Posts Tagged ‘GPS’
Technology and RV travel now go hand in hand. Technologically advanced travel aids have made hitting the road in your RV more convenient, safe and comfortable than you ever thought possible. Whether traveling across the country or just taking a weekend jaunt, travelers can now enjoy great ways to keep in touch, chart their course, and simply improve their overall trip.
Staying In Touch
Recent advances in technology has made using the Internet while on the road easier than ever before. Every year, even more restaurants, rest stops, and public parks add wifi hot spots for the convenience of their guests. In addition to public areas, many RV parks are now offering satellite internet connections, allowing overnight guests to login quickly and easily to connect with friends and family. Additionally, smart phones also have personal hot spots to keep you connected while you’re traveling.
Social networking is a fun and easy way to keep in touch with family and friends during RV travels. Facebook is by far the most popular social media site on the Internet, with millions of members from around the globe. Set up a Facebook account before you go, and you’ll soon be able to connect with friends and loved ones almost anywhere. The site features internal email, update sharing, instant chat, and your own personal ‘wall’ where you can post all those fabulous photos of your trip. Members can also link to Facebook pages by or about RV travel. Schedule an RV get-together or send a birthday card to a friend; with newly updated security features, Facebook is one of the safest ways to find and connect with others who travel and are willing to share their tips for RV travel. If you like to keep in touch more spontaneously with short messages throughout the day, log onto Twitter, where you can post messages of 140 characters or less through your Internet connection or mobile phone. Travelers enjoy sending pithy little tips for RV travel to your RVing friends. Just ‘tweet’ them messages like, ‘Donna’s Diner in Provo, Utah – Great Homemade Pies!’ or ‘Pack extra sweaters for Gobe Desert at night. Temperatures drop rapidly this time of year!’ For full coverage, consider using an online social site like Facebook or MySpace for posting photographs and longer messages when you park for the night, but also use a Twitter account to send quick updates to followers throughout the day.
Global Positioning Systems
One of the most helpful tips for RV travel is to invest in a quality global positioning system (GPS). Men and women who would never dream of consulting a map enjoy using these global mapping systems. They’re high tech gadgets that talk to the user, and they employ satellite technology — what’s not to like? The latest GPS devices are so easy to use, even kids can use them. All you need to do is plug in the address you’re looking for or search for area landmarks, restaurants or attractions. The vocal commands mean travelers can use a GPS without needing a navigator to interpret the map, and the high tech, full color screens illuminate the desired route on the dashboard so drivers and passengers can easily check the location.
There’s An App For That
The commercial that says, ‘There’s an app for that’ is telling the truth. Whether you’re looking for RV travel tips or simply want to find the next rest stop, there are mobile phone applications available for instant download. These mobile apps are created to improve travel experiences both online and offline. Some helpful apps that offer tips for RV travel and valuable travel advice include:
Instragram – A photo sharing app for iPhone that includes filters for enhancing the photos before posting them through Facebook, Flickr or Twitter.
Google Maps – A virtual, online navigator for web phones. Although it doesn’t have voice, it does let you get directions and track your route.
Foursquare – A great app for exploring cities and towns throughout the world. Travelers can even check in with others who are in the area and discover suggested places to visit. Restaurants and tourist attractions are increasingly offering special deals expressly for Foursquare users.
RV Travel is always an adventure. Luckily, with today’s nearly limitless Internet and smart phone options, you can explore in new ways and share your adventures easily with those you love. Try some of these new social media outlets yourself; you’ll love the way they enhance your RV travel adventures!
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Before you even think about heading out the door on vacation this summer, plan, plan and plan. You will be very thankful you did!
1. PREPARATION
Ask yourself and your family, “What would we really like to do this summer?” Then write it on your calendar and make it happen. My son just asked me if we could visit the Statue of Liberty. He’s 9 and has never seen it although we live 50 minutes away. I will ask my husband to pick a date in July to take off from work and then it will go on my planner. That’s how things get done.
Plan as much as you can from the comfort and convenience of your own house using your phone and computer. This includes: Internet searches, directions, restaurant/hotel reservations, tickets of any kind such as park passes, airline, train, bus etc. You will save time, money and energy this way.
