As Summer Road Trip Season Heats Up, 'Best Truck Stop in the Nation' Reveals Five Things Highway Travelers Want Most

WESTLAKE, Ohio, June 11 -- When it comes to knowing the needs of highway travelers, no one knows better than TravelCenters of America (TA), the nation's largest network of travel centers. The TA travel center in Lodi, Ohio, was recently named the best truck stop in the country on the Travel Channel's "World's Best" series. But the same atmosphere and amenities that make the award-winning location so appealing can also be found at the majority of TA's 153 other locations across the country.

"Whether it's a person on a business trip, a family on vacation, an RVer or a professional driver, our mission is to take care of all highway travelers in the finest facilities on the road," said Ed Kuhn, TA Chairman, President and Chief Executive Officer. "We are honored to be recognized by the Travel Channel as having the finest truck stop in the country."

According to TA, people on the road want five basic things, whether they are traveling for business or pleasure:

   - Clean Facilities. Highway travelers demand cleanliness, especially in
     restrooms.
   - Convenient, One-Stop Shopping. Travelers want to fuel up, enjoy a meal,
     buy whatever they need for their trip, relax and possibly even check
     e-mail -- all in just one stop.
   - Dining Choices. Travelers want a variety of meal choices, both in terms
     of the way they get their food (fast food, food to-go, or a full-
     service restaurant) and the food itself (from traditional fare such as
     burgers, sub sandwiches and steaks, to more exotic choices such as
     Cajun and Chinese). Meal choices are especially important to families
     on vacation, where what appeals to Mom and Dad might not be what Junior
     wants to eat.
   - Low Fuel Prices. With the volatile nature of fuel prices, consumers are
     always shopping around for the best deal. TA has found that
     consistently offering among the lowest-priced gasoline has contributed
     to its popularity among motorists.
   - Friendly staff.  Travelers have a choice in where to stop when they're
     on the road, and they prefer to stop at places where the staff
     appreciates their business and lets them know it.

In addition to delivering on all five of these traveler needs, TA also offers a unique atmosphere that helped draw the attention of the Travel Channel.

Since 1998, TA has been involved in a $350 million construction and re- imaging program, which began after extensive market research into the needs and wants of highway travelers. The research included visits to some of the best retail, hospitality and guest services venues in the country and led to the TA prototype design, featuring a unique, contemporary look with brightly colored exteriors and spacious, well-lit interiors. Amenities include marble tile and Corian countertops in the restrooms, fast-food courts featuring national brands (including a Starbucks at the Lodi location) and full-service restaurants with tabletop telephones and computer data ports. The stores offer convenient, one-stop shopping for everything from snacks and groceries to portable electronic equipment.

  Other amenities found at most TA travel centers include:

   - Well-ventilated showers and restrooms featuring marble tile and Corian
     countertops
   - Locations situated close to highway entrances and exits for easy access
   - A "to go" snack bar area with coffee, cappuccino, sodas, hot dogs,
     bakery products, sandwiches and salads
   - Large, fully stocked travel store with neon lights and lighthearted
     signage featuring real towns such as Sweet, Idaho and Salty, Texas,
     that guide customers through the shopping experience
   - Fast-food courts -- typically featuring two or three branded fast food
     restaurants
   - Full-service restaurants -- offering 24-hour table service and buffet
     dining options
   - Ample, well-lit parking areas suitable for motorists, RVers, and
     professional drivers
   - Game rooms

TravelCenters of America, headquartered in Westlake, Ohio, is the largest network of full-service travel centers in the country, employing 10,500 people at 153 sites in 41 states and Canada.