Road Trip Essentials

1. First Aid Kit - If you don't already have a First Aid Kit in your car be sure to take one for your road trip. Accidents happen all the time, it is always good to be prepared for them. Be sure that your First Aid Kit everything from bandages to pain killers. 
2. Maps, Mapquest, Navigation system - If you don't have a built-in navigation system installed then you can always use your smart phone which is a great tool and often most used.But just case your phone doesn't get reception take a road map just in case. Always better to be safe than sorry. 
3. Travel APP- Most of us have smart phones already so all you have to do is search for the best travel apps that will help you for your road trip. One app I do love is the Yelp app, I am able find the nearest restaurants and able to read the reviews to chose the best one. Be sure to add some entertainment apps, such as quizzes, puzzles and games to keep the non-drivers occupied. 
4. Spare keys!- Now this is something you don't want to leave home with out! Triple AAA can always get inside your car if you lock your keys inside your car, but if you lose them that's a whole different story. Personally, I lost my car keys when I was on a road trip, it was a horrible experience and I was 4 hours away from home. Thank goodness I had a friend who was willing to drive half way to give me my spare keys. It was a lesson learned. You could always call a locksmith, but that is going to cost money and time. 
5. Spare Tire - You should already have a spare tire in your trunk, if you don't then you should get one as soon as possible especially for your road trip! If you do have a spare tire make sure it's in condition. The last thing you want is a bad spare tire. 
6. Car Maintenance -  Be sure you check your car before your road trip. Make sure that your oil has been changed and tires have been check. A little tune up before the road trip always helps and will give you peace of mind. 
7. Comfy Clothes - Road trips can take hours, so you want to be sure that your wearing comfy clothes. Also be sure to bring a pillow and blankets for those road trip naps. And don't forget comfy foot wear. 
8. Toiletries - Not every restroom is the same and not all are clean, so be sure to pack lysol, toilet seat covers and hand sanitizer. Pack at least two rolls of toilet paper and wipes, sometimes your pit stop can be hours away. Be sure to pack your portable tooth brush, toothpaste and all the essentials to bath. Keep paper towels in sight, they always come in handy. 
9. Jumper Cables & Car Charger - Even though your car maybe fairly new you still want to pack jumper cables, things happen and you want to be prepared for the unexpected. Or you never know if you might need to help someone else along the way. Also don't forget to pack an extra car charger and an auxiliary cord. The last thing you want is for you phone to die while your listening to music and using maps to get to your destination. Extra charger that way more than one person can charge their phone, we all know that we cannot live with out phone. 
10. Have Fun - Last but not least don't forget to have fun and enjoy your road trip. Things don't always go according to plan so when things don't go according to plan, don't get mad. Simply just brush the negative and focus on the positive. If you keep focusing on the negative more negative things will happen. Don't bring your worries with you, leave them at home. Road trips are a great way for you to reflect about your life, but don't bring your worries with you. Instead reflect on all the positive that has happened in your life. And if you get lost along the way, remember that getting lost is a good way to find yourself. 

5 Simple Ways To Boost Your Fuel Economy

Summer is upon us and that means time for beach trips, road trips, camping and much more! Unfortunately, this also means the rise in gas prices. However, there is a fuel simple ways boost your fuel economy and enjoy those summer activities.

 1. Change Your Oil Regularly

Old engine oil equals lower fuel economy. According to EPA, you can improve your gas mileage by 1%-2% by using the manufacturer's recommended grade of motor oil. For example, using 10W-30 motor oil in and engine designed to use 5W-30 can lower your gas mileage by 1%-2%. Changing your oil when it's suppose to be changed is not only important for the maintenance of your car, but also boosts your fuel economy. Be sure to use the oil recommended for your vehicle.

2. Stop Carrying Unnecessary Weight

It's time to clean your trunk and get rid of what you don't use or need.  Having unnecessary weight in your vehicle wastes fuel. So get rid of the extra clothes, school books, sporting equipment, etc. The U.S. Department of Energy says to avoid keeping heavy items in your car; an extra 100 pounds in your vehicle could increase your gas costs by up to $.0.07 cents per gallon. Remember that the less weight your car carries, the more your gas mileage will improve.


3. Aggressive Driving Equals Lower Fuel Economy

According to the U.S. Department of Energy, aggressive driving, such as speeding, rapid acceleration and hard breaking can lower your gas mileage by up to 33% and your city mileage by 5%!
Most of us become aggressive drivers when we are running late. A great way to avoid aggressive driving is give yourself time. Do what you can the night before, like prepping your lunch or choosing your outfit. These small preparations can make a 30 minute difference.Give yourself cushion and leave 30 minutes prior to your usual time that you leave to work or school. Getting to work 30 minutes early is better than wasting gas just to get there right on time.