Have one “home” for all your travel information. As you’re researching all you want to do on vacation, take that information and create a hanging file folder, a three-ring binder or an accordion folder. It doesn’t matter what you use as the “home” for your paper plans, just stick to one place. If you’re an electronic person, make yourself a digital “vacation” folder.
Call ahead to your final destination to see what amenities they offer so you know exactly what to pack, what’s free and other pertinent information you may want to schedule into your trip.
Have a flexible, tentative schedule of what you would like to do on which days of your vacation. Otherwise, you may waste time in trying to decide what to do.
Be sure you have a “House List” for the person taking care of your home while you’re gone. Write down all your To Do’s for that person such as exactly what to do with the mail, plants, pets etc.
Copy your itinerary for a responsible person back home and also leave him/her your house key.
Leave the house clean, beds made and laundry done so that your only chore returning home is unpacking. Schedule a grocery store order to be delivered on the day you return home to an empty refrigerator. (Don’t forget to purge the refrigerator and take out the garbage before you leave!) Or better yet, make a couple of meals before you leave and freeze them. Ask the person taking care of your house to defrost one meal the day before you return.
If you are driving, preset your GPS.
If you are flying, consider shipping your items to your destination rather than paying per suitcase especially if you’re staying with family. Additionally, borrowing their washing machine and toiletries is a great way to save on packing.
2. ELECTRONICS
These items tend to be a top priority these days that most people wouldn’t even consider leaving home without them.
Smart Phone. Make sure your travel contacts are entered already, ensure it’s fully charged and synch it to your computer before you leave if that is how you back it up. (If you have a BlueTooth device, make sure that is charged too.) Also, know how to lock and unlock it.
GPS. Plug in all addresses for destination purposes. Charge it.
Camera/Video. Make sure the battery is charged and the memory card is empty and ready to go. Take a second memory card with you if you plan to take hundreds of pictures and lots of video.
Laptop. Make sure your security program is set. Have it charged and definitely back it up before you leave.
iPod. Download your traveling music/audio books and of course charge it.
If you don’t already own a label maker now’s the time to get one. With your label maker, make a label for each connecting cord or charger you own so you will know what black wire goes to what piece of equipment.
Take a Ziploc baggie and put all your now labeled cords and chargers into one bag. You’ll know where to go when something needs to be charged. And write a list with a sharpie (or the label machine) on the outside so you don’t leave any important wires behind!
3. SUITCASE
Packing and unpacking can be a little easier with the following advice.
Layout and layer your wardrobe for the trip and then take only half. Wear an outfit twice and choose one color scheme. The color black travels well and always wear your bulkiest items on travel days. Remember less is more especially when traveling. Additionally, check the weather at the location you are destined for.
Compartmentalize your luggage and pack a kitchen garbage liner for laundry to come home with. You may want to try asking your children to create a “bag” a day by placing each outfit into a large baggie.
Under pack your shirts and buy new souvenirs shirts if you like to do that.
Absolutely use a packing list. Take a copy with you, edit it as you go through your trip and then repack according to the list on the way home. If you go to the same destination again as some like to do, you’ll be glad you took notes relative to the list when you end up packing again the following year.
Pack a collapsible duffle bag to store purchases for the way back. Better yet, ship your goodies home.
Utilize a tote or backpack for travel day with all travel necessities such as a bottle of water, book, and pocketbook items. Then switch to a smaller purse or fanny pack for bare essentials when you get settled. Now you’ll have a choice between a backpack for day trips to the waterparks and a small one for nights out on the town.
Make sure your luggage is tagged and put something on it like a colorful bandana so you know it’s yours when you see it drop of the luggage carousel. Additionally, not only should you have a luggage tag on the outside but also place your contact information somewhere on the inside too.
If you take a lot of medications, make sure you have an extra day or two of pills just in case you don’t get home on time as planned.
4. FAMILY VACATIONS (aka Traveling with Kids)
Work around their natural biorhythms by keeping their sleeping and eating times as close to normal as possible. Adults might want to consider sleeping pills depending on how and where you’re traveling to.
Pack your own snacks and beverages. It will be healthier, cost effective and you can put that insulated bag in your kitchen to good use.
