The all-new 2011 Kia Optima has been collecting notable awards that would be impressive even for a sedan that costs a good bit more than this class-leading, family friendly, fuel efficient sedan with a starting price of $18,995. Most important for my money is that the 2011 Kia Optima is the first Korean-built vehicle to achieve the top safety rating under new, more stringent government … [Read more...]
Five Top Travel Apps for Safe Holiday Road Trips
The AAA estimates more than 92 million Americans will be on the road during the holiday period between December 23rd and January 2nd, 3.1% more than last year. There is a mind-boggling selection of iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry apps to download that will help make your driving and travel less stressful and perhaps even more safe. These are my five picks for the best travel apps for … [Read more...]
Safe Driving Tips for the Holidays
We're all in a hurry at the holidays. But driving fast is not the answer, and it most certainly is not safe driving. Speed-related deaths kill approximately 13,500 Americans each year, according to the Governor's Highway Safety Association. And thousands more drivers, passengers and pedestrians are injured by speeding. Here are five reasons you should not speed: Save lives - Slowing down … [Read more...]
2011 Best Buy Car: 2011 Chevrolet Malibu Mid-Size Sedan
The eagerly-awaited extended range hybrid Chevrolet Volt has been getting all the headlines lately, along with many of the top car awards. But so has the 2011 Chevrolet Malibu, which the Volt looks like and even feels like behind the wheel, although the fuel efficiency of the two models is very different. I test drove the Chevrolet Volt recently, and the driving feel -- steering, braking and … [Read more...]
Allergy-Free Hotel Rooms
There are 50 million allergy sufferers in the United States who have problems going on vacation because of the allergy aggravators in hotels, from the cleaning supplies used to the feathers inside the bed pillows. Hotel chains have taken notice, and are offering allergy-free rooms for sensitive noses for whom there aren't enough antihistamines or nasal strips on the planet. Four Seasons Hotel … [Read more...]
How to Avoid Bringing Bedbugs Home from Vacation
Bedbugs are ugly little creatures that suck your blood while you sleep, leaving nasty bite marks. And they seem to be everywhere, including in the headlines. With holiday travel season approaching, it's important to know how to avoid bringing bedbugs home from your hotel. Here are some top tips for protecting yourself from bedbugs when you travel: Before you book a hotel, check if it's on the … [Read more...]
Top Travel Apps for Holiday Road Trips
There is a mind-boggling number of iPhone, iPad, Android and Blackberry applications on the market to download to help make your driving and travel experience more user friendly. So which ones are best? These are my picks for the five best travel apps for holiday road trips, to help keep you save and get you there on time. 1. Weatherbug – This app combines the simplicity of Apple’s Weather … [Read more...]
2010 Kia Soul Named A Best Car for Back to School
The 2010 Kia Soul has been named one of the ten best Back-to-School cars for the second year in a row by Kelley Blue Book's kbb.com, although last year it was the 2009 Kia Soul that got the nod. The Kia Soul is an award-winner for its eye-catching style, roomy interior, safety features, fuyel efficiency, and a pricetag that starts at just under $14,000 for the basic model. Those are the kind of … [Read more...]
Best Websites to Save Money on Your Car
Gas prices are down substantially from last year, and you can buy great new car for under $20,000, but owning and maintaining a vehicle is still expensive. These websites will help you save green -- dollars, that is -- with whatever you drive. Repairs -- Check Repairpal.com to find out what the job should cost. This website monitors thousands of repair shops to determine what costs what, and … [Read more...]
Holiday Driving Safety 101 Starts in the Driveway
It's safety first for any holiday driving, including this long Fourth of July weekend. Every family road trip should start with a ten minute check of the car in the driveway to give you peace of mind on the road ahead. Ten minutes now can save you headaches, time and money, and avoid ruining the weekend getaway or longer vacaiton trip. Check all fluids, including engine oil, power steering … [Read more...]