Where's Lynda? She's taking a 'college road trip'

Lynda Loveland is taking a break this week from her regular blogging duties here on Go Ask Mom. You'll usually find her here on Thursdays.

But never fear! You'll be able to catch her at 7 p.m. Thursday on WRAL-TV as she explores six North Carolina colleges and helps all those high school juniors and seniors out there get a jump start on their college search.

It's been nearly 20 years since my parents drove me across the East Coast to visit colleges. It was a blur of back roads; fast food; crummy motels; and more pamphlets and brochures than I ever needed. But those glimpses were key when I ended up making my final selection (go Virginia Cavaliers!).

I'm sure many of you have been here before. What made the college search process manageable for your family?