So many Americans fly everywhere these days that you might think the classic American road trip is a thing of the past. This is not actually the case. While it does seem that the "On the Road" experience of getting a car and just going for the sake of going is in decline, the statistics (and the number of cars all around you on the roads) prove that more Americans than ever are taking to the roads for vacations and family visits, albeit apparently for more frequent but shorter trips. And frankly, with airline customer care unquestionably in decline, many Americans would rather drive than fly.
Stats be damned, there is no denying that the lure of the road is undeniable and probably eternal; it almost seems embedded in our very makeup. This is more true for some folks than others, but there is a richness to traversing the land an inch at a time that is absent from the experience of climbing into a metal canister and climbing out at your destination. If this is what you're looking for this summer, here are some tips to maintain the romance while minimizing the rigors of the road.
1. Clean your car before and during your trip.
Go ahead, leave the napkins and gum wrappers under your seat. Leave the receipts from your last business-related drive in the glove box. Don't sweat the dog hair in the back bed ... but you'll be sorry you did. A few days into your trip, when the old gum wrappers are joined by new fast food wrappers, when the glove box starts overflowing with hotel receipts and local maps, when dog hair starts sticking to your luggage and your gear, you'll rue the day you failed to pull out the Shop-Vac.
As your trip proceeds, take time every couple of days to purge your car of undesirable flotsam and jetsam. Even if you can tolerate some chaos (as I can), the accumulated junk and minor filth will start to drive you mad in the close quarters that define a road trip.
2. Have a loose plan.
Delays are the one thing that you can count on when driving significant distances. Admittedly, the archetypal "BRIDGE OUT" sign is a rare sighting these days, but the flashing "Road Work Ahead, Merge to One Lane" message is not. You don't have to have seen a lot of Chevy Chase movies to know that things aren't always going to go your way. If you overschedule your road trip, it is almost a lock that you will find yourself slogging the last few miles long after you had intended to be asleep, trying to cancel one hotel reservation so you can pay for another well short of your originally planned destination.
On the other hand, having no plan at all is only recommended for the most hardy souls. On a trip through New England a few years ago, our plan was simply to pull over when we got tired to crash in a hotel; after taking three exits without success, we finally stopped at a hotel at which the front desk person asked, "are you staying the whole night?" Ugh.
3. Get off the highways -- but beware the Blue Highways.
Unless you have a specific destination and a strict schedule, there is little point in hitting the roads to see the country if you don't spend some time on the back roads. However, some blue highways (as certain back roads were called in the popular book by William Least Heat-Moon) are not much more than endless strip malls. Most U.S. road maps have some indicator of whether a "back road" is an interesting one; the map I use most has small red dots along those roads recommended as scenic routes. I have found these recommendations to be fairly reliable; most have at least a few miles of interesting local scenery, offer driving experiences ranging from a rambling bucolic feel to truly stunning views of America the Beautiful, and pay off handsomely for those with the time, patience and inclination to wander a bit. However, that being said...
4. ...have an escape plan to get off country roads.
When I was a kid, my family took a trip down the East Coast by cutting inland to take the Skyline Drive. The Skyline Drive is certainly beautiful and occasionally visually stunning, but after a few official overlooks and an intensifying bout of car sickness on the winding roads, the kids in the car were ready to come down from the hills. It was also fantastically slow going; average speeds were about 35 m.p.h., which, starting in New Jersey, gets you to Florida in about four days of 10-hour drives. After about 600 sharp turns surrounded by a whole lot of trees and mist, I-95 never looked so good.
5. Anticipate trouble spots.
If you are grinding out long miles on a road trip, it's not hard to find yourself in the wrong place at the wrong time -- like trying to cross the Hudson River at rush hour, or driving the long bridges to Key West on the Friday afternoon of Memorial Day weekend. You'll want to plan ahead so you cross the Hudson at, say 10:30 a.m., or blast down to Key West on a Thursday.
5 1/2. Consider a satellite radio subscription.
The days of regional radio offering a musical or informational palette that you can't find anywhere else are almost all but gone, so tapping into the local vibe via radio is far less satisfying than it used to be. Were this not the case, I wouldn't recommend a satellite radio subscription. But it may be the traffic reports from major cities that tips the balance; if a city like New York or Los Angeles lies in between your car and your destination, you are going to need some timely traffic information to hope to beat the inevitable traffic congestion. XM features traffic and weather for about 80 cities; Sirius offers about 30.
Tuesday, April 20, 2010
Tuesday, April 13, 2010
Planning a Fantastic Road Trip
Planning a Fantastic Road Trip
Whether you want to hit the open road to find yourself or lose yourself along the way, keep in mind a road trip is all about you. You decide when to start and stop, you decide where to eat and sleep, you decide what is worth a second glance.
