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Archive

February 6, 2019 by Chase Vandros

Winter Driving Tips to Keep You Safe

Driving an automobile is an activity that takes focus and a seriousness to be a good driver. When you drive you, your passengers, others on the road and pedestrians depend on you observing the rules of the road to ensure that you are doing all you can to be safe.

The road is for everyone but only licensed drivers can drive an automobile. When they do, they need to always be aware of how quickly situations on the road can change. It could be an impaired driver, one who is distracted, a faulty automobile or even a natural disaster that occurs and all of a sudden what was true a second ago is no longer the case and there is an emergency.  

There are also the road and weather conditions to contend with as well. During the warmer months, road and weather conditions are at their best and unless there is something on the road causing it to be unusually slick or rough or that there is a freak rainstorm, generally the conditions of the road and weather do not impair your ability to drive well.

However the colder months and particularly winter are a different story. In these months weather and road conditions will often drastically modify how you should drive.

Increase Your Stopping Distances

At 30 mph on a normal road, your normal car’s stopping distance is approximately 23 meters. At 50 mph the stopping distance is 53 meters, and at 70 mph the distance is 96 meters. However when the weather turns bad these stopping distances dramatically increase. For instance, in wet weather stopping distances get longer the faster you go. On a wet road the stopping distance at 50 mph is 106 meters and at 70 mph it is 146 meters. Perhaps the most surprising fact is how long it takes to stop on icy roads. In these conditions it can take a car up to ten time the stopping distance for ti to come to a rest. A car going only 20 mph will take only 12 meters to stop on a dry and normal road while one on ice will take 126 meters and astoundingly, a car going 70 mph that takes 96 meters to stop will take approximately 771 meters to stop on an icy and wet road. With these n mind it is very important to slow down and to give yourself vastly increased stopping distances in order to keep yourself and others safe.

Make Sure Your Car is Serviced Properly

Another very important thing for you to do in the winter months is to make sure that your car is serviced properly. During the winter, your car will be called on to perform at its most challenged. You need to make sure that every system and part is in its best condition. You should look to have the battery, electrical system, fluid levels, hoses and brakes checked. And don’t forget to check the types because they are most important on winter roads. Also if your car is 3 years or older it will need to undergo MOT testing. Use one of the top car service center KwikFit for your car MOT. This will insure that your car is prepared for driving on the winter roads.

Be Cautious

One of the most important things you can do when driving in the winter is to remain vigilant and cautious. You should always be safe when there is a question about a particular road situation. Drive slower and do not take any unnecessary chances. This will get you and your passengers to your destination safely.

Posted in Features, Overland Travel, Travel Tips, Vehicle of the Month · Tagged Car Service, Europe ·

Archive

July 4, 2017 by Chase Vandros

3 Survival Skills To Learn Before You Embark On Your Next RV Trip

U.S. Marine Cpl. Matthew Newman cuts wood to make a survival shelter during Mountain Exercise 2014 aboard Marine Corps Mountain Warfare Training Center in Bridgeport, Calif., Aug. 28, 2014. Newman is team leader with 2nd Platoon, India Company, 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment. Marines with 3rd Battalion, 1st Marine Regiment will become the 15th Marine Expeditionary Unit’s ground combat element in October. Mountain Exercise 2014 develops critical skills the battalion will need during deployment. (U.S. Marine Corps photo by Sgt. Emmanuel Ramos/Released)

One of the most overlooked preparations when getting ready for an RV trip is learning new survival skills. You must be prepared for the possibility of your RV breaking down in a remote area where civilization is far away, and this means learning basic yet effective survival skills to pull you through until help arrives.

Here are the top three survival skills to learn before you embark on your next RV trip:

How To Build A Fire

Knowing how to build a fire is one of the most essential survival skills to know. This is because fire is the only thing that can provide you with light, warmth, and a means to cook food or boil water simultaneously. The very act of building a fire will be a huge morale booster in a life-or-death survival situation.

