Road & Travel Magazine's Blog

Female Perspective on Car Interior

What women want may be an age-old mystery, but when it comes to vehicle interior, Johnson Controls Inc. has discovered that women know exactly what they want and need.

“Today’s women are more autonomous than ever before. As their lives evolve, it’s clear that their vehicles need to transform with them,” said Bill Fluharty, vice president, Global Research and Discovery for Johnson Controls. “The information gained from this study will help provide the insight that is critical for Johnson Controls to continue creating ingenious automotive interiors that meet the changing needs of female consumers.”

Women want safety, style, storage and the technology needed to keep them connected in their busy lives. Women also want all of this to be environmentally friendly.

Learn more about what women want in RTM's full article.

South Carolina's Sanctuary Resort

Kiawah Island is private resort island and home of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island, a stunning accomplishment of architectural design and Southern hospitality. Opened in August 2004, it offers appearance and character well beyond its years.

The stunning design, and historic feel of the resort extend to the 255 guest rooms, most of which have an unobstructed ocean view, two unique restaurants, five nearby championship golf courses, top ranked tennis facilities, three pools, and luxury spa.

A destination resort with this much luxury is the perfect place to find sanctuary any time of year.

Learn more about the experience of The Sanctuary at Kiawah Island here.

Best Time to Buy a Car

When is the best time to buy a car? The truth is, each season presents unique challenges and advantages to car buyers.

Winter - This is typically a slow season for auto sales so you may find deals. However, salespeople may be pushier since they don't see as many customers. If you happen to be shopping for a convertible, chances are you'll get a pretty good deal in the winter.

Spring-Summer - This is when sales pick up for the major car buying season. Don't rule out specials and sale during this time of year though.
 
Fall - Many people buy during this time because they know their current car won't make it for another winter. Look for winter-worthy car deals.

Deals can be found any time of year. Ask about rebates and deals on interest rates. Also, do your research so you know a good deal when you see one.

Click here to learn more about car-buying seasons.

Stay Healthy While Traveling

Getting sick on a trip can ruin everything. Whether traveling for business or pleasure, illness can interrupt vacation activities or important meetings. So, what must a traveler do to stay healthy?

"Do what your mother taught you," advices Dr. Mark Roberts, an occupational medicine specialist. "Use tissues and dispose of them properly. Keep your hands away from your mouth. Have as much space as possible between you and the next person on the plane."

He also advises sticking to a routine. "When you start traveling, it's easier to get away from that routine. You eat different foods, your sleeping patterns might change," Roberts says. "When you change your routine, you might experience adverse health effects..."

Also, in case illness strikes, be sure to have headache medicine and antihistamines handy so you can continue your trip with a little less discomfort.

Click here to learn more about avoiding illness on the go.

Winter Car Care: Inside & Out

Cold weather creates difficult driving conditions and requires special care for your car. Following these ten tips will help you avoid roadside emergencies and eliminate some of the stress of winter driving.

1. Get a basic tune-up
2. Protect against freeze-ups
3. Check tire tread
4. Replace worn brake pads and shoes
5. Use a winter-formulated washer fluid
6. Check windshield wipers
7. Prevent gas line freeze
8. Be prepared for an emergen
9. Remove snow and ice from entire car
10. Pay attention to weather and traffic conditions

Click here to learn more about these winter car care tips.

Four-Wheeling Through Mongolia

Although Mongolia is quickly growing in popularity, particularly among adventure travelers, this nation of widely diverse landscapes sees as many visitors over the course of a year as Disney World’s Magic Kingdom sees in a week.

In 2009, this isolated land sandwiched between China and Russia will become home to the Land Rover G4 Challenge Finals Event--a grueling three-week-long, nation-versus-nation competition comprised of 18 two-person, male-female international teams.

With its history of fierce competitions, its unique and hauntingly-beautiful landscape, along with fantastic four wheeling Mongolia makes a perfect destination for the 2009 Land Rover G4 Finals and others, who eschew Disney’s Magic Kingdom for the vast open, and unpopulated spaces still left to explore.

Learn more about the beauty of this exciting adventure destination.

Slow Down: Save Lives, Save Money

In a fast paced world, slowing down seldom seems like an option. However, slowing down on the road will not only keep you safer, but it will also save you money.

Driving aggressively can lower gas mileage by 33 percent on the highway and five percent on city roads. The Department of Energy estimates that each five mph you drive over 60 mph is like paying an addition 20 cents per gallon for gas.

If saving money doesn't slow you down, perhaps saving lives will. According to the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety, in a high-speed crash, a passenger vehicle is subjected to forces so severe that the vehicle structure cannot withstand the impact of the crash and maintain survival space in the occupant compartment. Even a small reduction in speed can save lives.

Learn more about the benefit of slowing down on the road here .

Helpful Links: RTM's Recommendations

Women-drivers.com: Read dealership reviews and find certified Women-Drivers™ friendly dealerships. His & hers car reviews ensure that both sides of the story are heard, and owner Anne Fleming's blog provides witty advice and an insightful look at news.

 

Humanitourism: Travel, Volunteer, Make a Difference

Most tourists travel to an area's hot destinations and famous attractions then head home with some great stories having never really experienced the culture  or struggles of their destination. Inside/out travel company has come up with a plan to change that with a new kind of travel they call "humanitourism," which combines a humanitarian project with guided adventure travel.

“Ideally, we’d love for people to return home and continue a relationship with the project and people visited, either with support, mentoring or even return visits,” said inside/out founder Zoe Katsulos.

The travel experience includes stays with local hosts or in culturally significant accommodations and enables travelers to experience local food and culture. On most trips the volunteer work lasts seven days with 6 additional days for local adventure. Small group sizes, from 6-12 people, are designed to provide opportunities for each traveler to personally interact with the local population and make a difference.

Click here to learn more about "humanitourism."

2009 Jaguar XF: Luxury, Style, Performance

The sleek new 2009 Jaguar XF sports sedan with sensuously smooth aluminum body panels and a huge V8 below the rippled hood behaves itself superbly on any road, rear wheels throwing torque muscle into each turn as the speed-rated tires claw for traction.

But this Jaguar isn't just about performance--it also dazzles the eye.

"The new XF pushes boundaries away from the 'three box' style and creates a four-door, five-seat saloon with strong coupe-like lines," said Ian Callum, design director at Jaguar. While the design incorporates familiar Jaguar styling, the look is aggressive and clearly provocative.

The XF also offers premium luxury featuring a four-door passenger compartment seating up to five riders with adequate space on the back bench. Up front on the broad buckets clad in soft-grained leather, there's virtually every feature for luxurious comfort. Read more about the new 2009 Jaguar XF.