Road tripping isn't for everyone -- but even if you're accustomed to some hand holding, it still might be for you. Consider the possibilities: Maybe you tour Southern California in search of the country's best burrito, or your desire for the perfect fried clam takes you to New England. Maybe you're a baseball nut and want to visit the ballparks of the United States. Perhaps you're sick of package tours and you want to see where the road less traveled will take you. No matter what, you'll have an adventure as you explore what, quite literally, is just around the bend.
The Route
You can take any number of tried and true road trip routes, or let the road take you where it may. But no matter what, you'll need a starting point and a good map. The biggest mistake novice road trippers make, is "driving too many miles in one day." She suggests erring on the side of fewer miles per day. That way, if you see something that piques your interest or you get off course, you can feel free to relax and go with the flow.
While you can take a road trip and find adventure virtually anywhere, some routes remain perennially popular. I-95 from Maine to Florida, Highway 1 in California and Route 66 remain the top three choices for first-timers and experienced roadies alike. She warns, though, that people from the East Coast "seem to underestimate distances in the West," and as a result often find themselves behind schedule.
The Gear
First and foremost, you'll need a detailed road map and a good guidebook, preferably one written with road trippers in mind. A first-aid kit is also a smart purchase. What else you bring depends on your personality and your destination. If you're headed for a warm climate, be sure to bring plenty of water and keep it on hand throughout the trip. If you're headed for cooler climes, make sure you have plenty of cold-weather gear -- if your car breaks down and you have to wait for help, you'll be thankful for the extra pair of gloves in the back seat.
Bring your own pillow on trips for a little bit of luxury. "Even if you find yourself in a less-than-wonderful hotel," she said, "having your own pillow makes it a little bit nicer."
The Car
If you're driving your own car or borrowing from a friend, it's wise to have the oil changed and the wiper fluid checked. Check your tire pressure and make sure you have a spare, and double check that your roadside assistance is up-to-date and that you know what it covers.
If you're renting a car, consider your route when you book your rental. Sure, Highway 1 is gorgeous through the window -- but just imagine it in a convertible. If your trip is taking you to the mountains, consider an SUV. Do your homework and you may only end up paying a little more for a specialty car than you would for a compact. Consider also the number of passengers and find out how much luggage each person plans on bringing along for the ride. If you book your rental with a major credit card, you're probably at least partially covered with car insurance. Even so, call your creditor and be clear on exactly what is covered and what, if any, additional insurance you should purchase from the rental company.
Though it will cost a little more (usually around $5 to $10 per day), add at least one other person to the rental car contract. If one person is forced to do all the driving it is likely to cause tension along the way. Spouses are often covered free of charge.
The Companions
Your companions will likely affect you more than any other aspect of your road trip. For that , "it's important to have a conversation before the trip to figure out everyone's comfort levels." Though you'll "rarely completely agree," it is possible to strike a balance between planning and adventure, even if personality types differ.
If your companion will feel uneasy without hotel reservations each night while you'd just as soon sleep in the car, try and compromise. Maybe booking hotels in advance on certain nights of the trip but keeping your accommodation options open for others will make everyone happy. The clearer everyone is about travel style and expectations before hitting the road, the more successful your trip will be.
The Cost
Keep costs (and tempers) under control by striking a balance between dining in restaurants and eating from a cooler. Mix motels with camping out and bring plenty of snacks for those times you find yourself traveling long distances between meals. If you do stay at a hotel, a motel or even a hostel, be sure to load up on any free breakfast before you get back on the road.
A great way to make sure no one person absorbs the majority of shared costs is to establish a kitty before ever leaving your street. Have each person contribute the same amount of money and use that money to pay for gas, tolls and hotel rooms. That way no one person can be accused of not paying his or her fair share.
Whether you want to hit the open road to find yourself or lose yourself along the way, keep in mind a road trip is all about you. You decide when to start and stop, you decide where to eat and sleep, you decide what is worth a second glance.
Road tripping isn't for everyone -- but even if you're accustomed to some hand holding, it still might be for you. Consider the possibilities: Maybe you tour Southern California in search of the country's best burrito, or your desire for the perfect fried clam takes you to New England. Maybe you're a baseball nut and want to visit the ballparks of the United States. Perhaps you're sick of package tours and you want to see where the road less traveled will take you. No matter what, you'll have an adventure as you explore what, quite literally, is just around the bend.