4. Keep Your Tires Properly Inflated

Under-inflated tires affects your gas mileage. According to EPA, you can improve your gas mileage by up to 3.3% by keeping your tires inflated to the proper pressure. Properly inflated tires are safer and last longer. Be sure to check your tires often and not just when your going on a road trip.

5. Maintain Your Engine Properly Tuned

It is important to properly maintain your vehicle's engine properly tuned not only for longevity and safety purposes, but also improving your gas mileage. As stated by EPA, fixing your car that is noticeably out of tune or has failed an emissions test can improve its gas mileage by an average of 4%.

Remember a little goes a long way. These five simple ways all together will make a difference. So enjoy summer and don't let gas prices stop you from going places.

Five Great Summer Road Trip Destinations

Now that summer is finally here and school is almost out, what better way to spend it than with your family on a road trip. Here are five great destinations to chose from.

Destination #1 Grand Canyon
The Grand Canyon is the one place that's a must to visit and perfect for a road trip. The Grand Canyon is breathtaking and is an amazing experience to witness in person.  Although it is peak season during summer, there are some cool events to attend during summer. In the month of June, there is the Grand Canyon Star Party ,where you get to enjoy the beautiful night skies of Arizona. In the month of August, there is the Grand Canyon music festival, where you can experience world-class music. A great way to keep cool in the heat is to go river rafting down the Colorado River. It's a great way to see the Grand Canyon at a different level. According to Wilderness River Adventures, rafting down the Colorado River is unimaginable beautiful scenery, the dramatic contrast of calm waters preceding the thrill of whitewater.

                                                                                    Destination #2 Yosemite

Yosemite is wonderful place with it's beautiful waterfalls, deep valleys, grand meadows, ancient giant sequoias and vast wilderness areas. In Yosemite Village are shops, restaurants, the Yosemite Museum and the Ansel Adams Gallery, offering prints of the photographer's renowned black and white landscapes of the area.Yosemite is great place to camp and explore. It is also a great place to view wild life in their natural habitat. It is definitely a worth while road trip. There are so many activities to do in Yosemite, be sure to plan ahead to make the most out of your trip.



Destination #3 Salvang

Salvang is an interesting place to visit with its Danish-styled town and its European feel. The drive alone to Salvang is beautiful. Salvang has an excellent selection of  restaurants to choose from and bakery's filled yummy danish treats that will make your taste buds go wild. If your a wine lover, Salvang is the place to visit with so many wineries to chose from. Each winery has their own unique way of how they grow their grapes and how they make their wine, you will have a great time touring the different wineries. More of a beer lover than wine lover? Salvang has breweries that you will enjoy with an excellent selection of craft beer.

                                                                                 
                                                                                     Destinations # 4 Red Wood Forest

Visit American History at the Red Wood Forest, where nature is preserved. The Red Wood National and State Park offers more than just the Red Wood Forest. According to the National Park Service you can  discover Howland Hill Road, explore Enderts Beach and Crescent Beach Overlook, Drive to Klmath River Overlook, travel to Newton B. Drury Scenic Parkway, investigate Davison Road where Rooselvelt elk hang out in Elk Meadow, and be sure to stop at Kuchel Visitor Center one mile south of Orick.
                                                                                             
                                                                                   
Destination # 5 Southwest's Four Corners

Be at four places at once and visit Southwest's four corners. If you take a trip to Southwest's Four Corners, at the intersection you can be at the corners of Utah, Arizona, New Mexico and Colorado all at once. Now isn't that neat! According to John Rosental from National Geographic, the Four Corners is far too prosaic of a name for the strikingly beautiful territory that respects no man-made boundaries in the southwestern United States. Rosental adds, this landscape took thousands of years to create; you'll never appreciate it at 65 miles (105 kilometers) per hour. He mentions, instead, take two days at least, stopping to walk through the numerous parks, preserves, monuments, and unnamed places whose beauty defies categorization. Begin your voyage in Flagstaff, Arizona, here you will observe exquisite views of the Painted Desert. Next drive through the iconic backdrop of Monument Valley. Last, make your way toward Mexican Water, where the four states intersect.

Once you select a destination, be sure to do research before heading there. Make a list of activities you and your family would like to do. Be sure to get an oil change and check your tires before heading to your destination. Some of these road trips may take hours so be sure to pack plenty of snacks and water. If you are planning on going to the Grand Canyon or Southwest's Four corners be sure to take comfy shoes, sun block, hat, sun glasses and a camel pack or hydration pack to keep you hydrated. Most important thing to do at any of these destinations is to have a good time!