You’ve booked the rooms, figured out the activities and know where you’re eating this long weekend, but how will you avoid the frustratingly slow holiday traffic?

Planning ahead is crucial before hitting the road this long weekend according to AA spokesperson Barney Irvine.

“We all know how bad holiday traffic can be leaving or returning to our main centres, or around well-known bottlenecks,” he says. “But people also need to pay attention to what might cause delays on the rest of the route,” he says.

Planning methods like AA Traveller Roadwatch, an online tool designed to help New Zealanders get to their destinations quicker and safer, highlights roadwork delays, crashes and congestion so people know to avoid those areas if possible.

“The last thing holidaymakers want is to double, or sometimes even triple their travelling time, especially when, with a little planning and foresight, they could be enjoying their holiday much sooner.”

The online planning tool now sits alongside AA Traveller information, making it easier to fully plan out the long weekend and future holidays from choosing a destination, booking accommodation and activities as well as finding the best travel route.

“While traditionally New Zealanders have been known to have a ‘she’ll be right’ attitude to weekends away, increasingly we’re seeing Members being a lot more planned in their approach to booking accommodation and activities in advance. We encourage people to have the same mind-set about getting to their destinations as well.”

“Planning your drive also means you can add in plenty of pit stops along the way to ensure you get to your destination safely and relaxed,” he says.

Filters on AA Traveller Roadwatch allow users to scope out bookable accommodation, selected petrol stations and public carparks and amenities to name a few.

Along with journey planning, the tool also gives users access to real time traffic cams, which also allows visitors to view a 24 hour time-lapse of particular areas to help them manage their journeys just before they head off.

AA Traveller has helped Kiwis see the best of New Zealand for more than 100 years. It publishes and distributes more than three million guides and maps every year, and provides travellers with a wealth of information to inspire and assist them in planning travel and to make bookings at more than 1500 properties on aatraveller.co.nz or at any AA Centre. Visit AA Traveller Roadwatch for more information.