The Route
You can take any number of tried and true road trip routes, or let the road take you where it may. But no matter what, you'll need a starting point and a good map. The biggest mistake novice road trippers make, is "driving too many miles in one day." She suggests erring on the side of fewer miles per day. That way, if you see something that piques your interest or you get off course, you can feel free to relax and go with the flow.
While you can take a road trip and find adventure virtually anywhere, some routes remain perennially popular. I-95 from Maine to Florida, Highway 1 in California and Route 66 remain the top three choices for first-timers and experienced roadies alike. She warns, though, that people from the East Coast "seem to underestimate distances in the West," and as a result often find themselves behind schedule.
The Gear
First and foremost, you'll need a detailed road map and a good guidebook, preferably one written with road trippers in mind. A first-aid kit is also a smart purchase. What else you bring depends on your personality and your destination. If you're headed for a warm climate, be sure to bring plenty of water and keep it on hand throughout the trip. If you're headed for cooler climes, make sure you have plenty of cold-weather gear -- if your car breaks down and you have to wait for help, you'll be thankful for the extra pair of gloves in the back seat.
Bring your own pillow on trips for a little bit of luxury. "Even if you find yourself in a less-than-wonderful hotel," she said, "having your own pillow makes it a little bit nicer."
The Car
If you're driving your own car or borrowing from a friend, it's wise to have the oil changed and the wiper fluid checked. Check your tire pressure and make sure you have a spare, and double check that your roadside assistance is up-to-date and that you know what it covers.
If you're renting a car, consider your route when you book your rental. Sure, Highway 1 is gorgeous through the window -- but just imagine it in a convertible. If your trip is taking you to the mountains, consider an SUV. Do your homework and you may only end up paying a little more for a specialty car than you would for a compact. Consider also the number of passengers and find out how much luggage each person plans on bringing along for the ride. If you book your rental with a major credit card, you're probably at least partially covered with car insurance. Even so, call your creditor and be clear on exactly what is covered and what, if any, additional insurance you should purchase from the rental company.
Though it will cost a little more (usually around $5 to $10 per day), add at least one other person to the rental car contract. If one person is forced to do all the driving it is likely to cause tension along the way. Spouses are often covered free of charge.
The Companions
Your companions will likely affect you more than any other aspect of your road trip. For that , "it's important to have a conversation before the trip to figure out everyone's comfort levels." Though you'll "rarely completely agree," it is possible to strike a balance between planning and adventure, even if personality types differ.
If your companion will feel uneasy without hotel reservations each night while you'd just as soon sleep in the car, try and compromise. Maybe booking hotels in advance on certain nights of the trip but keeping your accommodation options open for others will make everyone happy. The clearer everyone is about travel style and expectations before hitting the road, the more successful your trip will be.
The Cost
Keep costs (and tempers) under control by striking a balance between dining in restaurants and eating from a cooler. Mix motels with camping out and bring plenty of snacks for those times you find yourself traveling long distances between meals. If you do stay at a hotel, a motel or even a hostel, be sure to load up on any free breakfast before you get back on the road.
A great way to make sure no one person absorbs the majority of shared costs is to establish a kitty before ever leaving your street. Have each person contribute the same amount of money and use that money to pay for gas, tolls and hotel rooms. That way no one person can be accused of not paying his or her fair share.
Tuesday, April 6, 2010
Gas Facts For Your Road Trip
Gas Facts for Your Raod Trip
Over the last few years, average gas prices in the U.S. have ranged from under $2 a gallon to well over $4 a gallon -- meaning that the cost of gas could have a major impact (either positive or negative) on your next trip budget. No matter what you're paying at the pump, we've come up with a few ways to help you trim your gas expenses.
Simple Stuff
1) Buy gas the day before you travel. You already know where the best gas deals are near your house or office, so you might as well purchase the first tank of your trip at a price you know and can control.
2) Empty out your ride. Leaving the 50-pound bag of dog food, the sack of grass seed, the immovable box of magazines headed for recycling, and more in your car on long trips adds weight to your car and gobbles up fuel at a rate of 1 - 2 percent per 100 pounds. Lighten your load before traveling to save money.
On the Highways
3) Choose an exit with several gas stations. You can usually tell these from the amenity signs on the highway leading up to the exit -- the ones that list several fast food joints, local diners, hotels and gas stations. If the sign lists two or more stations, you will often benefit from the simple fact that there is competition for your business.
Upon exiting, you'll typically see a sign reading:
Brand A - 0.1 mi -->
Brand B - 0.1 mi <--
Brand C - 0.8 mi -->
In this case, you may want to choose the station that is furthest from the exit ramp.
Typically, Brand C will have the lowest prices, simply due to the inability to gouge outsiders looking for a quick off-and-on fill-up (the locals often use this station).
