas: 

  1. Personalize your travel plans: 

    2. Create your ideal trip by selecting the types of roads you like to drive on, your driving speeds, and the kinds of hotels and restaurants, or attractions you like to visit. 
  2. Picture your trip: 

    3. Do this before you take the trip. Explore videos, panoramic city photographs, interactive national park maps, and more, to learn about exciting destinations and attractions along your intended route. 
  3. Customized Interned information: 

    4. Based on your intended route and travel preferences, the Rand McNally Web site will create a unique and specially selected guide of related internet sites for you to visit before the trip. 
  4. Camping and Park information: 

    5. If this is you area of interest, what could be better. Information can be included on national, state, and provincial parks, forests, preserves, commercial campgrounds, and RV parks. Information on camping fees is also provided where available. 
Although there are "Trip Mapping" sites on the Internet which can provide address location and driving directions, they do not have many of the other features cited. If you travel frequently, this program may be of help to you, if only in helping you keep track of expenses associated with your trip. The program should be available at most local software stores. Look for a rebate offer as this seems to be quite popular with either the store, manufacturer, or sometimes both at the same time. Who knows, if you are lucky you may get the program also for the price of the tax on the original cost (store original price + tax, less [store rebate and manufacturer's rebate which are equal to the store original price]). 

System minimum requirements: 
Windows '95/'98 or NT 4.0+ (also supports Windows CE); 256 color monitor VGA capability; 8 MB RAM (12 recommended); 80486 PC; Double speed CD drive; 25 MB hard drive space available. Internet features require an Internet Service Provider, 14.4+ baud modem and browser. GPS feature requires a NMEA-compliant GPS receiver and most likely a laptop computer. 

Contact information: 

    Rand McNally New Media 
    8255 N. Central Park Avenue 
    Skokie, IL 60076-2907 
    PH: 847-329-8100. 
    <www.randmcnally.com> for Internet access. 
Bill Klutz does consulting work, primarily in the areas of Management and Computer Applications/Hardware/Software.