Stop at the library and dollar store before leaving town for those new items for the kids, books, movies, tapes and travel games.
Choose hotels that have pools, playgrounds, game rooms and even programs for children. Arrive with enough time to settle in and play before a meal and then bedtime.
Don’t forget that they have interests too. So if your daughter loves animals; make sure one of your vacation days you get to a zoo. If your son loves baseball, get tickets to a local team.
Have Road Rules. For example, give the family a budget, pass out individual envelopes with a certain dollar amount in it and when it’s gone, it’s gone. Help your children and yourself choose activities over possessions such as going dolphin watching instead of acquiring a new Mickey Mouse watch.
If you are traveling by plane make sure you have gum and lollipops for going up and coming down and enough activities to distract them from crying.
Have children keep a travel journal is educational and self-entertaining for young ones. Try “Travel Bug: A Travel Journal for kids 7-14″ by Linda Schwartz.
Consider your travel time together opportunity to deepen your relationships. Get to know each other better by asking what each person would like to learn and do this summer. Take notes and when you get home, type up your notes and hang the Family’s Summer Goals 2011 on the refrigerator. Take these goals and then set dates and times to follow up and encourage your family to be successful.
In your car, keep a roll of paper towels with a rubber band around it so it doesn’t unravel and stuff a few plastic bags inside for instant garbage cans. And wipes aren’t just for kids; the grown-ups can make quite a mess of their coffee spills too. Of course you should have a fully packed first aid kit as well and always keep the gas tank full.
When packing clothes for children pack the “junky” clothes; underwear and socks, which you wouldn’t even donate and then you can dispose of them nightly.
Another opportunity while stuck on a ride is to review the kids chore chart and see what could be improved upon, deleted or added too as the children are now out of school with more time on their hands to help out around the home.
Train travel is fun for kids. They are able to remain active, use the facilities anytime they need and make new friends.
Relax around your children and don’t have high expectations.
5. SENTIMENTAL SOUJOURNS WITHOUT SILLY SOUVENIRS
Just because you go on a vacation doesn’t mean the family now owns a “clutter license”. Be cognizant of the fact that most remembrances end up as junk shortly down the road. Resist the take-home tourist trap!
Before you purchase that souvenir ask yourself, “Where will this live in my house when I get home and what is its’ life expectancy?” Depending on your answers you might just not make the purchase. If you have children, give each child a “Travel Treasure Box”. No one is allowed to bring home souvenirs that cannot fit into the box.
Keep a travel journal instead of collecting mementos. Insert postcards of where into it.
Create a photo album/scrapbook from your pictures instead of acquiring keepsakes.
Purchase a dvd of where you were or a book so your memories will be enhanced and you’ll learn more about where you’ve been.
Live in the present. If you’re busy buying trinkets you’re skipping the essence of the journey.
6. SAFETY & SECURITY
Ensure your vital documents are up to date, know where they are AND make sure a trusted loved one knows where they are too.
Copy and scan your itinerary to one file in your computer. Then email it to yourself. Just in case it gets lost, you can always retrieve the information online.
Do the same thing with the contents of your wallet. Copy all your credit cards, insurance card and identification items in case of theft.
When traveling with small children: make sure they have identification on them, dress them in clothes that are bright and easy to spot (Take a picture of them on your cell phone at the beginning of each day so you remember what they are wearing.) Keep a school photo of each child with his/her height, weight, sex, eye color and hair color written on the back just in case you need this for the authorities to help you search for lost children. Have them memorize your cell phone number so an adult can call you. And very important, make sure they know the “If I Get Lost, What Do I Do?” plan which you will decide on in advance.
If you like, you can tuck money, Travelers Checks, credit cards and a passport into a neck pouch or specialty belt designed just for security purposes.
Especially watch your luggage and yourself in situations where there are a lot of people such as tourist locations, airports, rest stops or train stations.
Keep a low profile including your clothes, jewelry and locked luggage.
Take your packing list with you and keep a copy in your wallet in case you need to put in an insurance claim for your luggage. Remember in air travel they do not reimburse you for jewelry (wear your fake jewelry), electronics and cash so do not pack them in a suitcase.
7. THE WRAP UP
Empty all suitcases within 12 hours of getting home.
