Top 10 Tips for the Long Trip

If you think that only college students plan road trips, you are mistaken. Last Thanksgiving, according to AAA survey, about 32 million Americans were going to drive, often with their relatives, at least 50 miles from home. If you want to arrive at your destination in a good mood, instead of dreaming about your comfortable home at the very beginning of the trip, you’d better consider the following 10 tips:


    1.    GPS and trip computer

Navigation system can facilitate greatly even the most knotty trip. Among the latest innovations of such systems are real-time traffic reporting and voice-guided directions, by the way the latter will help you return on the main road from the detour one. Practically every navigation system contains a so-called trip computer that takes control of gas mileage, miles and informs you in case your tank is nearly empty. With such novelties the days of the road atlas are drawing to a close.


    2.    Music

Sun-visor CD jackets contain up to 12 albums, which will be enough for three states, and 10-pound CD booklets expose drivers to risk when you thumb through them on the road. Many of the modern stereo systems include ancillary connection for MP3 players and some of them have also a function that allows you to choose tracks from your iPod’s playlists. Wish more? Then let us tell you about a satellite radio that broadcasts uncommercial music, while onboard hard drives convert and store songs from CDs. Thus you can create your own collection and listen to John Denver, travelling to Denver.

3. Smart cruise control

You will greatly relieve the work of your right foot with a help of cruise control. Moreover now it can offer some innovations. Many cars are upgraded with advanced cruise control systems thanks to which you won’t ever need to bother about a safe distance between your car and a car you are following. But your feet will be grateful to you even in case you have a simpler type of cruise control.

4. Multi-zone air conditioning

If you have a system of separate climate control for different passengers, you hardly use it very often in daily driving. But this option can be very useful during long trips. A driver and passengers can set different temperatures according to their wish, which will help to avoid complaints of being too hot or cold. This system used to be available only in expensive cars, but now you can find it in everyday cars like the Honda Accord and Ford Escape.

5. DVD players

DVD entertainment systems are a real rescue for families which travel by minivans and SUVs, because they not only allow parents to have a rest while children are watching cartoons, but – what is important – to do it in silence, owing to wireless headsets. The newest models of players are as convenient as possible. For example, the Nissan Quest has two drop-down screens for each row. Chrysler however has gone even further: it offers two screens with satellite TV and dual programming, so that kids on different rows can watch different programs, or even play video games. And you can enjoy both the smiles of your children and the silence.

6. Convenient cup holders

Have you ever noticed that cupholders are often either too big (so that you spill the beverage) or to small for different types of drinks. We are ready to offer you a solution: the latest models of cupholders are convenient both for small and large cups. They have special padding inside that clamps skinnier cups or gives way to adjust to the larger ones. And you can purchase whatever you wish and know that it will in any case fit.

7. Heated and cooled units

Climate-controlled storage used to be available only in expensive cars, but now a much larger number of drivers can enjoy its advantages. The Dodge Avenger and Chrysler Sebring sport offer heated and cooled cupholders, while some models of Dodge and Volkswagen can boast cooled glove boxes. Of course the possibilities of these innovations are not boundless, but they will keep chilly beverages for some hours or will let coffee stay hot longer. Warning: don’t leave cans in hot cars – they can explode.

8. Lane-departure warning

Lane-departure warnings will help you increase your safety during highway driving. Infinity was the first car model that used this system, but now Cadillac also offers one on the STS. Lane-departure warning systems work in the following way: with the help of cameras they scan the road for lane marks and inform you if you move too close to the next lane when your side-turn signal isn’t on. Of course the system can’t replace the driver but it can really help on the roads providing some backup safety.

9. Power sockets

Have you ever had your portable devices run down on the road? Then you will definitely appreciate to have two-pronged household power outlet in your car. It has a voltage of 110 and 120V, thus it can adjust to most devices. This feature is especially important for “practical” cars – and that means everything from a Toyota Matrix to a Volkswagen Touareg. Just don’t forget to have your household charger with you and you will forget about such problem as drained batteries.

10. Reclining rear seats

I doubt whether there are many people who can really get some sleep with U-shaped neck pillows. Having reclining rear seats, you can forget about those at all. Many modern SUVs and minivans already offer this possibility. Thus backseat passengers can enjoy a deep sleep during the whole trip.