Going on a long car trip can be a soothing experience for the whole family. You can admire beautiful landscapes, take photos, and spend nights in cities you’ve never been to. Unfortunately, despite all the pleasantries, there’s also a negative side to the story.

Long trips can be physically draining, especially if you’re the driver. So much so they can lead to horrible accidents. “Car crashes caused by exhaustion are one of the main causes of vehicular deaths,” warns DueJustice.com, a personal injury law firm. According to them, good preparation is the best way to avoid these mishaps.

To help you stay safe on the road and have a pleasant journey, we’ve listed 6 ways to prepare for a long car trip. Enjoy!

1.   Perform a maintenance check

To be honest, you don’t have to be tired to suffer an accident. All you need is a small car malfunction to completely change the course of your life. And during these long trips, these breakdowns are more likely to happen.

You should focus on brakes, tire pressure, and hoses during a routine car checkup. It’s also important to check your airbag and belts, as they provide additional protection in the worst-case scenario. Recharging your AC might not be as important as the previous entries, but it can still improve the quality of your trip.

2.   Check the map in advance

Modern drivers have become too dependent on their GPS systems. Although these devices are invaluable in large urban areas, they’re not as important on the open highway. Whatever the case may be, we suggest that you check the maps and plan your journey in advance.

This is important not only for your safety but for the overall experience. For example, you should review all the tourist attractions on the way and decide which ones are worth the visit. Lastly, make sure to check the weather and traffic reports to stay on the safe side.

3.   Adjust according to road conditions

Speaking of weather, drivers should adjust their plans according to the road conditions. This is especially true when traveling with kids or on unknown country roads. If you’re going through small rural areas, expect to encounter a few potholes along the way. These can be especially dangerous during reduced visibility.

The best thing you can do about rough weather is to delay your trip or drive much slower. A careful driver will also check the traffic report. Although road repairs and traffic delays aren’t an issue by themselves, they can significantly prolong your journey. As such, they can increase fatigue and, thus, the likelihood of driving mistakes.

4.   Control your fatigue

As mentioned in the intro, exhaustion is one of the more common causes of traffic accidents. It’s prevalent among people who have to drive a few hours after work. If you’re one of these individuals, we suggest that you rent a motel room. Lack of sleep destroys your focus and ability to react quickly in traffic.

Staying on the topic of fatigue, you shouldn’t drink or use substances before the trip. Even if you’re a young person, you shouldn’t overestimate your recovery rate. Furthermore, if you ever get tired while driving, ask one of the passengers to take your place.

5.   Turn off your cell phone

Unless you intend to take some photos along the way, we suggest that you turn off your cell phone.

This device can cause direct and indirect distractions. Talking and driving is a big no-no and probably one of the dumbest things you can do behind the wheel. Even a phone ringing can cause a distraction that can cause a crash.

People rarely consider mobile devices’ indirect impact. For example, you might receive disturbing news while driving that can impair your judgment. Or your family member might tell you to make a detour causing you to suddenly break in heavy traffic.

Whatever the case may be, save it for later. It’s much more important to be undisturbed during this time and to fully enjoy the driving experience.

6.   Don’t disregard traffic signs

One of the most common highway mistakes is not adhering to the speed limit. The local authorities enacted these rules to keep you safe, so it’s much better to respect them. Even if you’re driving a sturdy vehicle, you can still endanger people in the other car.

Even if we disregard the signs, you should still adjust your driving speed and style according to the weather and traffic conditions.

Are you a golf enthusiast looking to take the trip of a lifetime? If so, you’ll need to budget carefully to make sure you have enough money for your dream vacation. In this blog post, we’ll share some tips on how to budget for a golf vacation, so you can start planning your trip today!

Define your budget – know how much you can realistically afford to spend

Setting a realistic budget is a crucial part of responsible financial planning. Take some time to ask yourself the important questions such as: What are my current expenses? Am I currently saving money already? Do I plan on increasing my savings? Once you have answered these questions and crafted an up-to-date financial picture, you can begin creating your budget. Decide how much you can allocate toward different categories such as groceries, housing and utilities, transportation, clothing, entertainment, and more. Leave room in your budget for unexpected costs or items that may pop up unexpectedly so that you don’t have to resort to debt when something unexpected occurs. An effective budget is essential for achieving both short-term and long-term financial goals – so start budgeting today!

