With gas prices cheaper nationally and domestic travel on the rise, Charlotte’s own “American Road Trip Expert” Tamela Rich wants to ensure people make the most of precious vacation days and dollars. She is partnering with REI on two workshops at their Northlake Store and is offering a teleseminar to help people gear up for fun, memorable and affordable summer travel experiences.

“Nobody wants to waste hard-earned money on a disappointing vacation,” said Rich. “Travel planners should use caution in relying solely what they learn online. Fake reviews are a known problem in the industry.”

On the other hand, Rich uses online review sites herself. “Thanks to online resources (including the review sites) anyone can decide WHERE to go. But when it comes to a road trip, you're often in motion for as long or longer than you're at your key destinations. That’s where I come in. I will share ideas for how to enjoy your traveling companions in the car along the way and how to travel America’s scenic highways and byways, which is where the best historical sites, regional foods, and roadside kitsch are often to be found.”

Rich is offering the following travel planning workshops and teleseminar this spring:

• The first Workshop “Plan Your Blue Ridge Vacation” will be held on Saturday, April 25 from 1:30-2:30PM at REI at Northlake Mall, located at 9755 Northlake Centre Parkway in Charlotte. Rich will provide tips on camping and hiking to wildflower viewing, and the history and culture of the region. This interactive session will give attendees the information they need to develop a personalized itinerary for a long weekend of vacation off the Parkway. The workshop is free, but registration is required. For more information or to register, visit http://www.rei.com/event/65199/session/110916/05312015.

• On Tuesday, April 28, Rich will host a free teleseminar – “Ask Tamela Anything About Planning a Road Trip” from 7:30-9:00 PM. Rich has traveled 49 states and five Canadian provinces, mostly solo and on her motorcycle. Whether traveling alone, with family, or a significant other, she'll answer all questions about how to plan a trip where everyone gets to do some of the things they most enjoy. Submit questions in advance or during this free event. "Ask Tamela Anything" will be recorded and available to registered participants for replay through August. For more information to or register, visit http://tamelarich.com/2015/free-offers/ask-tamela-anything-about-planning-a-road-trip

• The second workshop – “How to Plan a Great Outdoor Family Vacation, Including Mobile Apps” – will be held on Saturday, May 16 from 1:30-2:30PM at REI at Northlake Mall, located at 9755 Northlake Centre Parkway in Charlotte. Rich will share tips on how to involve kids in the planning process and how to keep them excited and engaged while enjoying the great outdoors. She’ll also show mobile apps that will make planning fun and encourages attendees to bring electronic devices for this interactive session. The workshop is free, but registration is required. For more information or to register, visit http://www.rei.com/event/65180/session/110956/05312015.

“Personalizing a trip can take time and feel daunting,” said Rich. “My goal through these programs is to share my systems and experiences to help people design their road trip and make the most of their vacation.”

About Tamela Rich

Charlotte, N.C. resident Tamela Rich is an award-winning author, storyteller and adventurer. Known as the “American Road Trip Expert” with a passion for solo travel, she inspires people to live their best lives through her books, speeches and website. Her motto is to “Pack Light. Travel Slow. Connect Deep.” She wrote Live Full Throttle: Life Lessons From Friends Who Faced Cancer and its Companion Guide to Live Full Throttle after two years of cross-country motorcycling for cancer causes. Tamela speaks to business and professional groups across the country on the ups and downs of life (personal and professional) from a long-distance motorcyclist’s vantage point. For more information, visit http://tamelarich.com/.