According to Outdoorsy.com, there are many different ways to start a fire in a survival situation as well: you can simply get one going using traditional fire starting devices such as a lighter, matches, or magnesium flint striker; you can rub a battery against steel wool; you can use chap stick or hand sanitizer as kindling as both are flammable; or you can build a fire bow drill.

How To Signal For Help

Another critically important survival skill to know is not how to walk back to help, but how to bring help to you. This is where learning basic signaling techniques can save your life.

There are a variety of techniques you can use for signaling for help: polish the bottom of a soda or beer can and then aim it towards the sun to reflect the sunlight, burn green boroughs to create a strong smoke signal, aim a mirror towards the sun to also reflect the light, or actually spell out ‘SOS’ or ‘HELP’ using sticks and rocks in a clearing.

How To Purify Water

You can only survive for three days without water, and you’ll feel the negative effects of dehydration after going just one day without it. Therefore, knowing how to purify water you collect to make it safe to drink is critical.

Easily the safest way to purify water is to boil it. Boil the water in a clean metal container for a minimum of fifteen minutes and then allow it to cool before drinking. If there are any visible substances such as dirt in the water as well, you will need to remove those substances by filtering your water.

You can make your own DIY water filter by taking a bottle, puncturing holes in the bottom, and then making layers of sand, pebbles, leaves, and charcoal, with each layer being a minimum of an inch deep.

Learning New Survival Skills

While there are many more survival skills out there for you to learn, these three will be the most critically important for you know for your next camping trip should anything go wrong.

Posted in Overland Travel, Travel Tips · Tagged camping, RVs, Survival ·

Archive

February 24, 2017 by Chase Vandros

The ABCs of A Day In Milan

If you haven’t already, you should make 2017 a year of travels. Take yourself on a journey to see the world and discover new and old cultures, and what better place to do it than in Europe? If you are after a taste of social values of all ages, Italy is the place you need to see: Italy, the country that combines traditional cuisine, historic architecture to make you want to pinch yourself to see if you’re not dreaming, and art of the highest standard, is a place like no other. It may seem difficult to believe at first, but the Italian history is a part of everybody’s culture, since the modern thinking of the Renaissance. While you may not speak the language, or know the story of this country, you will recognize the marks left by generations of people who have helped to make the world a little more open and beautiful. And Milan, the financial hub of Italy that hosts centuries of art and culture is the ideal city to dive into the glorious Italian lifestyle.

Day in Mlian

A Like Architecture

Milan cultivates architectural landmarks like others plant geraniums in their garden: With a facility that makes the envy of many! Renowned for its trendsetting universe, Milan also has beautiful exemplars of classical architectures with il Duomo di Milano and the Santa Maria delle Grazie. Too old? Have a look at the Fondazione Prada that was finished in 2015. The best piece of advice that one could give you when it comes to seeing the Milanese architecture is to pick an accommodation in the town center. This might be difficult to reach with public transport from the airport, especially if you don’t speak Italian, so make sure to get a taxi from the airport – the booktaximilan company is specialized in Milan only transport. Most holidaymakers choose to stay around the Piazza Venezia or the Palestro, as these points are well located for visits.

B Like Buon Appetito

It’s impossible to stay in Milan without enjoying the food culture! So if you want to make the most of it, eat with the locals: They know where the best restaurants are! You will discover that the most authentic food is not in the most touristy restaurants. Traditional Milanese food is everything in town, even next to the big attractions, for those who know where to look. Al Mercante, one of the locals’ favorites, is just next to the Piazza del Duomo with the Cathedral, for example. If you want to see more of the town, try the restaurant tram, the ATMosfera that takes you on a classic ride through the city as you eat.

C Like Cenacolo

Il Cenacolo is the Italian name of the famous Da Vinci’s painting, the Last Supper. You might have seen countless reproductions of this iconic fresco on postcards and in books, but the original one is in the refectory of the monastery next to Santa Maria delle Grazie. Visits only last for 15 minutes, and you are advised to book in advance to see it, but this is worth all the wait in the world.

