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Road & Travel Magazine - 2009 Back Issues

Road & Travel Magazine - 2009 Back Issues
O C T O B E R
	October 1, 2009 - [Newsletter] Winterization: Fall Car Prep; 2009 Subaru Impreza WRX Review; Plan A Winter Vacation to Europe
S E P T E M B E R
	September 15, 2009 - [Newsletter] Locked Out of Your Vehicle -Now What?; Do the Private Island Math - Little Whale Cay; Auto Shops Aimed at Women
	September 1, 2009 - [Newsletter] Homestead Suites Review -Warwick, RI; New Car Review -BMW 335i xDrive; Canyon Calling Adventures for Women
A U G U S T
	August 15, 2009 - [Newsletter] Country Road Trip Survival Guide; Safe & Stylish Cars for Teens; 2009 Best New Road Trip Vehicles
	August 1, 2009 - [Newsletter] Best Used Luxury Vehicles to Buy Now; Express Passports Available ASAP; 2009 Spa Trends
J U L Y
	July 15, 2009 - [Newsletter] Standout Summer Spa Getaways; 2009 Mazda6 New Car Review; Top Five Over the Top Cool Hotel Pools
	July 1, 2009 - [Newsletter] 2010 Ford Fusion Hybrid Review; Travel Etiquette - Respect Local Customs; Death by Cell Phone
J U N E
	June 15, 2009 - [Newsletter] Last of a Legend: 2009 Pontiac G8 GXP; Camping: The Last-Minute Vacation of the Season; Teen Summer Driving
	June 1, 2009 - [Newsletter] 2009 Chevy Cobalt Review; Summer Danger: Don't Leave Children in a Car; Top Scenic Convertible Drives
M A Y
	May 15, 2009 How to Plan an Affordable Family Vacation; Avoid Traffic Law Exploitation; Cut the Cost of Your Next Cruise
	May 1, 2009 Entertaining Kids on the Road; Air Travel with Pets; Spring Cleaning Your Car for Optimum Gas Mileage
A P R I L
	April 15, 2009 Five Responsible Travel Tips; 2009 Toyota Prius Review; Spring Break Safety for the Whole Family
	April 1, 2009 Budget Travel Tips for Business Travelers; 2009 Mitsubishi Outlander Review; Benefits of Train Travel
M A R C H
	March 15, 2009 Coping with Car Theft; Staying Fit on the Road; Ten Best Walking Cities
	March 1, 2009 Preventing Motion Sickness on a Cruise; Is Your Car Telling You Something?; Fighting Jet Lag
F E B R U A R Y
	February 15, 2009 - [Newsletter] [Cover] Top 10 Wedding Destinations; Jiffy Lube Maintenance Partners for Life; Planning a Romantic Getaway
	February 1, 2009 - [Newsletter] [Cover] Jiffy Lube Maintenance Partners for Life; Top 10 Wedding Destinations; Planning a Romantic Getaway
J A N U A R Y
	January 20, 2009 - [Newsletter] [Cover] 2009 Earth, Wind & Power Award Winners; 2009 ICOTY Winners; Earth, Wind & Power Blogazine
	January 10, 2009 - [Newsletter] [Cover] 2009 ICOTY Award Winners; 2009 Earth Wind & Power Winners; Earth, Wind & Power Blogazine
	January 1, 2009 - [Newsletter] [Cover] 2009 Earth, Wind & Power Nominees; Themed Adventure Travel Guide; Keep Your Car; Vehicle Warning Lights.

Top 20 Most-Researched New Cars!

By Liz Kaadou

Whether it's swanky sedans, over-sized SUV's or humble hybrids that the car-lover in you is currently craving, this was the year for them all! Kelley Blue Book, the leading provider of new and used car information and one of the most trafficked automotive research sites, announced the most-researched new vehicles for 2009 with two Honda cars cruising into the top spots. Did your desired driving machine make the Top 20 most-researched list? Buckle up, here it goes...

1) Honda Accord
2) Honda Civic
3) Toyota Camry
4) Honda CR-V
5) Toyota Corolla
6) Toyota RAV4
7) Toyota Highlander
8) Toyota Prius
9) Nissan Altima
10) Honda Pilot
11) Ford Escape
12) Chevrolet Camaro
13) Honda Odyssey
14) Ford Fusion
15) Mazda3
16) Ford Mustang
17) Volkswagen Jetta
18) Toyota Sienna
19) Lexus RX 350
20) Chevrolet Equinox

Source: kbb.com 

For more car news and tips, visit RTM's Auto Advice & Tips section.

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The Hottest Hotels For 2010!