Go through all your papers from your one “home”, purge what you don’t need any more and make a reference file for the information you’d like to save for the next time.
Write out all your thank you cards if needed within one week of your return. You can even do picture cards from your vacation. Try www.SendOutCards.com.
Download your photos and develop your favorites. Create a photo album or photo gifts instead of purchasing souvenirs.
When you receive your next credit card statement, ensure that all the vacation charges were indeed correct.
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Holiday Travel Tips
With the added security measures we have in place today….Planning foryour holiday vacation ismore important than ever before !
Holiday travel requiresmaticulious preparation.You are bound to forget something, but you can minimize thesefromthese tips below..
Book direct,Online.
During the holidays,travel agenciesfor makingholiday travelarrangements are probably closed. To eliminate headaches,and save money,use yourI phone or computor to book online.Store frontshops maybe off for the holidays,butthe internet is open for business24/7. Off course,calling the hotels or airlines directly is always a good idea!
Don’t wait till the last minute.
Most everyone takes the holidays off,you should notassume someone will be openduring the holidays. The holidays ,are definately,the busiest time of the year. Work on the phone, Stay online 24/7 if necessary,get the reservations in order,because even in the best laid plans there is always problems.
Try and think of everything.
Make a checklist.Especiallyif you’ve booking a vacation home, cottage, orother accommodations that does nothave room service. Bring nonperishible foods,cash,medicine,fishing tackle,bring whatever you we need to make your stay more enjoyable and save money.With most businesses being closed for theholidays,you can’tdepend onconvenience stores. Before you head-out on your holiday vacation,make sure you have all the supplies you will need for your stay..
Get an early start.
During the holidays traffic is absolutely horribleand that’s anknown fact. Get a jump on the traffic by leaving early. If you are late departing you are going to get caught in that traffic jam ! We’veall been there! So plan on departing early.
Check Vehicle..
If you are driving to your holiday vacation,have a professional check your car,or if you do your own maintainence ,make sure to check,belts,engine oil,fluids,andproper inflation in your tires.fill the tank with gas toeliminateunnecessary stops. Check the routes you will be taking ,before hand.If you don’t have a GPS,use maps to determine the best routes.
Calculate the number ofrest stopsrequired for your trip.Make sureyou plan everyaspect of your trip, soyou will eliminate the chance of making a wrong turn and getting lost.I have driven to Florida many times and learned that if you do turn onto the wrong highway,don’t panic ,turn around and go back to the place where you made the wrong turn.
Renting a car is a popular way to travel for you holidays,choose a suitable vehicle for your vacation needs.Renting a sports coupe may make a great choice forcouple on a weekend getaway,but it’s not the perfectvehicle if you’re going on a long run or traveling with a lot of gear.
If you are going to rent a car, make sure to read the fine printbeforesigning any contractsfor your car. Be sure to inquire about insurance for the vehicle,if something bad happens,you won’t be liable.
When something goes wrong stay calm.
Something probably will go wrong. Think about it. We always prepare for a vacation,to the best of our knowledge,and something stillgoes wrong.So when that little minor mishap,happens,don’t fly off the handle and stay calm!
After all,its the holidays! Be happy, forget about the minor hassles, andlook forward to having some great time-off when you finally get to your destination,and start your holiday vacation.
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With all the technology available to us, there’s no excuse for getting the family lost in an unfamiliar place or stuck in hours of traffic on holidays. GPS is a great devise for in-car use and it’s just as useful when on foot plus it’s a great way to get around a foreign city too. With GPS Rental services this device became even more available and useful. Drivers can find their way through city streets; long reserve trekkers and hikers use the technology to navigate unfamiliar terrain. GPS devices are even more helpful for planning a trip, whether it’s a cross-country trek or a hopscotch tour of your routine stops.
But GPS not only gets you from point A to point B with minimum hassle, it also makes your holiday come alive; with ways to plan your itinerary, track down the best restaurants, and make your holiday more enjoyable.
Here’s a few handy GPS travel tips to help you get the most out of the holiday and avoid the travel woes.
GPS TIPS
1.If you intend to rely on your GPS unit, take time to learn it before needing it. Get the manual out, work with setting waypoints and determining position. This will save you time on the road and prevent you from loading incorrect information or deleting valuable information by mistake.