Two things happen. First, it's cheaper. Second, it is often less crowded. The extra mile's drive will cost you a few cents, but you can sometimes recover that in the first few gallons, and ultimately save quite a bit if you are running on empty and fill your tank.
4) Use "official" rest stops -- like those named after founding fathers, football coaches, nurses, mythical figures and others surely lost to memory were it not for Wikipedia and New Jersey Turnpike rest areas. (Quick -- who is Joyce Kilmer? Anyone? Anyone?) Oddly enough, these official rest stops tend to have fairly competitive prices; perhaps it would be unseemly for a station enjoying the considerable benefits of a government highway contract to soak us with high gas prices while trapped on the costly side of toll booths.
When Renting a Car
Anyone who has filled the tank of their rental car at the station just outside the cluster of car rental companies knows that you can get truly soaked by waiting until the last minute. These folks know they are your Last Chance Texaco, and price-gouge accordingly. There are a couple of ways to win this game.
5) Your most reliable tactic is to check nearby gas prices on your way out of the airport/car rental zone just after you pick up the car -- this is when you should be thinking about saving money, not when you are returning the car and are under time pressure to make a flight. Then, when returning the car, consider purchasing your gas some distance from the rental return counter.
6) You can even pick the exact station at which you will purchase your gas on the way back in. Most rental companies require only that you fill the tank within 10 miles of the return lot; you will typically find much cheaper gas at this distance, out where real people buy gas for daily life. If you do this, get a receipt and take it with you to the counter as proof of purchase.
7) Even before getting in the car -- in fact even before booking the rental -- you may want to make the fuel efficiency of your chosen vehicle a priority. You can research fuel efficiency by car class, model, year and more at www.fueleconomy.gov. The dollar amounts aren't nothing -- the site mentions that "the difference between a car that gets 20 m.p.g. and one that gets 30 m.p.g. amounts to $550 per year (assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually and a fuel cost of $2.20)." And we all know that the $2.20 gallon of gas ain't likely coming back!
Driving Around
8) There are a gazillion ways to keep fuel consumption down when driving; here are just a few: Gas Prices Got You Down?
9) A recent study found that, when searching for parking spaces, people lose the most time and burn up the most fuel by trying too hard to get too close to the entrance of the store, restaurant or hotel they are visiting. Not only that, they found that the harder you tried to park up close, the longer you waited overall.
The results found that:
• People who drove to the first obviously available spot and walked, no matter how far from the entrance, tended to get to the entrance first and burn the least fuel.
• People who drove around looking for the best spot, then parked when they found one, tended to get to the entrance next, and burned more fuel.
• People who waited to see someone who was about to pull out of their spot, then sat and waited for them to pull out and pulled into the spot, tended to get to the entrance last, and burned the most fuel.
So park a little further away and save yourself time, burn less fuel and burn more calories.
Over the last few years, average gas prices in the U.S. have ranged from under $2 a gallon to well over $4 a gallon -- meaning that the cost of gas could have a major impact (either positive or negative) on your next trip budget. No matter what you're paying at the pump, we've come up with a few ways to help you trim your gas expenses.
Simple Stuff
1) Buy gas the day before you travel. You already know where the best gas deals are near your house or office, so you might as well purchase the first tank of your trip at a price you know and can control.
2) Empty out your ride. Leaving the 50-pound bag of dog food, the sack of grass seed, the immovable box of magazines headed for recycling, and more in your car on long trips adds weight to your car and gobbles up fuel at a rate of 1 - 2 percent per 100 pounds. Lighten your load before traveling to save money.
On the Highways
3) Choose an exit with several gas stations. You can usually tell these from the amenity signs on the highway leading up to the exit -- the ones that list several fast food joints, local diners, hotels and gas stations. If the sign lists two or more stations, you will often benefit from the simple fact that there is competition for your business.
Upon exiting, you'll typically see a sign reading:
Brand A - 0.1 mi -->
Brand B - 0.1 mi <--
Brand C - 0.8 mi -->
In this case, you may want to choose the station that is furthest from the exit ramp.
Typically, Brand C will have the lowest prices, simply due to the inability to gouge outsiders looking for a quick off-and-on fill-up (the locals often use this station).
Two things happen. First, it's cheaper. Second, it is often less crowded. The extra mile's drive will cost you a few cents, but you can sometimes recover that in the first few gallons, and ultimately save quite a bit if you are running on empty and fill your tank.
