Road Trip USA Planner

Road Trips with Kids

2006-10-09T11:30:00.000-07:00

By Brigette Meier

Boredom, limited space and overflowing energy are a source of nuisance for a child when in a restaurant - how much more in the narrow cage of a car on a hour-long ride. You have barely left your home when the notorious "Are-we-there-already" starts, sometimes replaced by the equally infamous "How-long-is-it-still-going-to-take" and "I-have-to-pee" (the latter preferably on highways with no possibility to stop).

So again, the key here is entertainment. It's more difficult because you have a very limited space in your car and often a very long time to go.

The "surprise bags" described above do a good job also here. In case of a long ride, you can prepare several smaller bags and scatter them in intervals of several hours, thus keeping the excitement going. Be careful with loose plastic boxes and toys, though, they can become missiles heading forward in case of an accident.

Why are kids asking the "How-long?" - question? Well, first of all, because they're bored and annoyed. But it's also hard for children to understand a distance of 500 miles or a period of 10 hours. So when you're planning your trip, just make a simple map for your children, displaying your home, the target and important points in between. Add some pencils or crayons and point out when you're passing the marking points. This way, your kids have an overview of where you are and adding drawings will keep them busy. Later on, you can put the maps in your holiday album for souvenir. Keep in mind to make a map for each child.

If your child doesn't mind sleeping in the car, you can consider traveling during the night. That can buy you some peace during the ride, at the cost that you're tired when you arrive at your destination. If you have a spacious car, like a van, you can use some pillows and blankets to turn it into a cozy place.

Entertainment electronics can make your trip a lot easier. A game boy can keep a child occupied for a very long time, and you can even get a small, portable tv / vcr combination for a reasonable price. You can bring your kids' favorite videos and they'll probably be fine for the entire trip. When it comes to music, you should consider that you'll have to listen to it also, so make sure you can stand the constant repetition of child songs. Otherwise, a walkman might do the job.

A major problem with playing in the car is the very limited space. Toys easily fall down and slide under seats, so you have to stop in order to pick it up again. A tray like the ones used in fast-food-restaurants may help there: it supplies a solid, even surface that can be used as a foundation for eating or as a playground. Children's' imagination is still vivid, so a plain plastic tray can turn easily into a setting for the favorite action hero's next adventure. If you have a family, you should get rid of the idea of having a car to impress and rather trade it for something spacious and comfortable. It might be hard at first, but later on you'll be thankful for the extra space that helps getting through even a long trip without too much disturbance.

Brigette Meier is an occasional author for http://www.e-nterests.com - visit the site for more interesting articles.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Brigette_Meier

Michigan Road Trip

2006-07-21T13:56:00.000-07:00

Michigan Outdoors - Hidden Places

Author: Steve Gillman

In Michigan, being outdoors can mean relaxing on a sandy beach or getting lost in the wilderness. One of the hidden places described below will let you do both. Here are three places that you haven't seen in magazine articles and guide books.

Michigan Outdoors - Rivers

You can float the Manistee River from Baxter Bridge (the next crossing down from Hwy 131) north of Cadillac, all day without seeing a house or a road. The majority of the route is in the Manistee National Forest, where you can camp without permits. The Manistee isn't a river full of exciting rapids (at least not on this stretch). It is a river for relaxing.

A few years back, we used to park where Road 17 crosses the river, and hike upstream with a small day pack loaded with snacks, water, a saw, hatchet, and rope. By early afternoon we would build a raft of dead trees cut to length. We spent the following hours floating back to the car. We called it Tom Sawyer Day, and on six of these trips I have never passed another canoe or boat on the river.

Michigan Outdoors - Beaches

Probably you have heard of or been to the Sleeping Bear National Lakeshore (and the dunes), and the other sandy spots along the east side of Lake Michigan. They are beautiful, and I highly recommend them, but what if you want a beach to yourself? Head north, to the Upper Peninsula of Michigan.