By Liz Kaadou

Whether you deliriously dream about soaking up the scorching sun on a beautiful beach or spending a superb week sightseeing in some of the most historic cities in the world, finding a swanky hotel to stay at will not be a problem for the new year! Brand new breathtaking hotels are opening just about everywhere.  So sit back, buckle up and get ready for your dream destination guide to a new year of trendy travels! Here are a few of the best and brightest 2010 hotel picks from timesonline.com for the globetrotter in you!

1) Hotel Verta - London! The Verta will be in Battersea at the London Heliport, the main helicopter port in the city next spring. Boasting 70 rooms and excellent rates for highflyers, it will be "the first integrated hotel helicopter solution in the world." Visit www.hotelverta.com for more information.

2) Yas Hotel - Abu Dhabi!  If you are looking for a cool stay, this awesome hotel looks like two giagantic flying saucers, houses 499 rooms, 14 eateries and bars and a Formula One race track that runs right under the hotel! Visit www.theyashotel.com.

3) Villa Armena - Tuscany, Italy! Renaissance lovers should rendevous here. This "new" hotel is actually a renaissance villa dating back to the 1400's.  Opening in Sepetmber, this historic hotel is transforming into a ten-bedroom modern resort equipped with a large pool and gorgeous gardens. Visit www.villaarmena.com.

4) The Kreston Royal - Greece! If you are looking for a breathtaking view, this hotel opening in April is situated on an actual clifftop. Filled with cubed shaped furniture and modern designs, the Kreston Royal looks like it will take travelers for a futuristic ride! Visit www.thekrestenroyal.gr

Source: Timesonline.co.uk
Yas Hotel photo: kr.blog.yahoo.com/

For more travel ideas from RTM, visit our Travel Channel.

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Tips For Safe Snow Driving!

By Liz Kaadou

Soft snowflakes and gorgeous glistening icicles can turn any ordinary city into a breathtaking winter wonderland.  Kids anxiously await the arrival of a big snowfall so they can boldly build gigantic snowmen or roll around making beautiful snow angels. While these flecks of flakes may seem harmless as they cling to bare tree branches and rooftops, this soft fluffy snow leads to slickk and slippery roads which make for extremely dangerous driving conditions. It is important to follow certain driving safety tips when battling winter weather to keep you and your passengers safe and sound!

1) Brake gently to avoid skidding and always brake ahead of time! You should allow at least two to three times the space when breaking than you normally do.  

2) Make sure your car has plenty of windshield washer fluid because it is extremely important to always keep your windshield clean so you can see properly.  Also, if your wipers are worn out change them!

3) Never use cruise control on icy roads!

4) If a snow plow or salt truck is driving in front of you, do not try to pass them! Most likely the road ahead of them is very dangerous and untreated so follow behind them because they will actually plow the road as they go.

5) Even though you have a four-wheel drive or all-wheel drive car, that does not mean your car is exempt from slipping or sliding. Always be cautious of icy conditions regardless of the type of car you drive.

6) Even if it is daylight outside, if you are driving in heavy snow, turn your lights on to increase your visibility to other drivers.

7) Drive very slow over bridges and overpasses, these are usually the most slick spots.

For more auto safety advice from Road & Travel Magazine, visit our Safety & Security section.

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Traveling Tips for Those Holiday Road Trips!

By Liz Kaadou

Whether you are seeking some sultry fun in the sun, some adventurous adrenaline pumping activities or just some regular rest and relaxation...wherever your holiday road trips take you, it is important to pro-actively prepare for your automobile adventure! Embarking on a holiday road trip can definitely bring about unfortunate and unpredictable events like vehicle malfunctions or surprising snow storms. In any event, you want to reach your desired destination as safely and soundly as possible to begin your jolly and joyful holiday jubilee! Follow these safety tips to keep your holiday travels on the right track!

1) Check the weather for interstate travel! The last obstacle you need is for a blinding blizzard to impede your driving.

2) Give your vehicle a complete check-up! Put on snow tires for any icy roads along the way, change the oil, and check the brakes, engine and starter to ensure safe travel.

3) Keep a spare tire and jumper cables in your trunk.

4) Make sure you have some form of roadside assistance like AAA in the event of an emergency and have the number programmed in your phone to be prepared.

5) Keep an ice scraper, a shovel, blankets, hand and feet warmers, flares, a flashlight, waterproof matches, and chains in your car for any unforeseen accidents.

6) Invest in an ultimate emergency survival kit for your car.

7) Make sure you keep an extra car charger for your cell phone just in case something happens to the one you have. The last thing you need is to be stranded in a snowstorm with no way to call for help.

8) Keep road maps and a compass in your car even if you are relying on a navigation system.  You never know how reliable technology is so be prepared just in case!

9) Get plenty of sleep before beginning your drive adventure.  It is extremely important to be alert and awake especially when driving in winter weather conditions.

For more auto safety advice from Road & Travel Magazine, visit our Safety & Security section.

