Eugene,

In your case do you have someone out of state that could be a mutual contact between you and your wife/kids if you get seperated? That might be your best bet.

I would avoid travel stations/rest stops. They'll be overrun. This may sound a little creepy, but do a search for graveyards along your expected paths. They are usually easy to find, have plenty of parking, and are much less likely to be overrun by refugees. Good ones also have a hose or other water source somewhere on the grounds.

Something to think about.

-Blast