From Highway 2, a couple miles east of Rapid River, turn south on County road 513. Follow it until it splits, and take the road to Wilsey Bay. Where the road first comes to the water, it is a public access point. Leave your car here and walk a mile to the end of the road, and then along the rocky beach past the last house (stay below the high-water mark and it is legal to walk past private property).

Just past the house you enter the Hiawatha National Forest for the next seven miles of beach. The last time I camped out there, I never saw a person in two days. One morning I followed fresh black bear tracks along the sandy beach, and later explored the ruins of an old cabin. There are no roads into this area, and ATV's are not permitted. If you want forested wilderness, just walk away from the beach - and watch for wild blueberries in the forest clearings if it is August or September.

Michigan Outdoors - Really Hidden

You'll want a topographical map for this one. In Michigan's Upper Peninsula, north of Ishpeming, there is some wild and rough country. Driving out of Ishpeming, you'll wind through rocky lakes and woods. An hour north, on a sandy road, you'll come to a river with two-hundred foot high cliffs on the other side. I promised friends not to get more specific than this, so you'll have to work a bit to find it.

Continue a bit further, until the road gets too rough or the puddles too deep. Park the car and find a log to cross the small river on, then head uphill (you may need your hands to go up the wooded hillside). Beyond and on top of those cliffs and hills there are two lakes, just a thirty minute walk away, surrounded by a rocky wilderness, and with no trail going to them. My brother had a trout on the line in ten seconds the first time I took him there. Good luck!

About the author:
Steve Gillman is a long-time advocate of lightweight backpacking. His tips, photos, gear recommendations and a free book can be found at http://www.The-Ultralight-Site.com

Considering a Motorhome?

2006-07-21T13:06:00.000-07:00

Types of Motorhomes

Author: Peter Lenkefi

Article:Though there may be several designs and flavors of motorhomes, they are technically classified as type A, type B, type C or bus conversions. All the types are motorized homes but each has different features and capacity to suit different purposes and budgets. A motorhome can measure 21 to 45 feet. The type A is the largest of all and comes loaded with facilities and high end equipment for long trips and can be used as permanent abode by any person. It is built on special chassis and may cost $57,000 to $1.4 m.

It has a gallery, living area, sleeping quarters, permanent sanitary facilities. There is power, back up batteries, water holding tanks and an onboard generator.

The class A is highly spacious and that allows it to have extra comforts like a refrigerator, washer-dryer, large-screen TV, computerized leveling system, satellite navigation system, satellite dish, slide-out room extension and large storage bays.

One major disadvantage of the class a type is that it is not maneuverable due to its length and bulkiness. Again, it is too low and therefore unsuitable for rugged environments. The type B is like a converted van and can be said to be the smallest in the range of self contained motorhomes. It is basically a truck which had been modified to have sleeping, living and dining rooms. The price range for this class is between $42,000 to $73,000 and measures 16 to 34 feet.

The class B is easy to drive and therefore maneuverable. If you need to do a lot of turning and visiting small communities on the trip, this is the ideal one as it can driven around any corner and also manage sharp turns. It is suitable for short stay camping and smaller groups of say 3.

The limitation is that you have less space, and a low ceiling which means you cannot transport objects that stand tall. You also have a small gas tank which will require refueling a lot.

Type C is a small motorhome mounted on the chassis of a van. It also offers a living room, kitchen, bathroom and bedroom. Though they can offer all the comforts of class A motorhome, they look crammed. The type C cannot have full size beds but come with bunker types. They are easy to maneuver and can manage sharp turns or narrow roads.

It cost about $48,000 to $139,000 and measure 20 to 35 feet.

The bus conversions are full size buses converted to a motorhome. This type is most suitable for large group camping. Their large size enables them to have luxury sofas and most of the bulky comforts of a home. They cost between $100,000 to $1m and measure 35 to 45 feet.

The choice of a motorhome will depend on so many factors including budget, your needs assessment and whether or not you need maneuverability or not.