4) Use "official" rest stops -- like those named after founding fathers, football coaches, nurses, mythical figures and others surely lost to memory were it not for Wikipedia and New Jersey Turnpike rest areas. (Quick -- who is Joyce Kilmer? Anyone? Anyone?) Oddly enough, these official rest stops tend to have fairly competitive prices; perhaps it would be unseemly for a station enjoying the considerable benefits of a government highway contract to soak us with high gas prices while trapped on the costly side of toll booths.
When Renting a Car
Anyone who has filled the tank of their rental car at the station just outside the cluster of car rental companies knows that you can get truly soaked by waiting until the last minute. These folks know they are your Last Chance Texaco, and price-gouge accordingly. There are a couple of ways to win this game.
5) Your most reliable tactic is to check nearby gas prices on your way out of the airport/car rental zone just after you pick up the car -- this is when you should be thinking about saving money, not when you are returning the car and are under time pressure to make a flight. Then, when returning the car, consider purchasing your gas some distance from the rental return counter.
6) You can even pick the exact station at which you will purchase your gas on the way back in. Most rental companies require only that you fill the tank within 10 miles of the return lot; you will typically find much cheaper gas at this distance, out where real people buy gas for daily life. If you do this, get a receipt and take it with you to the counter as proof of purchase.
7) Even before getting in the car -- in fact even before booking the rental -- you may want to make the fuel efficiency of your chosen vehicle a priority. You can research fuel efficiency by car class, model, year and more at www.fueleconomy.gov. The dollar amounts aren't nothing -- the site mentions that "the difference between a car that gets 20 m.p.g. and one that gets 30 m.p.g. amounts to $550 per year (assuming 15,000 miles of driving annually and a fuel cost of $2.20)." And we all know that the $2.20 gallon of gas ain't likely coming back!
Driving Around
8) There are a gazillion ways to keep fuel consumption down when driving; here are just a few: Gas Prices Got You Down?
9) A recent study found that, when searching for parking spaces, people lose the most time and burn up the most fuel by trying too hard to get too close to the entrance of the store, restaurant or hotel they are visiting. Not only that, they found that the harder you tried to park up close, the longer you waited overall.
The results found that:
• People who drove to the first obviously available spot and walked, no matter how far from the entrance, tended to get to the entrance first and burn the least fuel.
• People who drove around looking for the best spot, then parked when they found one, tended to get to the entrance next, and burned more fuel.
• People who waited to see someone who was about to pull out of their spot, then sat and waited for them to pull out and pulled into the spot, tended to get to the entrance last, and burned the most fuel.
So park a little further away and save yourself time, burn less fuel and burn more calories.
Tuesday, March 30, 2010
Rental Car Tips
If most auto accidents occur within one mile of the departure or destination site, then most car rental auto accidents must occur within a few hundred feet of the car rental parking lot.
We've all done it -- hopped into the rental vehicle, started it up and headed out into the streets. Then, in the midst of airport traffic with buses bearing down on you and taxis nearly swiping you, you're trying to read utterly illogical signage as you start groping for knobs, posts, headlights, windshield wipers, window controls, defroster/heat controls, the radio seek button.
As you get your bearings, you find yourself making every error of every bad driver you've ever hated. To safely find your way into the big bad world in your next gutless rental car, follow this guide.
00:01
Check for scratches, dings, tears. If the car rental agent is circling your car with a pad making notes of scratches and blemishes, make sure you do the same. I've rarely failed to find a scratch or two that the agent missed, and if they're going to hold you to this process, you should do the same in return.
01:01
Start the car. Although it wastes gas and pollutes, you might find that allowing the car to warm up is a good call. It also affords you the opportunity to make sure the car is running fairly well, with no strange noises. Although most people take a good look for scratches and dings so they won't be charged upon return, they rarely check how the car is running.
01:15
Find and turn on heat/air-conditioning. This will allow the interior to heat up or cool down depending on the season while you get your bearings. A dark blue Neon is going to be blistering hot in the summer. Turn on the air-conditioning and let the car cool down while you continue your orientation program.
01:45
Consult your map. Car rental lots are often inconveniently located in the outer reaches of the airport loop road organism. If you take a wrong turn out of the lot, you may find yourself back at the baggage claim before you know it. Most car rental agencies will give you a map of the area that pinpoints the location of the rental lot; take out and consult this map, and formulate your intended route out of the car rental void and into the world. Next, hand the map to a copilot if you have one, who can conceive any enhancements to the plan.
04:15
Fix your mirrors. A quick adjust to the rear view won't do it -- you gotta deal with the side mirrors. If you’re traveling with someone, he or she can help. This will save you some heartbeats when you first have to merge into heavy traffic.
05:15
Figure out the radio. Despite the nonessential nature of the radio, this may be the most important step. In fact, more accidents are caused by drivers tinkering with radio dials than using cell phones. (In my case, the only accident I've ever caused occurred when I rear-ended a police car while rooting around for a cassette tape.)