Posted in Overland Travel, Travel Inspiration, Travel Tips · Tagged Europe, overland travel, Travel ·

Archive

February 9, 2017 by Chase Vandros

Make Your Family Road Trip a Safer One

 

motorhome-1511765_640Are you and the rest of the family up for a road trip? If the answer is yes, you’re certainly not alone.

Countless families’ nationwide love the idea of getting away from it all, even if it means only one time a year.

That being the case, will you make sure your family road trip is as safe as possible?

From what and how you drive to the roads you take to get there, make sure safety is never taken for granted.

Your Vehicle is Key to Safety

In order to make your family road trip a safe and enjoyable one, keep in mind a few tips as they pertain to getting their and back safely:

Vehicle safety – For starters, how safe is the vehicle you will be taking on your road trip? Whether you take the family vehicle or you opt for a rental instead, it is imperative that you never overlook vehicle safety. From properly inflated tires to making sure the brakes are working at their best, give the vehicle a sound check before pulling out. If you have a rental or a newer vehicle of your own, there is a very good chance that it is equipped with a backup camera system. As most will tell you, backup cameras provide safety, safety that literally means covering your backend. The technology allows you to see who is coming up on you or directly behind you at any given moment. As a result, you’re much less likely to strike someone or be struck. Even in a parking lot, a side or rear-end collision can cause damage to the vehicle, not to mention possible driver/passenger injuries;

Seatbelts are a must – Sure, you and/or some members of your family might cringe at the thought of having to buckle up yet again. That said the evidence doesn’t lie in showing that seat belts do in fact save lives. Even in a low-speed collision, you or family members can be seriously injured if not wearing a seat belt. From someone hitting their head on the dashboard to backseat passengers being thrown around, the risk of not wearing a seat belt is too great. Make it a rule in the family that the car or truck doesn’t pull out until everyone is properly buckled up.

Avoid Distracting Moments

Distracted driving can kill – Even though there can be lots of fun times had in the vehicle, the main goal of the car or truck you use is to get everyone to the destination safe and sound. With that in mind, be sure that distractions are kept to a minimum; preferably there are none at all. Even when the kids are messing around in the back of the vehicle, the driver can take his or her eyes off the road for just a second or two. In that time, a tragedy can occur, a tragedy that could very well change everyone’s lives forever. Remind your children that the person behind the wheel needs to focus on their driving from the moment the vehicle starts up until it is shut off;

Take your time – Finally, if you’re racing to get home because you have to go back to work tomorrow and/or the kids have to be back in class, you’re already putting the family in danger. Always give yourselves plenty of time to get from your vacation hotspot to back home. For example, if you do a Labor Day road trip, waiting to leave Monday evening at the last minute to drive home could mean not only lots of traffic, but lots of potential for accidents. Do the wise thing and get on the road before it becomes crazy, making it easier for everyone to safely make their way home.

If a family road trip is in the near future, getting there and back safely is always the number one goal.

No matter what type of vacation your family has planned, make sure you have great memories to share, not ones involving a serious auto accident.

 

Posted in Overland Travel · Tagged driving, family vacations, road trip ·

Archive

February 8, 2017 by Chase Vandros

Enjoy a Quirky Afternoon Tea in London

Afternoon tea is something which plenty of tourists and visitors like to experience when they come to London.  Although the majority of British people no longer have afternoon tea as a staple part of their day, it is also something which many enjoy when they are also out and about visiting new places and exploring new towns and it is certainly something which continues to be as popular now as it once was.  Afternoon tea generally consists of small sandwiches, baked goods and pastries and a pot of tea to go alongside but as afternoon tea has become more popular across London, so variations on this English tradition have cropped up.  So if you want your afternoon tea with a difference then try one of these next time you are in London: –

The British Museum

Although the afternoon tea offered here is fairly traditional, the surroundings certainly are not.  Afternoon tea is served in the Great Court Restaurant which is famous for its glass roof and its proximity to some of the finest historical artefacts in the world.  The Afternoon tea menu here features delights such as Scottish smoked salmon and cucumber brioche, Charred broccoli and cheddar tarts and apricot and pistachio cake.  There is also an option to upgrade and enjoy a glass of prosecco with your afternoon tea or you could opt for a cream tea instead complete with scones, jam and clotted cream.  This would be a delightful way to end some time spent exploring the British Museum and discovering highlights such as the Rosetta Stone and the Parthenon sculptures.