About the author:For more information about types of motorhomes please visithttp://www.motor-home-tips.com/

East Coast Road Trip

2006-07-21T12:20:00.000-07:00

Choosing The East Coast To Go On Vacation

Author: Harald Anderson

Are you planning to go on vacations? Have you ever considered taking a road trip to the east coast of the United States? If you haven't, you should, because this part of America offers a great variety of activities that you and your family can join to have a very good time. You should decide what to do depending on how much time you have. You can choose to drive all the way along the entirecoast or, if you do not have much time, you should pick a particular area you are interest to visit and explore it in detail. Of course, always study what the different areas have to offer in food, entertainment and accommodation before starting to drive. If you plan your vacation properly, for sure you will spend a great time traveling along the Atlantic shoreline.

If you plan to begin your vacation in the south, bear in mind that Florida can and will maintain you occupied for more than a few days. This is because Florida has a long coastline and many interesting activities to do. You and your family can have a good time visiting the various amusement parks, and enjoying the beach climate that is one of the best. Then you have to keep going and for sure you will not skip Savannah, Georgia, the state's oldest city, where you can go to the historical Savannah River and to several historical colonial sites. It is a city you should not avoid because its colorful old houses and its southern charm are unforgettable.

Then you should turn to Charleston, South Carolina, a city you cannot avoid. It s a city very similar to Savannah in its architecture but it also has its own interesting things, such as the Folly Beach and some of the region's best seafood restaurants. After Charleston, the trip can continue to the city Kitty Hawk, North Carolina, on the outer banks of the state. This city offers you a variety of activities, included museums recording the Wright Brothers' first flight, where you can place yourself in the path where they made history.

Are you interested in politics? If this is your case, you should stop in Washington, D.C. Because there you can visit the famous White House, the Supreme Court and the U.S. Capitol building, apart from the great number of museums of which the most important are the Museum of Natural History and the Smithsonian. Another place you cannot avoid visiting is the National Gallery, especially if you are interested in art. Here you will find famous paintings from not only American but also foreign artists.

All the way up to the city of New York you will be appreciating the beautiful American rural landscape. For example you will drive past the nice state of Delaware where you will be delighted by seeing the wonderful farmland and the old farmhouses in that great rural landscape. Remember to take the Chesapeake Bay Bridge/Tunnel when you drive along Chesapeake Bay. It is an unforgettable twenty-six mile toll highway stretching across the superb waterway. And if you are feeling tired, there is a picturesque restaurant and rest area with a dock halfway through the twenty-six miles where you can feel as if you are floating in the heart of the ocean surrounded by countless miles of water.

As soon as you enter New Jersey, you will soon start feeling the effects of the looming New York City destination. A lot of hotels and slightly shady establishments will start appearing in your way, as you get closer to New York. And if you go even further you will see one of the greatest sights in the globe: the Manhattan skyline. Getting nearer the city you will start appreciating the surrealism of the buildings as if they were planted in the ocean and were growing skywards like a tree would do. If you make your own vacation plan do not forget including New York City at night because of its glowing magnificence.

If you do not have enough time, plan your vacation carefully so as to include at least a few days to go around the city. Some may think that it is rather overwhelming, nut it is a city you have to visit if you are near it. It is a very big city where you can find anything you are looking for. You can find a great variety of food, clothing, activity or music, what makes it the ultimate educational, cultural, and shopping experience. What can be better then finishing your vacation in one of the more beautiful cities in the world: New York?

About the author: Vacation information on http://www.apnavacation.com with the all time expert Sintilia Miecevole is waiting for you. You'll have resources at your fingertips from accommodations, hotels, tickets and insurance to resorts, vacation deals, cruises and more. Vacation with http://www.apnavacation.com and start planning your vacation today.

Motorcycle Road Trip in Florida

2006-07-07T09:55:00.000-07:00

Motorcycles are meant for road trips, especially with the high price of gasoline these days. We have a cool road trip in North Florida to share with you today.

