Need advice on preparing for college road trips? Are your kids excited because it's all about the next phase in their lives, but you're worried about budgets, making a good impression, taking time off work to visit colleges, younger siblings, and having your kids make the best choice of college and location? TV and real-life dad Alan Thicke has been there, and offers our Wandering Educators some advice.

Alan Thicke is best known for his role as psychiatrist and father Jason Seaver from the hit show Growing Pains. The veteran actor has also appeared on Just Shoot Me, Married with Children, Thicke of the Night, and Seventh Heaven. Over the years, Alan has earned a Golden Globe ‘Best Actor’ nomination and seven Emmy nominations. Recently, Thicke took to Broadway where he received rave reviews as Billy Flynn in Chicago: The Musical. Alan has released two books, How Men Have Babies – The Pregnant Father’s Survival Guide and How to Raise Kids Who Won’t Hate You. Alan is the father of three boys and the proud grandfather of two.

Alan has teamed with Fairfield Inn and Suites by Marriott to offer parents advice, as someone who has been in their shoes and offers his own take on the college road trip experience.

We asked Alan:

How can you best plan college road trips to maximize learning about the college?

What are your top tips on saving money on college road trips?

How can you make the most out of campus tours?

How can parents best support their kids through the college process?

He also chimes in on inspiring younger siblings, getting off the beaten path, planning ahead for visiting your college student, figuring out the tone and flavor of the school, and the order in which you visit schools.

As one of TV's most reassuring and friendly dads (you all know you secretly - or not so secretly - wished to be Mike, Ben, Carol, or Crissie), and as a real dad who's been there, Alan shares his top college road trip tips exclusively for our Wandering Educators community.

Thank you, Alan, for your sage advice and inspiration!