For the quickest approach, turn on the radio, figure out how to program stations into memory, find the seek button and move on.
I encourage you to take your time with this -- although the corporatization and franchising of radio has rendered the public airwaves almost uniform from coast to coast, some vestige of regional character remains at both ends of the dial and on both bands.
07:15
Find the window controls. When you arrive at the first toll booth and you're fishing around for the controls, and doors are clicking open, windshield wipers are going on and off, and rear windows are going up and down, you'll thank me for saving you the embarrassment.
07:30
Find the turn signals. This one is usually pretty straightforward, and will be exactly where you expect it to be. With all the ergonomic "improvements" to auto interior spaces that have forced me to write this article, the location of the directionals has changed very little since I was learning to drive.
07:45
Find the windshield wipers. Do this before you figure out the lights. As the sun sets, you'll have plenty of time to discover how to turn the lights on and off. If it starts raining suddenly, you'll be frantically hitting buttons in search of your wipers.
08:00
Locate the lights. This is a two-step task.
1. Find the on-off switch. When an approaching police car starts flashing its lights at you to turn on your own lights, you can now do so before the cop is past you and he won't turn around and pull you over.
2. Figure out the high beams. When you turn on your lights and the high beams are on, you can now turn them down -- you can also give a "thanks!" or a "go ahead, I'm lost" flash to the guy who cuts you a break when you're trying to figure out how to drive this high-tech Neon.
08:30
Find the fuel latch. Save yourself the embarrassment of popping open the trunk during your first fill up at the pump by figuring out where the fuel cover latch is right now.
08:45
Check the emergency brake. Is it on? You don't want the car rental employees to pick up the smell of burning brakes even before you leave the lot. Find it and release it.
09:00
Put the car in gear and head for the exits.
10:00
Head out the driveway and into the world.
10:15
Say, "Darn it, which way do we go again? Where's that map? How do you put this window down? Could you fix that mirror?" Repeat.
Got it? Remember, it can get worse -- there's driving in the U.K.
We've all done it -- hopped into the rental vehicle, started it up and headed out into the streets. Then, in the midst of airport traffic with buses bearing down on you and taxis nearly swiping you, you're trying to read utterly illogical signage as you start groping for knobs, posts, headlights, windshield wipers, window controls, defroster/heat controls, the radio seek button.
As you get your bearings, you find yourself making every error of every bad driver you've ever hated. To safely find your way into the big bad world in your next gutless rental car, follow this guide.
00:01
Check for scratches, dings, tears. If the car rental agent is circling your car with a pad making notes of scratches and blemishes, make sure you do the same. I've rarely failed to find a scratch or two that the agent missed, and if they're going to hold you to this process, you should do the same in return.
01:01
Start the car. Although it wastes gas and pollutes, you might find that allowing the car to warm up is a good call. It also affords you the opportunity to make sure the car is running fairly well, with no strange noises. Although most people take a good look for scratches and dings so they won't be charged upon return, they rarely check how the car is running.
01:15
Find and turn on heat/air-conditioning. This will allow the interior to heat up or cool down depending on the season while you get your bearings. A dark blue Neon is going to be blistering hot in the summer. Turn on the air-conditioning and let the car cool down while you continue your orientation program.
01:45
Consult your map. Car rental lots are often inconveniently located in the outer reaches of the airport loop road organism. If you take a wrong turn out of the lot, you may find yourself back at the baggage claim before you know it. Most car rental agencies will give you a map of the area that pinpoints the location of the rental lot; take out and consult this map, and formulate your intended route out of the car rental void and into the world. Next, hand the map to a copilot if you have one, who can conceive any enhancements to the plan.
04:15
Fix your mirrors. A quick adjust to the rear view won't do it -- you gotta deal with the side mirrors. If you’re traveling with someone, he or she can help. This will save you some heartbeats when you first have to merge into heavy traffic.
05:15
Figure out the radio. Despite the nonessential nature of the radio, this may be the most important step. In fact, more accidents are caused by drivers tinkering with radio dials than using cell phones. (In my case, the only accident I've ever caused occurred when I rear-ended a police car while rooting around for a cassette tape.)
For the quickest approach, turn on the radio, figure out how to program stations into memory, find the seek button and move on.
I encourage you to take your time with this -- although the corporatization and franchising of radio has rendered the public airwaves almost uniform from coast to coast, some vestige of regional character remains at both ends of the dial and on both bands.