Motorcycle Road Trips In North Florida: Jax Beach To Fernandina

Author: Michael Talbert

With bike week just around the corner, bikers from all over the
country are pulling their motorcycles out of winter storage and
cleaning up their leathers in anticipation of a motorcycle rally
like no other. While Daytona is definitely the place to be the
week of March 5th, Florida offers some great stretches of road
through pristine landscapes to some great biker destinations.

About an hour and a half north of Daytona on A1A lies the
bustling beach community of Jacksonville Beach, which is where
we will meet for the start of our road trip- because, well,
that's where I'm from! On any given day you'll find bikes and
bikers parked and hanging out at the Jax Beach Pier parking lot.
Just across the street is the famed biker bar Mango's, a great
place for bikers to meet, have some good home cooking and shoot
some pool. Summer weekends will generally find some heavy metal
band performing outside on the covered deck. So put on your best
leather motorcycle jacket and come on out to Mango's to start
our first north Florida road trip.

Our first day trip will start from Jax Beach and head north on
A1A to Fernandina Beach, a quaint little island town with its
own unique attitude. If you follow A1A north, after bearing left
at Mayport Naval Station, you will be cruising through the
marshlands at the mouth of the St. Johns River and come to a
dead end at the ferry in Mayport Village. A traditional fishing
village, this is where most of north Florida gets their seafood.
Shrimp boats, party boats, and deep sea charters line the docks,
and you can even take a gambling cruise from here. If you're
hungry, there's an old wooden shack sitting on the water that
serves some of the best seafood available. Singletons is not
much to look at, but it's been there forever and people drive
for miles to sit on the water enjoying the freshest of Florida
seafood, while watching the pelicans scrounge for theirs.

Taking the ferry across the river, you'll once again pick up A1A
heading north. To your right you'll soon see a huge barren
sandbar that was formed by the northern jetties at the mouth of
the St. Johns. On the eastern edge are the jetties, the Atlantic
Ocean, and a beach that is packed with babes of all shapes and
sizes. The western side has a lagoon and the Fort George River
inlet. A very wide beach at low tide, vehicles have been
swallowed up and swept away by the Atlantic because of people
parking just a little too close to the water, and taking a walk
in the dunes. A great place for jet skiing, swimming, fishing
and surfing, Huguenot Park also has a campground with primitive
and RV camp sites and showers.

For the next several miles, you will be cruising through some of
the most pristine and unspoiled wetlands in Florida. Island
hopping through little and big Talbot Islands and the Timacuan
Preserve, this coastal area is one of the few in Florida
untouched by development, and will theoretically remain that
way. Flora and Fauna abound, and nature lovers flock to the area
in kayaks and flatboats to navigate the waterways in search of
trout and redfish.

Heading across the Nassau Sound Bridge to Florida's northern
most barrier island, the developments once again start to pop
up. World renowned resort Amelia Island Plantation has vast
acreages of condos, single family houses, an Inn rivaled by
none, and a huge convention center that draws business from all
over the world. A community within itself, the Plantation
strives, and has done a good job, of preserving the natural
habitat.

Not to be outdone, the Ritz Carlton is just a few miles north
and is also a magnet for the well to do, with a golf course and
all the pampering the Ritz is known for!

Almost there, we take A1A into downtown Fernandina Beach. An old
fishing village like Mayport, Fernandina is much larger and has
many unique and historical buildings. The waterfront is speckled
with shrimp boats and deep sea charters, and Brent's is the
restaurant on the docks. Fernandina Beach also hosts an annual
shrimp festival on the first weekend in May.

Ending our motorcycle excursion from Jacksonville Beach (about
an hour non stop), our last stop is a very popular watering hole
for bikers and locals alike. The Palace Saloon has been there
since 1878, and although it burned in 1999, it has been restored
to its original 18th century wooden décor. More of a bar than a
restaurant, this is where you get to know the locals, many of
which are in the hospitality industry and definitely know how to
party hardy! With live bands, dancing, flirting and drinking,
the Palace Saloon is the place to party in Fernandina Beach!