Museums

Choccywoccydoodah

This is a real must for anyone who has a sweet tooth and, although they don’t technically offer an afternoon tea package, with everything on the menu being based around chocolate, it’s fairly straightforward to build your own package.  There are dipping pots, sharing platters, milkshakes, sundaes and more chocolate cake than you could ever begin to imagine and all for a fairly reasonable price as well.  The actual shop is something special to behold as well and certainly ticks the box if you are looking for a more unique way to enjoy a hot drink and some sweet treats whilst exploring the city.

Mad Hatter’s Afternoon Tea

Located in Sanderson’s restaurant, a pop-up restaurant in Fitzrovia, this themed afternoon tea has been created to celebrate the 150th anniversary of Alice in Wonderland and is full of quaint and quirky details which make the whole experience something rather special.  From menus hidden inside vintage bookcases to ticking clocks and carousels, no detail has been overlooked and it would make a fantastic option for any fan of Lewis Carroll’s work.  Delights on the menu include white crab éclairs, sinful scones and red velvet ladybird cake with plenty of flavoured teas to complement the food being served.  These are exclusive teas to Sanderson and feature flavours such as black tea infused with blue cornflowers, blue mallow flowers and vanilla.

Afternoon Tea

Sketch Gallery

Just around the corner from The Montcalm London Marble Arch Hotel is Sketch Gallery, a unique destination located within a converted 18th century building in Mayfair and offering food, art and music to visitors.  One way in which this space can be enjoyed is by booking an afternoon tea; the room in which afternoon tea is served was designed by artist David Shrigley and is awash with pink décor.  The menu features delights such as caviar and quail egg, macaroons, and an assortment of sandwiches and pastries in keeping with a more traditional British afternoon tea.  Whether deliberate or not, the afternoon tea here is a vibrant mix of rainbow colours and is served with true artistic flourish making it a rather special experience for anyone who wants to enjoy some culture with their afternoon tea.

Afternoon Tea Bus Tour

Who says that your afternoon tea has to be enjoyed in just one location?  With B Bakery has created afternoon tea aboard a vintage Routemaster bus which drives you around some of the most notable attractions and landmarks in London whilst you enjoy some high tea.  These landmarks include the likes of The London Eye, Big Ben, Westminster Abbey, Marble Arch and Downing Street with the afternoon tea menu featuring traditional delights such as sandwiches, mini cupcakes, sweet pastries and macarons.  Whilst there is no live commentary on the tour, the serving staff are always willing to answer questions where they can and it certainly offers a relaxed and quaint way to see some of the best sights in the city.

Cutty Sark

Perhaps one of the most significant places to take afternoon tea in the city, the Cutty Sark is a historic tea clipper which was built to bring tea back to Britain.  Whilst it has long since been retired, it now continues in its tradition of bringing the finest tea to the masses with the afternoon tea packages available in the Even Keel restaurant within.  There are a number of different packages you can choose from which include signature loose leaf tea, sandwiches, freshly baked scones, cakes and pastries or you can upgrade to include a glass of prosecco.  The packages also all include entry to the ship so you can explore and discover what life was like aboard a tea clipper before or after you sit down to enjoy the afternoon tea.

Orange Pekoe

For serious tea lovers, Orange Pekoe’s afternoon tea is high quality but without the fuss.  Don’t feel you need to dress up to attend afternoon tea here as the atmosphere is incredibly informal.  That said, the quality of the afternoon tea on offer is anything but.  The traditional afternoon tea includes finger sandwiches, scones, cakes and a pot of tea chosen from the fabulous selection of blends which include a whole array of classic options, black teas, Assam, Ceylon and Darjeeling to name but a few.  They also sell glasses of rose petal prosecco, house prosecco and half bottles (or full bottles) of champagne if you want to add some fizz into your experience.

 

Posted in Overland Travel · Tagged London traditions, Travel Tips ·
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