07:15
Find the window controls. When you arrive at the first toll booth and you're fishing around for the controls, and doors are clicking open, windshield wipers are going on and off, and rear windows are going up and down, you'll thank me for saving you the embarrassment.
07:30
Find the turn signals. This one is usually pretty straightforward, and will be exactly where you expect it to be. With all the ergonomic "improvements" to auto interior spaces that have forced me to write this article, the location of the directionals has changed very little since I was learning to drive.
07:45
Find the windshield wipers. Do this before you figure out the lights. As the sun sets, you'll have plenty of time to discover how to turn the lights on and off. If it starts raining suddenly, you'll be frantically hitting buttons in search of your wipers.
08:00
Locate the lights. This is a two-step task.
1. Find the on-off switch. When an approaching police car starts flashing its lights at you to turn on your own lights, you can now do so before the cop is past you and he won't turn around and pull you over.
2. Figure out the high beams. When you turn on your lights and the high beams are on, you can now turn them down -- you can also give a "thanks!" or a "go ahead, I'm lost" flash to the guy who cuts you a break when you're trying to figure out how to drive this high-tech Neon.
08:30
Find the fuel latch. Save yourself the embarrassment of popping open the trunk during your first fill up at the pump by figuring out where the fuel cover latch is right now.
08:45
Check the emergency brake. Is it on? You don't want the car rental employees to pick up the smell of burning brakes even before you leave the lot. Find it and release it.
09:00
Put the car in gear and head for the exits.
10:00
Head out the driveway and into the world.
10:15
Say, "Darn it, which way do we go again? Where's that map? How do you put this window down? Could you fix that mirror?" Repeat.
Got it? Remember, it can get worse -- there's driving in the U.K.
Monday, August 17, 2009
Traveler Beware Company Out Of Business
Well today I received another notice regarding a cruise lines in financial trouble.
This notice gave me my idea for today’s travel trip.
I have mentioned a few times how important it is to purchase travel insurance but today I think I need to elaborate a little more.
If your travel agent does not offer you insurance, then you need to bring up the subject yourself .If for some reason they say they do not sell insurance you need to cancel your reservation and find another agent .A legitimate accredited travel agent can and will sell travel insurance.
As your agent begins explaining your options pay close attention not all policies provide company default.
This is the coverage that would pay you if your cruise lines or tour company goes out of business, goes on strike, or is bankrupted before or during your vacation.
Also another very important thing you must keep in mind is DO NOT PURCHASE YOUR INSURANCE THROUGH THE TOUR COMPANY OR CRUISE LINES THAT YOU BOOKED YOUR TRIP WITH.
This may sound funny since you are prompted to do this from the cruise lines or tour company every time you book a trip.
Let me explain why I tell you this. If you book your insurance through the cruise line or tour company it does not provide coverage if they go out of business, go on strike, or are bankrupted before or during your vacation.
Always purchase your Insurance through a third party Insurance company. When you are making this purchase be sure that your agent checks with the insurance company to be certain your cruise line or tour company are on their insurable list.
Your agent will provide you with an insurance card. This card has the insurance companies phone number and an emergency number incase you have problems during your trip. If you do encounter problems call your insurance company first they will advise you on what steps need to be taken. Then call your travel agent he or she will be able to assist in figuring things out.
If you have any questions or need to purchase trip insurance please visit http://www.dmttravel.com you can contact me directly through the site.
This notice gave me my idea for today’s travel trip.
I have mentioned a few times how important it is to purchase travel insurance but today I think I need to elaborate a little more.
If your travel agent does not offer you insurance, then you need to bring up the subject yourself .If for some reason they say they do not sell insurance you need to cancel your reservation and find another agent .A legitimate accredited travel agent can and will sell travel insurance.
As your agent begins explaining your options pay close attention not all policies provide company default.
This is the coverage that would pay you if your cruise lines or tour company goes out of business, goes on strike, or is bankrupted before or during your vacation.
Also another very important thing you must keep in mind is DO NOT PURCHASE YOUR INSURANCE THROUGH THE TOUR COMPANY OR CRUISE LINES THAT YOU BOOKED YOUR TRIP WITH.
This may sound funny since you are prompted to do this from the cruise lines or tour company every time you book a trip.
Let me explain why I tell you this. If you book your insurance through the cruise line or tour company it does not provide coverage if they go out of business, go on strike, or are bankrupted before or during your vacation.
Always purchase your Insurance through a third party Insurance company. When you are making this purchase be sure that your agent checks with the insurance company to be certain your cruise line or tour company are on their insurable list.
Your agent will provide you with an insurance card. This card has the insurance companies phone number and an emergency number incase you have problems during your trip. If you do encounter problems call your insurance company first they will advise you on what steps need to be taken. Then call your travel agent he or she will be able to assist in figuring things out.
