Whether you're traveling 50 miles or 500, knowing where road problems are could save you time and trouble. Just dial 511. You might want to pick a different route and save an hour or two. It's free.

The 511 travel service gives callers in 29 areas detailed information about traffic problems caused by accidents, road construction, bad weather, or heavy traffic. The nine-county San Francisco service covers the largest metropolitan area.

The 511 Deployment Coalition, made up of the American Association of State Highway and Transportation Officials and other agencies, predicts that half of the U.S. will have 511 service by the end of next year.

Cruises for everyone

The cruise industry offers excursions for people of all ages and interests. Before booking, be sure to select the one that is right for you. Recent cruises specialized in singles, couples, families, and cruises for those with medical needs as listed on DialysisAt Sea.com.

TV star Rosie O'Donnell is organizing the first cruise for gay and lesbian families this summer. She says the cruise will welcome all families, however you define them. They will set sail on a brand new Norwegian Cruise Lines ship.

Baby boomers are choosing Alaska. The U.S. Maritime Administration says the most drastic cruise-industry growth is to Alaska, bypassing Bermuda as the No. 1 seasonal destination.

Prices could limit car travel

For the first time, there are more cars per household in the U.S. than there are licensed drivers. The Department of Transportation reports that, on average, there are 1.9 vehicles per household and 1.8 drivers. (About 30 percent of households own three vehicles.)

In spite of this, authorities predict that high fuel prices will limit the number of miles they will travel by car this year.

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