In my next road trip article we'll head south on A1A to our
nations oldest city. Founded by Ponce de Leon in 1513 and home
of the fountain of youth, this place is just a tiny little
drinking town with a fishing problem!

About the author:
Michael Talbert lives, works, and plays in Jacksonville Beach and is
the owner/operator of Biker Leather Ltd.

Summer Driving - Prepare Your Car

2006-06-15T13:50:00.000-07:00

Well, it's almost officially SUMMER! (Though, if you live in Phoenix,
Arizona, it's probably felt like summer for a month now). Time for
bathing suits, relaxing, and overheating the car. Okay, your car
doesn't have to overheat, just follow the following summer driving tips:

Preparing Your Car For Warm Weather Driving

Author: Aurel Radulescu

Now that the warm weather has finally arrived, everyone will be
anxious to take road trips, scenic drives and just cruise around
in the warmth glow of the sun. With that being said, if you fail
to prepare your car for the warm weather, you may end up
foregoing your nice summer drive for a day filled with car
repairs. The best way to avoid this is to get your car ready for
driving in warm weather and to help you do that, this article is
geared toward providing you with tips to make sure that your
summer is one filled with sunny days.

Before you head out of the driveway, take a quick glance around.
Everyone thinks to look under the hood for potential car
problems, but not everyone thinks to check the surrounding area.
If you see oil where you have parked your car, you may have a
problem and will want to have your car checked by a professional
before taking it out for a drive.

Be sure to check all of your car's fluid levels. This includes
the engine, transmission, cooling system, power steering, brake
fluid and washer fluid. When it is time to replace them, be sure
to purchase high-quality fluids to help improve the performance
and dependability of each function. In addition, regularly
changing old fluids will go along way in helping your car to
remain weather friendly.

While driving, make sure to watch your temperature gauges so
that you will know if your car begins to overheat. This is one
of the most common causes of preventable breakdowns during the
warm summer months because it is especially easy for a car to
overheat during this time. Replace your antifreeze if it's more
than several years old and have a mechanic to inspect your car
if the problem continues.

Upgrading your oil to a high-performance synthetic motor oil may
help to improve your car's overall health, so don't cut any
costs when it comes to buying oil for your car.

Make sure that your belts and hoses are inspected after adding
fluids. A problematic belt may cause the engine to overheat. A
hose may need to be replaced if it has any cracks or corrosion.
Always keep an eye out for blistered, hard or spongy hoses and
have them replaced immediately.

Always clean battery terminals, hinges and latches. In addition,
keep your tires properly inflated by checking the air pressure
each time you buy gasoline.

About the author:
Find more about used cars value, auto recalls
and many other automotive news on http://www.autonews24h.com/.

New England Family Vacation

2006-06-12T14:37:00.000-07:00

I came across this article about a road trip through New Hampshire.
It sounds so wonderful I knew I had to pass it along.

A White Mountains Vacation - Most Scenic 100 Miles In New
England

Author: Cliff Calderwood

This amazing trip through the White Mountains of New Hampshire
includes gorgeous views, a visit to the home of the world wind
speed record, and one of most scenic train rides in the east.
The White Mountain National Forest is a 4-hour drive north of
Boston, Massachusetts. Deep in New Hampshire, the mountains are
part of the Appalachian Mountain system that covers the Eastern
United States. Within the forest park is the White Mountains
Trail, and it's a drive that's arguably the most scenic 100
miles in New England. Here's a selection of my favorite stops
along the way - some of them require prior planning and are day
trips in themselves.

WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST VISITOR CENTER

Most people begin the drive from the White Mountains Visitor
Center in North Woodstock on route 112 and head out on route 3N
to the Franconia Notch area.

If you're traveling with kids then you'll want to pencil dates
back in this area at the Clark's Trading Post, and The Whale's
Tale attractions -- both in Lincoln on route 3N. At Clark's you
can see Bears, ride a steam train, climb towers, and generally
keep the young ones happy. The Whale's Tale is a water park with
a wave pool, picnic areas, and live entertainment.

