16 Aug 2015

On a road trip? Make rest stops part of the trip!

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

On a road trip? Rest stops are important - not only for their toilets, but as a way to stretch your legs, get refreshed, see the local scenery, pick up some local history, and often get ideas for interesting stops you could make in the state.

We have these rest stops because the Federal-Aid Highway Act of 1956 stipulated that rest areas should be created for the safety and convenience of highway drivers. The federal policy rule of thumb for rest areas is that there should be a place for drivers to stop at least every half-hour of driving. In the 1960's and 70's, the states found rest stops a great way to show off their state and to lead people to tourist spots within the state.

However, in the age of "no new taxes", some states are finding it financially difficult to keep operating all of their rest stops, even though the cost of the rest stops is low. But, citizen outcry is causing some rest stops that were closed to open up again - often via private/public cooperation.

Let's hope that the rest stops keep going so all of us can experience even a small bit of time in each of the states that we are traveling through.

Reduce travel stress

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

Traveling is stressful, and the stress doesn’t necessarily stop when you reach your destination. So make life easier by having the addresses you need on hand. Also, set the GPS in your phone for audible directions to get you where you’re going. Rent a car, unless you are somewhere taxis or public transit are easier to use, and when you rent, use a loyalty program to save time and paperwork. Check the weather too, to avoid surprises. Finally, allow yourself plenty of extra time.

19 Jan 2015

Are you warming your car before driving? You could be fined.

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

Many of us have been told to warm our cars before driving in the winter. Although that was a good procedure in cars before 1990, this is not a good procedure today.

18 Jan 2015

Almost all travelers now use the internet for travel bookings

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

Only 10% of the people booking their travels do not use the internet. All others do use various travel sites to book their travels. That is a huge increase since 2006.

18 Jan 2015

You might want to avoid these cities if you are planning a road trip

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

You might want to avoid a car trip to Washington, DC; New York; and Boston, since these are deemed to be the worse cities in America to drive in.

17 Jan 2015

Would you book a hotel room with your car’s GPS?

Submitted by Wanderlust Andi

Book a room nearby with your car's GPS

General Motors has a new service that will let you book hotel rooms right through your car. The paid service is called "AtYourService", and will allow you to find and book a room near you through OnStar at the hotel of your choice, right through Priceline.com.