Research golf courses and resorts in advance to get an idea of pricing

When planning a golfing vacation, researching courses and resorts in advance can be a great way to ensure you are getting the best value for your money. Taking the time to compare prices between different resorts and find the most suitable course is an important step that should not be skipped. Not only could you potentially save hundreds of dollars by doing so, but it also makes it easier to plan meals, choose activities, and select amenities ahead of time. Plus, looking up reviews online will help inform your decision and make sure you are booking at a quality establishment. Taking the time to research golf courses and resorts in advance can really pay off!

Find the best deals on airfare, lodging, and green fees

• There are many ways to save money if you plan ahead

Planning ahead for your vacation is the best way to make sure you get the most for your money. Try searching for airfare deals as far in advance as possible, as prices can fluctuate depending on the time of year and availability. You should also research different lodging options, from resorts to Airbnb rentals, to get the best rate or look out for packages that combine lodging and activities. If you are golfing, always ask if there are any discounts or special offers on green fees; many golf courses offer deals or discounts when booking online. Doing a bit of research ahead of time can help you find great savings and make sure that you don’t blow your budget before your vacation even starts!

Don’t forget about transportation costs

• Renting a car or taking a taxi can add up quickly

When planning a vacation, it’s easy to become fixated on booking flights and finding the best accommodation deals. However, it’s important not to forget about transport costs. The cost of renting a car or taking a taxi can quickly add up, so it pays to factor in the associated expenses before you travel. Researching the best options for getting around well in advance can help you save both time and money during your holiday. Even walking can be an economical way of seeing a new city – not only will you save on transport costs, but you’ll also get to soak in some of the local culture while getting exercise!

Consider what other activities you’ll want to do while on vacation

• Budget for meals, entertainment, and souvenirs accordingly

When planning a vacation, it’s important to remember that there are more activities than just sightseeing. While tours and trips to interesting places are often the highlight of a getaway, it’s important to remember all the other parts of travel such as food, entertainment, and souvenirs. These can be enjoyable moments during a vacation but consider how much budgeting you’ll need to include those. Research your destination ahead of time and decide where you might want to eat or maybe see some live music. You’ll want to leave yourself some room within your budget for souvenirs too so you can take a little piece of your trip home with you!

Have fun!

• A golf vacation is a great way to relax and enjoy yourself with friends or family

If you’re looking for a fun way to take a break and get away with family or friends, then consider taking a golf vacation. Imagine being out on the green, surrounded by pleasant scenery, breathing in the fresh air while you practice your swing. You can also use this time to bond with your loved ones and learn from each other as you all practice your putting skills. Most golf vacations come with full packages that offer everything from lodging to greens fees – making them an especially financially viable option for anyone looking for a luxurious getaway without breaking the bank. So don’t forget – if you want some quality leisure time with family or friends, then grab some golf clubs and hit the links!

Playing a round of golf in a new location can be an exciting, enriching experience. With the proper research and planning you can save money, have fun, and have a great time at your destination. Make sure to budget correctly, find ways to bring down costs where possible (such as finding deals on airfare and lodging), and remember any transportation costs like rental car fees or taxi fares. Don’t forget to consider meals, entertainment, and souvenirs while planning your vacation – sometimes the things you do off the course are even more memorable than what happens on it! Above all, though, don’t forget to have fun – after all, that’s what vacations are for. If you need extra funds for an upcoming golf vacation you can take out a payday loan from MoneyMutual.com quickly and easily so that you can hit the green sooner rather than later. Whether it’s booking tee times at historical courses around the world or simply playing a quick 18 holes with some friends, having a golf vacation is sure to be an unforgettable experience.

Whether you are traveling for leisure or business, security must always be a priority, especially when traveling alone. When you are away from the safety and comforts of your own home and away from friends and relatives who can immediately come to your side if you need help, you must learn to be your own guardian.

Generally, staying in the more popular hotels is considered safer since they adhere to strict policies in order to protect their brand. However, this is still not 100% foolproof, as there are records of crimes committed in popular hotel brands, such as theft or assault.

If you or someone you know has experienced assault while staying in a hotel, know that you can fight for your rights and that the law is there to provide justice for victims. But before you take any action, it is best to get in touch with an experienced hotel rape lawyer who can assist you and guide you through the process, and ensure that you have a solid case behind you.

Note that the risks are not limited to women because there are records of men falling victim to crimes inside hotels. There have also been cases where some of the hotel staff were even involved in the crime. Here are a few tips to help you ensure your safety while staying in a hotel:

1. Prevent Unauthorized Entry

It is not enough to rely on the door lock for your safety when staying in hotels. Remember that the keys to these locks have duplicates that are not in your possession. However remote, there is still a chance that the duplicates could fall into the hands of people with ill intentions.