 

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New Car Review: The 2010 Nissan 370Z Roadster

By Bob Plunkett

This is too easy:  Just one finger punching a console switch is all it takes to whisk aw  ay the roof structure on Nissan's slinky two-door sports car, the racy 370Z.  Nissan labels it as the all-new 370Z Roadster of 2010, an al fresco variation spinning off the wicked 2009 370Z hatchback-styled hardtop coupe.  The convertible carries special high-back bucket seats and unique materials for the cockpit.  Z as a roadster looks like it's speeding even when parked.

Contributing to that expression of speed is the exaggerated prow fixed with fierce boomerang-shaped HID (high intensity discharge) bi-functional xenon headlamps, fenders bulging to cover the oversized rubber rollers, a windshield cocked back at an extreme angle and the strong horizontal belt line interrupted only by the vertical slot of a door handle and the muscular bulge of the tail.  Behind this too-cool package, you'll find a genuine sports car in classic format -- with the engine mounted up front and all power directed to the big wheels in back.

The 370Z convertible comes in two different trim flavors -- Roadster and Roadster Touring.  Each version stocks the same V6 engine and suspension system, along with a driveshaft composed of strong carbon-fiber material, an electronically controlled drive-by-wire throttle and an exhaust with twin pipes out back.  The V6 displaces 3.7 liters and carries dual cams on top with VVEL (variable valve event and lift control).
 

A sophisticated independent suspension at all four wheels employs aluminum-alloy components to trim the unsprung weight.  Other weight-saving components include aluminum for the front hood, trunk lid and both side doors.  Special shocks set up responsive control yet also deliver a stiff and sporty ride quality.  For keen stopping power, the standard brake package consists of ventilated discs (12.6-inch front and 12.6-inch rear rotors) with computer linkage to an anti-lock brake system (ABS), brake assist (BA) and electronic brake force distribution (EBD).  Further, every Z-car carries Nissan's vehicle dynamic control (VDC) device which checks lateral skidding.

 

To test the new Z-car we slip into the driver's bucket and buckle up. Z's cockpit, snug in fit and 
oriented around the driver, has only two seats in a cozy space divided by the center console. The driver's seat varies from the passenger's seat -- the seat cushion has cut-outs on flanks so a driver can pump the pedals without bumping the seat.  Now fire up the six-pack, shift down to the bottom gear and let it rip.  It's so strong and quick that posted speed constraints prevent a full exploration of this car's potential, yet there's far more zip to this Z than you'll ever use if keeping it legal.

Standard gear on a 370Z Roadster ranges from Nissan Intelligent Key with Push Button Start to power controls for windows and door locks, active head restraints and an audio kit with AM/FM/CD/AUX.  The 370Z Roadster Touring brings four-way power for heated and cooled leather net seats, a deluxe Bose audio system, Bluetooth phone kit and aluminum-trimmed pedals.

Nissan's new 370Z Roadster lists for $36,970 (manual shift) and $ 38,270 (automatic) or $3,550 more for the Touring versions.

For more information see RTM's Nissan Buying Guide or visit nissanusa.com

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How To Stay Healthy For Hectic Holiday Travel!

By Liz Kaadou

Holidays are hectic enough without the additional stress of planning glamorous get-a-ways during the busiest travel time of the year! This added anxiety coupled with the fact that our physical activity level decreases during the wrath of winter's weather, form the perfect formula to develop the dreaded common cold. Let's face it, what kind of vacation would it be if you were stuck in the hotel room surrounded by boxes of tissues, bundles of blankets, and massive amounts of medication? Not exactly what you had in mind? In order to save yourself from this sickening scenario, follow these simple suggestions to keep yourself in tiptop health for happy holiday travel!

1) Tea time anyone? Dutifully drinking herbal and spice teas are age-old options for furiously fighting off the common cold. Not only does tea have healing properties, but green tea for instance is loaded with antioxidants, is stress-reducing and has immune boosting components! Other excellent options include chamomile, rosemary, thyme and mint. Try Bigelow Organic Green Tea and sip your way to healthy holidays!

2) Catch some zzzz's before beginning your travel adventure! Making sure to get at least 8 hours of sleep a night will greatly reduce your susceptibility of transmitting the common cold. The more your body is able to rest, the better your immune system will be at fighting off any unwelcome germs!

3) Earnestly exercise! This is essential to a healthy lifestyle and of course making sure you are in high spirits for the holidays.  Working out on a regular basis has been shown to greatly bolster the immune system.  Cold weather is not an excuse to reduce your exercise regimen.  Buy some workout DVDs and utilize your home as an exercise venue. 

4) Take hot baths, it is that simple. Soaking in a bath for 20 minutes raises your body's temperature enough to sweat viruses out! It is definitely a great way to up your immunity before heading out of town to celebrate the holidays.