Back on the road head north towards Franconia Notch, and shortly
you'll see the sign for our first stop - the Flume Gorge.

THE FLUME GORGE

The Flume Gorge was formed over 200 million years ago when the
White Mountains were molten rock. As the terrain here cooled
quickly, softer material was forced into the fractures that
formed. These fractures wore down with natural erosion much
quicker that the surrounding granite rock -- leaving the gorge.
And so now you get to enjoy a geological wonder at the base of
beautiful Mount Liberty.

The Gorge has a visitor center where your tour starts and ends,
one of the oldest covered bridges on the White Mountains Trail,
and some dramatic photo opportunities.

Continue to head north on Route 3 until it joins Route 302 and
follow 302 towards Bretton Woods. Here the mountains get taller
and taller until eventually you see the grand daddy of them all
-- Mount Washington at 6,288 feet.

THE ROOF OF THE WHITE MOUNTAIN NATIONAL FOREST...

Depending on time available, you've got three options for
experiencing Mount Washington: take the Cog Railway train ride
to the top, drive the auto road to the summit -- the quickest
way, or you can hike if you're well prepared. But don't consider
hiking to the top unless you're in great condition and with
somebody. This mountain claims lives every year - even in the
summer - as conditions in this area can deteriorate dramatically
within minutes.

And yes, it's worth getting to the summit. On a clear day the
view is stunning. Visit the museum at the top and learn about
the day in 1934 when the highest wind speed ever recorded on
earth was taken - 231 MPH. You'll learn why its unique
geographic position provides the mountain with the worst weather
on earth.

Now get back onto Route 302 and head south to the town of North
Conway.

THE CONWAY SCENIC RAILROAD

Schedule at least enough time to take the shorter valley scenic
train, which you board in North Conway. The train rides offer
wonderful views of the scenic valleys and notches in the
surrounding area.

The valley train is a 55-minute roundtrip, and the Notch train
is 5 hours. Both have a first-class car if you want to have a
different experience. The notch train has a dome car as well,
where you get magnificent views of the steep ravines and sheer
bluffs. The trains usually run from mid-June until mid-October.

THE KANCAMAGUS HIGHWAY

Let's finish up our White Mountains Trail tour by joining back
up with route 112 at Conway and driving back to the White
Mountain National Forest Visitor Center.

Route 112, or as its better known the Kancamagus Highway, is the
only road that runs directly east and west through the heart of
the White Mountain National Forest. This is a dramatic road that
shows off the magnificence of one of New Hampshire's best-loved
scenic spots. From this road your vistas include wilderness and
the highest peaks in the presidential range.

During the summer and fall foliage months you're likely to have
plenty of company on your drive. But if the weather is clear who
cares if the going is a little slow - this isn't a drive to rush
anyway. But it's a magnificent end to our 100-mile scenic drive.
You'll find a map of this scenic drive at my web site www.new-england-vacations-guide.com/

About the author:
For more details on these and other attractions on White Mountains vacations and to pick up your free vacation reports go to Cliff Calderwood's New England Vacations site at:
http://www.new-england-vacations-guide.com

Tawas Vacation Planning

2006-05-23T12:42:00.000-07:00

I was going to dedicate this entry to all the people in the midwest, but, the truth is, everyone should take a road trip to Michigan and visit Tawas Bay, also known as the "Cape Code of the Midwest." You haven't heard of Tawas Bay? Well, you're not alone. But, the word is certainly spreading that Tawas Bay is a gem of a vacation spot.

When I heard that Tawas Bay is considered one of the best sailing areas in the United States, I had to include it in my vacation planning. And, I have to say, I certainly wasn’t disappointed.

Tawas Bay is located on Lake Huron in Northeast Michigan, just a three-hour drive from the Detroit area. The winds and protected waters are what makes Tawas Bay so good for sailing. A limestone reef was built in Tawas Bay in 1987, which helped make it one of the finest fishing areas as well.