Always use the latch and deadbolt to lock your door to secure the room when you are inside. Consider bringing a door stopper with you to serve as another layer of protection. All these ensure that unwelcome visitors would not be able to enter even if they have the key to the room. It will also prevent walk-in accidents, such as cleaning staff coming up to clean the area while you are dressing up or taking a shower.

2. Do A Quick Check Before Settling Down

If you are traveling far, you may be eager to plop yourself on the bed as soon as you enter the room and let your body relax on the soft mattress. This could be dangerous, particularly if you unintentionally fall asleep during this quick break. Try to hold yourself back for a few more minutes and sweep the room clean before you put your guard down.

There have been actual stories of predators lying under hotel beds or sneaking behind the curtains, waiting to take advantage of the guest’s relaxed state before committing a crime. Sometimes, the locks could be tampered with, allowing easy access to intruders. Thus, it is essential to check your surroundings and make sure everything is clear before you take a rest.

3. Be Strict About Privacy

Keep your information private, and let the hotel staff be aware of this as well. Try to be as low-key as possible when checking in, and share your details only with the person assisting you. Lower your voice when saying your name at the reception area, or better yet, write it down, and make sure only the relevant personnel would have access to it.

This may sound overboard, but doing all these will help prevent strangers from using your name to get your room number or worse, gain access to your room. Some predators would pose as boyfriends or relatives of guests and convince the hotel staff to let them enter a guest’s room without prior notice, using reasons like wanting to let the guest rest or their visit being a surprise. They can only do this if they know basic information about you, such as your name.

4. Trust Your Gut Feeling

The human brain is wired to detect danger as a means of self-protection and when it tells you something is wrong, you better pay attention. Keep yourself alert, carefully observe your surroundings, and look for things that look off, such as a stranger that seems to be following you or paying you too much attention. Immediately get yourself to a safe place, such as a crowded area in the hotel, or ask for assistance from the hotel staff.

Even if you don’t see anything that’s out of place, it is still best to trust your intuition. After all, even if there is nothing to worry about, you have nothing to lose. At most, the people around you will just think that you are being overly cautious. In contrast, the consequences of ignoring your instincts could be severe if they are proven to be right in the end.

My wife received a press trip to write about Zota Beach Resort. I went along for the ride.

For my thirteen years living in Florida, I’ve stayed entirely on the East Coast I have vacations to Alaska, the Carribean, and Key West under my belt, but never before to the West Coast of Florida.

For years people have been telling me to go to the Gulf Coast, it’s so beautiful.” But, I resisted. I mean one Florida beach is as nice as another…RIGHT?

When I was offered 2 nights/3 days at the Zota Beach Resort with my wife Zippy from Champagne Living on Longboat Key, I was like…ewww…no! Then they said the magical two words….PET-FRIENDLY!

I never miss an opportunity to travel with my mini-bull-terrier Clem. He is an excellent road tripper and companion. He never asks: “Are we there yet? or ask me to pull into a gas station to “GO” every 5 minutes.

As I did my research I learned that not only is Zota Beach Resort pet-friendly, but so are several of the surrounding restaurants in the area. That sealed the deal. I was going.

For those driving across the state, be warned…the driver over from Port Saint Lucie isn’t exactly great. It’s three hours spent on a boring one-lane highway. Clem slept in the backseat through the whole trip until we finally made it past all of the cow pastures, orange groves, and cornfields to Sarasota and on to Longboat Key.

We pulled to the Zota Beach Resort and it looked spectacular. Our room overlooked the gorgeous gulf beach with the sparkling white sand of the Gulf of Mexico. Zota’s chaises and cabanas dot the landscape like a Gray Malin photograph. If we hadn’t called Clem in for dinner and bedtime he would have spent his entire time on the balcony, sniffing the food from the restaurant below and listening to the sounds of people playing in the water. He’d no fool, the sunset over the Gulf is something to behold.

The West Coast – Sarasota and the Longboat Key area is a moneyed area. In a parking lot full of Bentley’s, Maseratis, Porsches, and Mercedes, my 2017 Buick SUV did quite fit. Oh and Publix (the local Florida grocery chain where we went to pick up a few things) even offered celebrity cooking classes (not something that I’ve ever seen at my local Publix).

• Is the West Coast different from the East Coast?  – YES
• Is it as beautiful as people said it was? – YES
• Would I go back again? – In a heartbeat.

Experience the West Coast of Florida for yourself with a visit to Longboat Key. My suggestion, stay at the beautiful Zota Beach Resort for the perfect vacation with or without your pet.