If you have any questions or need to purchase trip insurance please visit http://www.dmttravel.com you can contact me directly through the site.
Tuesday, August 11, 2009
BUYING NEW LUGGAGE
1. BUYING NEW LUGGAGE When it comes to buying new luggage, there's always the question of whether it should be soft or hard-sided. Although soft-sided luggage has to be fully packed to gain some degree of sturdiness, it is lighter, flexible for packing, and stores easier. Hard case luggage on the other hand doesn't need to be filled to be durable. The hard case protects the contents better, and often comes with built-in locks. Surprisingly, soft luggage tends to last longer, especially if it's made from canvas or high-tech nylon. Hard cases that take a beating often get their hinges and frames bent, while soft cases tend to roll with the punches. Whatever you decide to buy, save the pricey designer bags for your carry-on. Expensive suitcases just beg to be stolen.
2. UNIQUE BAGGAGE How do you know that black suitcase on the baggage carousel is yours? Black is the most popular luggage choice, as it's the most resistant to dirt and scratches, but it's also the hardest to identify. Too often, passengers arrive home to discover they picked up the wrong suitcase because they didn't check the luggage tag. Tying a colorful ribbon on the handle is a good way to identify your bag, but try to pick an unusual color or braid a few colors together as red is the most common choice. Always put your name, number and itinerary inside the bag, as well as on the outside, in case someone picks up your bag by mistake
3. Lock Your Luggage – Many folks like to lock their luggage. Unfortunately, in this post-911 world, the TSA (Transportation Security Administration) does not allow you to lock your luggage for travel. If they wish to inspect your bag and it is locked they will cut it off. No joke. However, there are now on the market TSA-accepted locks that will allow you to lock your luggage, but be opened with a special device by the TSA for their inspection. (Also approved for the UK.)
4. Be sure and check out Skins Footwear
“Our collapsible footwear is a natural for consumers who travel. The ability to wear one Bone over which countless uppers can be built out allows the traveler to pack numerous Skins (uppers) in the space ordinarily required for a single pair of shoes. The fact that airlines are charging consumers to check baggage amplifies the advantages of Skins over ordinary footwear.The bonus is that each built out Skin and Bone combination provides our consumer with consistent fit and all day comfort.
Go to http://www.dmttravel.com for more travel tips
Tuesday, August 4, 2009
International Travel
1. First thing you need to think about is packing, the one must have is a couple pairs of Skins.Our collapsible footwear is a natural for consumers who travel. The ability to wear one Bone over which countless uppers can be built out allows the traveler to pack numerous Skins (uppers) in the space ordinarily required for a single pair of shoes. The fact that airlines are charging consumers to check baggage amplifies the advantages of Skins over ordinary footwear.
The bonus is that each built out Skin and Bone combination provides our consumer with consistent fit and all day comfort.
Please visit http://www.dmttravel.com/ to see the available styles.
2.It's a smart idea to make copies of your passport. Leave one at home and one packed separately from your original passport in case it gets lost. Remember to take your birth certificate and license with you as backup identification, and keep them separate.
3. Traveling abroad can be a rewarding educational experience or essential to your business goals. But remember, as a foreigner you're always vulnerable and need to be aware of your surroundings. Make sure you have a signed, valid passport and visas, if required. Also, before you go, fill in the emergency information page of your passport. Your passport is a universal piece of identification, so it's recognizable anywhere.
4. Carry as little luggage with you as possible. It's a good idea to limit yourself to a 20 pound piece of luggage that you can easily bring on a plane, and tote around in public. Remember that when you schlep bags, you give yourself away as a tourist, another reason why it's good to pack lightso be sure to check out the Skins line of shoes.
5.0 Familiarize yourself with local laws, language and customs of the country to which you are traveling. Read the security and health warnings of your destination point if one has been issued by the U.S. Department of State. Remember, the U.S. Constitution does not follow you so if you get arrested you're at the mercy of the local justice system. It's a good idea to register your name with the local U.S. embassy.
6. Don't leave your luggage unattended in public areas. Lost luggage can be a vacation killer and when you can't speak a foreign language, it can be very difficult to recover your belongings. As always, stay aware of your surroundings and you won't have to worry about someone swiping your bags. Pick-pockets know that American tourists typically carry a great deal of money on them. A money belt is an easy way to guard against these predators. These small, nylon-zippered pouches cost no more than $10 to $15. Keep most of your cash and credit cards in this hidden compartment as reserve, and only put a day's worth of cash in your pocket.
Please go to http://www.dmttravel.com/ for more travel tips and destinations.
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