I went for the sailing, but, oddly enough, ended up having a great time fishing. It was my first time and I have to admit, I wasn’t half bad. I actually caught something. Well, to be honest, my pole caught something. When I felt a fish on the line I quickly gave it to my friend to take over. I’m told I caught a perch.

Fish are quite plentiful in Tawas Bay. You’ll find perch, walleye (a really mean-looking fish if you ask me), brown trout, lake trout, northern pike, bass, coho and Chinook salmon.

Tawas Bay is also home to Tawas Point State Park, which features campsites with electric hookups, modern toilets and showers. In short, my kind of camping. There’s a playground for the kids, and areas where metal detecting is allowed.

While planning a vacation to Tawas, make sure you make time for the Tawas Point Lighthouse, built in 1876. The Tawas Point Lighthouse is open for tours on the weekends, Memorial Day through Labor Day. If you visit the lighthouse, do make sure you take the tour, which allows you to walk to the top of the tower for an incredible view of Tawas Point. Standing 70 feet above Lake Huron, the view from the lighthouse tower will take your breath away.

If you have kids, you might want to plan your vacation to Tawas Bay for the second weekend of June, during the Tawas Point Celebration Days. Many children’s activities are planned during this time, as well as demonstrations of black-smithing, wood carving and weaving, as well as guided hikes and a fishing derby.

My vacation to Tawas Bay is certainly one I’ll take again. Before planning your next vacation, take a look at Tawas Bay, the “Cape Cod of the Midwest.”

Grand Canyon Road Trip

2006-05-18T11:28:00.000-07:00

Every American (okay, every human for that matter) owes it to him/herself to head to Arizona and visit the Grand Canyon at least once in their lifetimes. It's truly amazing to see how a little trickle of water eventually turned into the Colorado River, which eventually carved out the Grand Canyon.

You can approach a trip to the Grand Canyon in many different ways. One way is to stay within the park at one of the lodges on the South Rim and take time to experience all the different things the park has to offer. The South Rim is the part of the Grand Canyon most people are familiar with because it's in lower elevation and can be accessed all year round. The North Rim is closed from mid-October to mid-May, and is not as visited as the South Rim.

For those staying on the South Rim, there are numerous trails down the canyon, as well as a trail along the top of the Canyon. If you're staying on top in one of the lodges and are planning a day hike into the inner Canyon, just be aware that you probably cannot make it down and back in one day. A good day hike would be about half-way down and then up.

Some people choose to hike down one day and either camp at the bottom or stay in the Phantom Ranch. Be aware, however, that you have to make arrangements well in advance of your trip if you choose to stay at the bottom. Campers require a backcountry permit, and Phantom Ranch is usually booked months ahead. Permits are sometimes available on that day, but why risk it? For reservations at the Phantom Ranch, you can call 888-297-2757.

The benefit of staying within the park is the ability to take your time to view the magnificent Canyon from different viewing points, which you can access by walking the rim trail or taking a shuttle from point to point. For those of you staying for several days, a trip to the Northern Rim of the Grand Canyon would be a lovely addition, though the drive is about 4 - 5 hours long. From mid-May to Mid-October a shuttle provides service from the South Rim to the North Rim.

Some people prefer to view the Canyon and move on. There are numerous areas in Northern Arizona where one can stay and take a side trip to the Grand Canyon, such as Sedona and Flagstaff. While such locations are still lengthy drives (an hour from Flagstaff, two from Sedona), it's still close enough for a day trip. Both Sedona and Flagstaff are lovely places to stay, with Sedona being the most 'touristy" of the two towns. Flagstaff, to me, is the quirkier of the two, perhaps because it is a "university town," home to Northern Arizona University.

Sedona and Flagstaff are also visually different. Flagstaff sits amongst a pine forest, while Sedona is in "red rock" country. Sedona abounds with numerous high-end resorts, galleries and expensive eateries. Flagstaff is cheaper all-around, with inexpensive lodging and restaurants. Both are close enough for a day trip to the Grand Canyon.

Gas Saving Tips

2006-05-17T13:13:00.000-07:00

Road trips are great. They allow you travel to out-of-the-way places and see the places you'd miss by plane or train. But, what about the cost of gas? And, where do you go?

