Road & Travel Magazine's Blog

Lowering Driving Expenses

Car care can be expensive and with the current economic times, downsizing and driving less are two of the most obvious and immediate ways to save on driving expenses. But there are other ways to curtail costs, some of which have little to do with prices at the pump. Simply lengthening scheduled maintenance intervals can save money. Today’s vehicles can go longer between routine services, such as oil changes.

“There are better quality engines being manufactured with a more precise tolerance and improved lubricants, and the combination of these things allows you to expand certain maintenance intervals,” says Jim Cain, a spokesman for Ford in Dearborn, Mich.

The traditional 3,000-mile oil-change interval espoused for decades is becoming obsolete. And at around $50 a pop, fewer oil changes each year means more money in the bank — or more money for gas. Being smart about where your vehicle is serviced can also keep costs down.

Click here to read more on RTM about lowering driving expenses.

Budget Travel Tips for Business Travelers

With corporate budgets as tight as they can get, business trips now lack any time to rest and relax. Many hotels are recognizing this trend and like the Country Inns & Suites offer business travelers great packages and tips on way to save money.

The Country Inn business travel tips for travelers crunched on time and money.

1. Never check luggage. If you have a lot, ship it ahead of time.

2. Pack lightly, if you run out of clothes you can always purchase something.

3. Pack toiletries in an easiy accessible pocket or bag to speed up airport security.

4. A DC/AC converter can come in handy when you have several devices to charge.

5. Always check firewall settings when using public Internet access.

6. Use a padded backpack to carry personal items such as iPod or laptops. Keep this bag with you at all times.

(Source: Country Inn & Suites)

Consequences of Dashboard Dining

Hitting the drive-thru may save a few precious minutes, but what you eat could save thousands of dollars in the long run. When it comes to a vehicle's residual value, it's what's on (or not on) the inside that counts.

According to the results of a national survey conducted by Kelley Blue Book Marketing Research and Taco Bell Corp., nearly 60 percent of all vehicle owners eat or allow someone to eat in their vehicles. However, only 34 percent rank a clean interior as "the most important attribute to the long-term value of their vehicle" versus 66 percent for exterior. And that could be costly.

"Our research highlights a huge misperception among consumers: that the interior condition of a car has less importance than the exterior appearance in terms of residual value," said Jack R. Nerad, executive editorial director and market analyst for Kelley Blue Book. "Cars in excellent condition and appearance — both inside and outside — can be valued thousands of dollars higher than those in good or fair condition."

Read more on RTM about the consequences of dashboard dining.

Go For A Used Car

Just because they aren't brand spanking new with the latest in high-tech features doesn't mean a car can't be useful. In fact, used cars can be a great deal. They may have a few miles on them, but they can be very dependable.

Used car buyers should also consider compact cars, as they are generally fuel-efficient, cost effective, and can fit in any garage or parking space. And just because they are small doesn't mean they lack style, many compact cars have unexpected luxury features like navigation system, sunroofs, leather seating and sometimes even convertible tops.

Benefits of Train Travel

When we head off for that long-awaited and much-deserved vacation, most of us choose to travel to our get-away destination by plane or, if it's close enough, car.

Here’s a suggestion: The next time you’re planning a vacation, think about taking a train. If that conjures up the mental image of a crowded commuter train, think again. An Amtrak long-distance train is an iron horse of another color, with sleeping cars and coaches, a dining car and a lounge car, all serving the needs of 200 to 300 passengers.

Trains give you the one opportunity most methods of transportation don’t, the ability to relax! For just a little extra you can get a sleeping car, and although they are tight quarters, the sleep cars allow privacy and basic amenities to make your trip comfortable.

Eat up! Today, Amtrak’s dining experience is less than gourmet, but perfectly fine. On a recent cross-country trip, the dinner menu included beef bourguignon, pork shanks, seared salmon and roast chicken. You even can order a split of acceptable wine, usually a choice between two reds or two whites.

Although train travel may not be for everyone, if you are looking for an adventure, it’s worth a shot.

Read more on railroad travel on RTM.

Real Damage of Rush Hour Traffic

It’s an ordinary weekday at 8 a.m., and rush hour has officially begun. With your briefcase and coffee mug in tow, you rev up your engine in the cold morning air and prepare to join hundreds of other commuters on the expressway.

You merge into the left lane and speed up to 45 mph...hit the brakes as a car cuts in front of you...speed up to 25 mph...hit the brakes as you dab spilled coffee from your pants...speed up to 30 mph...brake...speed up...brake...speed up...brake. 

And so it goes for another twenty minutes as you lurch your way to work. This daily stop-and-go driving takes its toll on you — the stress, the headaches, the coffee stains on your clothes. But the distress you may suffer from your daily commute is nothing compared to what your car goes through. In fact, stop-and-go driving produces some of the hardest miles you'll ever put on your engine.

If this sounds similar to your daily routine click here to continue reading about the dangers of rush hour traffic on RTM.

More expert car care advice on RTM.

Traveling With Allergies

With the arrival of spring, millions of eager travelers will be hitting the nation’s road and airports for their vacation destination. But for the seasonal allergy sufferer, traveling can produce a new set of obstacles.

To make sure you’re not miserable on your trip be sure to follow these simple tips before hitting the road.

1. Turn on air conditioner and air out your car 10 minutes before you start your trip to get rid of allergens that might be inside.

2. Travel in the early morning or late evening to avoid heavy traffic and when air quality is the poorest.

3. Keep windows closed when driving to prevent pollen and other allergens from entering the car. Use air conditioning.

Click here to read more on traveling with allergies on RTM.

More travel health tips can be found here.

Dangers of Driving While Sleepy

The winter months can pose unique and sometimes dangerous challenges for drivers. Shorter days and more hours of darkness may cause people to feel sleepy earlier in the day, and too often, behind the wheel. Also, some medications taken for the common winter flu can also cause daytime sleepiness, according to the National Sleep Foundation (NSF).

“You don't want to feel sleepy behind the wheel at any time, but in winter, when you can have the addition of messy weather that causes slippery roads, not being fully alert can be particularly dangerous,” notes Richard L. Gelula, NSF's executive director.

Sunlight or other bright light helps adjust our body clocks or circadian rhythms and keeps us awake. Darkness, which occurs earlier in the evening during winter months, has the opposite effect. Darkness results in the release of melatonin, which may act in promoting sleepiness.

More about tired drivers on RTM.

Enjoy Spa Cuisine From Home

The perfect escape for many is found only in the confines of luxury destination spas, where decadent pampering and bodily bliss are blended to fulfill every weary traveler’s needs. However, even though spas are relaxing they can put your wallet under a stress.

For those spa lovers who can’t frequent their favorite getaways as often as they’d like, and for those who simply can’t afford a week of rejuvenation, options are available. You can experience your favorite spa meals at home with pre-packaged options or cookbooks to help you do it yourself.

Read more about having spa food delivered to your doorstep.

What to Keep in Your Car for Emergencies

In case of roadside emergencies, accidents or bad weather, especially in the winter, always have in your vehicle the following items:

•   Jumper cables
•   Pliers, an adjustable wrench and a screwdriver
•   A first-aid kit
•   Blankets
•   A supply of any regularly needed or taken medications
•   Candles and matches
•   Sand or kitty litter for climates with snow or ice
•   Clean water
•   Canned fruit or nuts and a can opener

More on car emergency tips.