For holiday travel tips visit RTM's Travel Advice & Tips section.

 

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Tips For Safe & Stress-Free Holiday Travel

By Liz Kaadou

Aside from wrapping piles of presents, cramming through crazy crowds to shop, and adorning your abode with an abundance of decorations...if you plan on boldly jet-setting during the holidays you might as well prepare for the pandemonium.  Insane year-end holiday travel definitely soars into first place as the busiest travel time of the year. Nothing can turn your fun festivities sour like overbooked flights, lost luggage, tipsy travelers or ridiculously long lines at the airport!  Instead of reducing your vacation to a stress-filled situation, follow these savvy tips from WorldNomads.com and take your travels from tense to tranquil!

1) Secure your home before you travel!  Cancel newspapers and install an automatic light timer programmed to go on and off at random times. Also, have a neighbor check you mail regularly.

2) Give yourself ample time to get you your airport gate, no sense in having to run through the airport.

3) Travel light with a hand-held luggage that fits in overhead compartments- this greatly reduces your stress from lost baggage's if you had to check them.

4) If you do check your baggage make sure and take pictures and make lists of the content inside prior to traveling in the event that something turns up missing.

5) Put only your name, cell phone number and email on luggage tags- it is advised not to put your home address.

6) In the event of long lines and delays, make sure and pack handy snacks, like dried fruit and nuts. 

7) Wear shoes that are easy to take off for airport security checks.

8) Bring all essential medicines, hand sanitizer and if you want to be extremely cautious even a face mask for airport travel.

9) If you are carrying presents with you in your luggage, make sure they are unwrapped.

10) Drink responsibly, nothing makes you more of a target to thieves and pickpocketing than being under the influence of alcohol.

Visit http://safety.worldnomads.com for even more safety tips!

For holiday travel advice, visit RTM's Travel Advice & Tips section.

 

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5 Items To Never Forget When Traveling!

By Liz Kaadou

Passport - check. Camera - check. Airline Ticket - check. Cell Phone Charger - check.  Rubber Bands - huh? While you may thoroughly think you have the ultimate packing list pretty perfect, the truth is there are a few essential, ingenius items that deserve a destination on your to-do travel directory.  Let's face it, aside from clothing items and technical gadgets, do you really pack anything for those unexpected adventures that accompany almost any trip? Here are five forgotten about items that will transform your travel bag from regular to resourceful!

1) Rubber Bands - as odd as this sounds, these boundless binds are the perfect fix-it travel companion.  They can be used to hold together broken zippers on luggages or purses, keep your travel documents securely in place or even hang your clothes up to dry! Make sure and pack a few different sizes!

2) A Travel Journal - why not write about all the wondrous sites you witness? Keep a log of your daily activities so years down the line you can remember all of the amazing memories! It is also completely practical- you can keep track of cities, phone numbers, exchange rates and anything else you may need to know when visting a new country or city!

3) Water Purification Tablets - you may be surprised how handy these pills prove to be! Since your body is accustomed to certain bacteria from where you live, it is very difficult to drink the water in other countries. One bottle of these tiny tablets is plenty to purify up to ten gallons of water!

4) Hand & Feet Warmers - these ingenius heat pads fit right into your coat pockets or sit securely in your shoes. They are superb for cold nights in new cities where you have to walk to find transportation or a bus station. They are also perfect for camping.

5) A Lock - If you ever travel and stay in hostels, having a lock will help protect your travel documents and personal belongings. Since most hostels do not offer a way to lock your luggage up, investing in a handy lock will make your travels much easier.

Source: trifter.com

For more vacation advice, visit RTM's Travel Advice & Tips section.

 

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How To Prepare Your Car For Winter Weather!

By Liz Kaadou

It's about that time of year when most of the world tranforms itself into a white and whimsical winter wonderland. Soft snowflakes fall from the sky and cling to everything from bare tree branches to rock-solid roads, and this can make for a pretty slick and slippery situation. Whether you drive a hefty SUV or smaller sedan, it is extremely important to make sure your vehicle is prepared for the worst of winter's wrath.

1) Replace your windshield washer fluid with a wintertime mixture to ensure crystal clear driving visibility

2) During cold weather always keep your gas tank at least halfway full to avoid ice buildup in the tank and fuel lines

2) Have your brakes checked!

3) Replace any worn tires or windshield wipers

4) Check the antifreeze levels in your car

5) Always keep extra blankets, water, snack foods, a cell phone charger, a shovel, a battery-powered radio, a windshield scraper, tire chains, jumper cables and a first aid kit in your car for emergency weather situations

6) Keep a compass and roadmaps in your glove compartment

7) Be prepared for any driving disaster by investing in the ultimate emergency survivial kit

For more auto safety advice from Road & Travel Magazine, visit our Safety & Security section.

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