I'm constantly in search of interesting places in the USA to travel by car, and will share these places as I find them. I came across an interesting article about saving gas, written by an RVer. See if any of the gas-saving tips can help you.

RV Fuel Economy

By Mark Polk

I for one am not going to let sky rocketing fuel prices change my plans for using and enjoying our RV. So, with that said and a motor home that averages 7 to 8 miles to a gallon I am forced to find ways to save on fuel rather than waiting and hoping that fuel prices will go down. After a little research I was surprised to learn how easy it can be to improve our fuel economy. Whether you’re towing a trailer or driving a motor home there are many ways to improve fuel economy. By performing some simple maintenance procedures and changing our driving habits a little we can save a significant amount of fuel.

One shocking discovery was that for each 5mph you go over 60mph is equivalent to paying 10 cents more per gallon. So if you’re traveling down the Interstate at 75 mph add 30 cents to the price on the pump! Wow, that can add up quick. If fuel prices drop to $2.65 a gallon you’ll still be paying $2.95 a gallon.

So how can we improve our fuel economy?

Talk to other RVers that have a motor home or tow vehicle and trailer similar to yours. Compare gas mileage. If there is a significant difference compare notes and try to determine what makes the difference.

Something as simple as a clean air filter can improve your fuel economy up to 10%.

Checking and adjusting your tire pressure to the proper pressure can increase fuel economy by 3%, not to mention preventing premature tire wear and failures or blowouts caused by over or under-inflated tires. Tires can look normal when they are seriously under-inflated. Use a quality air pressure gauge and check your tires when they’re cold, before traveling more than one mile.

Excessive idling wastes fuel. If you’re going to be sitting still for more than a couple of minutes shut the engine off.

Using overdrive whenever you can saves fuel by decreasing the engines speed.

Using the cruise control whenever possible saves fuel because it keeps the vehicle at a constant speed rather than variable speeds. This applies when you are driving on a relatively flat surface. Keep in mind the over 60 mph rule applies here too.

Keeping the vehicle tuned up and in top running condition saves fuel. A poorly tuned engine can lower fuel economy by 10 to 20%.

Poor emissions and / or a faulty oxygen sensor can cause a 40% reduction in fuel economy. Can you believe that? A 40% REDUCTION.

Following the recommended service and maintenance schedules will save you fuel.

Using the recommended grade of motor oil will increase fuel economy by 1 to 2%.

Using synthetic oils will increase fuel economy by 2 or more percent.

Speeding and rapid acceleration reduces fuel economy anywhere from 5 to 33% depending on your individual driving habits.

Added weight that you don’t need reduces fuel economy significantly. We’re all guilty of this one!

Only using the dash air conditioner when it is absolutely necessary will save a significant amount of fuel.

Use regular gas unless your owner’s manual specifies a higher octane gas. You’re just throwing money away when you pay the extra money for premium fuel.

We may have no control over the prices at the pump, but as you can see we have total control over getting the most out of the fuel we put in our tank.

Happy Camping!

Copyright 2006 by Mark J. Polk, owner of RV Education 101

About the Author:

RV Expert Mark Polk, seen on TV, is the producer & host of America's most highly regarded series of DVD's, videos, books, and e-books. Sign up for your free "RV Education 101" Newsletter http://rveducation101.com/email/
Mark Polk is a retired U.S. Army Chief Warrant Officer Three, specializing in wheeled and track vehicle fleet maintenance operations. In addition to owning and operating RV Education 101, (based in North Carolina) since 1999, Polk also has a very extensive RV background working in RV service, sales and management.

Polk has a degree in Industrial Management Technology and his 30 plus years of experience in maintenance includes working as an RV technician, a wheeled vehicle and power generation mechanic, an automotive maintenance technician, Battalion and Brigade level Maintenance Officer, an RV sales manager and also in the RV financing department as the Finance & Insurance manager. http://www.rveducation101.com/

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