2.Ensure that you install the maps prior to travel. This will enable you to browse and test the maps prior to embarking on your trip. Make sure you are familiar with the route calculation settings of your device.
3.Power is an issue. All GPS models will need to be recharged. Make sure you have enough batteries for the trip or pack a universal adapter in your luggage. Battery life of GPS devices vary, so it is important to have a cigarette lighter charger as you do not want to run out of juice when you are on the road.
4.Avoid leaving GPS device mounted on the windshield in a hot car for long periods of time. It is also a good way to prevent the device from being stolen, since even leaving the window screen mount in view is an advertisement that a GPS device may be in the car.
5.Most car navigation systems include an extensive POI database including restaurants along the interstate. Choose the cuisine you want and your GPS will display a list of results by proximity. Filter out only those along your route and your forward seeking food radar will update faster.
6.Some GPS devices also contain useful travel advice which can be very helpful if you are unfamiliar with road rules in other countries. For example, some device menus contain guides for multiple countries and cover local road rules, public holidays, accommodation advice and more.
7.When navigating to a place, it may be easier to search for a place by name rather than address. For example if you wish to visit the British Museum in London you can find it listed under museums as a point of interest and be able to navigate there without knowing the exact address.
8.And most importantly, make sure you dust off your GPS-knowledge and get the upper hand on your pending trip before you embark. Just be smart and make good use of your GPS.
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Backpacking is one of the best ways to see the world, in the shortest amount of time and least amount of money. Backpacking is one of the best ways to travel light. Backpacking also allows for cheap travels.
Learning how to pack as lightly as possible is an important backpacking skill. The first thing you need is a lightweight and well-built backpack. A quality backpack should have heavy zippers, pockets and flaps that close easily and stay closed, and lots of easy accessible compartments. Buying a backpack with a lock can be important as well. This is extremely important if you are at a crowded train or staying at a hotel or hostel.
Backpackers and other budget travelers can also opt for a backpack with wheels. If you are carrying a mini-closet all the time, these wheels will be so much easier on your shoulders and you can wheel the backpack from place to place with ease. But in the event you need to carry these rolling backpack, it may be heavier. So decide which one is better for your travel preference and style.
A good approach to packing is to include a few quality and versatile items of clothing and combine them in new ways for variety. Packing a few accessories, such as scarves, ties and jewelry take up little room in the backpack, and they provide new ways to wear the same clothes. If you are not too bothered about these, then leave them out totally. After all, a little weight can amount to a lot when you have been backpacking for a few days.
As for toiletries, only include travel size for your cheap travels. Shampoos, conditioners, deodorants, toothpaste and even toothbrushes – be sure to gather these travel size items for your cheap travels.
It is also important to get a good pair of comfortable walking shoes. Shoes take up a lot of space in your backpack, so stick with one pair of good shoes. One good rule of thumb when packing your backpack is to include items that are not easily or cheaply purchased at your travel destination, and leave items you can easily purchase at your travel destination.
One important travel consideration for those who wear glasses is to pack an extra pair of glasses. Investing in a hard sided case and packing it in your backpack could potentially save you a lot of money and trouble if you lose or break your glasses.
Here are some other travel tips for the first-time backpacker on a cheap travel.
Invest in a good quality hiking map or guide. Pay attention to the notes and precautions. When estimating the time it will take to hike to your travel destination, always overestimate.
Research the weather patterns and always be prepared for the worst weather. Always pack some sort of rain gear.
Dress appropriately, in layered clothing, no matter what time of year. Be sure to pack clothing that will allow you to be prepared for sudden changes in temperature or weather. It is best to wear breathable materials, such as polypropylene or wool to allow perspiration and moisture to be wicked away quickly.
Determine how much weight you can comfortably carry, and pack appropriately. Many first time backpackers try to take too much gear, and end up unable to carry during the trip. The weight of the backpack should be no more than one quarter of your weight, and it is best to take only what you need.
Always pack a first aid kit and be prepared with some basic first aid training. Carry a GPS system or satellite phone if you will be traveling far into the back country, and leave a schedule with the local trail ranger and with friends at home.
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