GR8TR Today Magazine

Living a GR8TR Life Every Day

Travel

Car Winterization Tips

As the weather gets colder, you are more likely to have car issues and you most likely are less enthused about being stuck along the side of the road.  Taking that into consideration,  you need to take care of your cars’ “health” before winter truly arrives. Here is list of 5 things you should be checking out to ensure your car is running smoothly and won’t let you stranded.

  1. Battery – If starting your car seems to be getting sluggish, and your car’s battery is older than three years, it is a good time to get it checked and make sure it is still in working condition. If your engine light is on, sometimes the battery is the one responsible for it, and you need to replace it as soon as you can.
  1. Coolant – also known as antifreeze, can help your car’s engine stay at optimal condition in cold weather. Coolant can keep your engine from freezing during those single digit temperatures in the northeast Ohio area, and you can get a gallon of antifreeze for less than $15 dollars
  1. Tires – We usually replace the tires in our car by the pair.  During cold weather, and when there is snow on the ground, having good tires can be the difference between having an accident or not.  Making sure your car has good tires, and that they have the right pressure, is very important for you and the life of your car.
  1. Lighting – By 5:15 p.m. we are experience the sunset in northern states, sunlight is no longer there when we leave work, and during this time of the year, it is very important the light bulbs in our cars are all in optimal condition. The visibility we have during the winter months is much less, and we need to be prepared for it.
  1. Washer Fluid – during a snow storm, it is very frightening to find yourself with no washer fluid in your car. Visibility is null, and a Walmart is nowhere in sight, what do you do? Make sure the fluids in your car are checked before winter arrives, and not only the washer fluid.

By taking care of your car, you  can prevent accidents, avoid unnecessary expenses like towing services, and maximize the life of your vehicle.

7 Massive Changes with Self Driving Cars

Self driving cars are coming, and they are very welcome.  Not only will they change ownership and how we get around, they will also change and/or eliminate industries. While some people will resist giving up control to a car that drives itself, the advantages will make it a necessity.

  1. Health Care – Over 18 Billion is spent on medical costs related to accidents each year, with over 1 million Americans hurt in an accident, according to the CDC in 2014.  While there will always be some accidents, this number will go down drastically.  Drinking and driving will also be eliminated, reducing that very dangerous activity which not only puts the drinker at risk, but everyone on the road.
  2. Insurance – Insurance will go down drastically and ownership of cars will be rare, reducing the need for this industry to a small fraction of what it currently is.
  3. Police – With the reduction of traffic violations and accidents will also come the reduction in need for police.
  4. Crime – With cars recording who is in them and where they pick people up and drop people off, it will be much more difficult to commit a crime, such as a robbery.
  5. Fuel – Systems that manage themselves will be able to keep themselves fueled very efficiently and gas stations will become a thing of the past as they will not need to be visible.
  6. Car Care – With decreased ownership and more standardization, as well as more electric cars, the many car care facilities will become a thing of the past.
  7. Work – Instead of starting work when you get to the office, you will start work on the way.  You will be able to arrive and have a lot of thing already done by not needing to drive yourself and because you will get their quicker as self driving cars will travel at the optimum speed and the least congested route to get you to where you are going.

All of these things can seem scary because that is a lot of wealth and a lot of businesses that could become obsolete soon.  It is also a lot of savings and a lot of health and life benefits for people.  We have to decide which we will prioritize.

How To Do a 4-Day Vacation In Myrtle Beach, S.C

Summertime is almost over and the opportunity to take a fun-filled vacation to the beach is nearly gone. For those families still wanting to spend some time at the beach, Myrtle Beach South Carolina is the perfect place to find the peace, fun, and quiet you are looking for this year.

Depending on your length of stay, Myrtle Beach offers many activities for the whole family, including spending time at the beach.

Day One:

Get acquainted with the beautiful beaches in the  North and south of Myrtle Beach. The warm waters and sand can make for a lovely day at the beach.  Set up the beach umbrella, and chair, and enjoy the restful day with the whole family. At night, the boardwalk along the beach offers you a pleasurable stroll that can take you to a nice restaurant for dinner.  Like many coastal beach cities, there are many restaurants that offer seafood dishes to make the whole family happy. Do you want to taste a different cuisine? Try a new dish in the Indian restaurant Nirvana in Myrtle Beach. The delicious and authentic dishes will certainly satisfy your appetite for Indian food. The restaurant is located in South Myrtle Beach a few blocks away from the hustle and bustle of the beach.  It is very clean, with reasonable prices, and excellent food.

Day two:

If you have young or teen children, a visit to Medieval Times will certainly be enjoyed and remembered for many years to come by them. Medieval Times is located at 2904 Fantasy Way, Myrtle Beach, SC. The experience begins at the entrance to the castle. You can admire and take pictures of your family with the castle in the background. Then, enter the castle to admire and purchase a souvenir for your children.   The falconry, horsemanship, and jousting begin right away as your server begins serving the meals in metal plates and bowls.  The food and service are good, and the show is entertaining. For a young child, the show can be the best thing they remembered from the trip because of its uniqueness. If you can, try to visit this place with your young children, and enjoy the show!

Day three:

A guided Myrtle Beach Kayak Tour has to be an activity you must do for the whole family.  Although it requires some planning ahead of time for this awesome day trip, it is worth the time of planning because you will love it.  Some places require 24 hours notice, and some of these guided tours are non-refundable.  If the tour is canceled because of the weather, you get your money back. Otherwise, any other time conflict you have to take this trip is not refundable. The whole family can paddle with their tour guide to see the other beautiful side of South Carolina. The coastal waters where these tours occur offer a magnificent and relaxed day to experience the habitat of many species you will not find anywhere else. A sunrise or sunset-guided kayak tour is an activity you do not want to miss.

If you are a paddle-board kind of person, these tours offer you that alternative as well. You can take a two-hour guided tour on your paddleboard to Murrells Inlet or the Waccamaw River. It is an experience you will not forget!

Day Four:

Do you want to spend a day visiting historic Charleston, South Carolina?  This day trip offers you transportation from Myrtle Beach to the historic Charleston, S.C.  A horse-drawn carriage tour will take you to visit historic homes and gardens in the city.  You can view magnificent old homes from years past, and some from the present. You will visit the Old City market in Charleston, and enjoy a lunch provided by the tour company. For any history enthusiast, this tour or the Boone Hall Plantation Tour will give them a taste of Charleston’s historic past.

Depending on where you live in the Midwest, Myrtle Beach South Carolina is a place to visit that is affordable and not too far.  The historic Charleston, among the beaches of Myrtle Beach offers a vacation your whole family will enjoy. You can plan a 4-day Myrtle Beach vacation full of activities the whole family will remember for years to come.

5 Non-Traditional Forms of Travel

The traditional trip can be fun but can also feel a little bit stale if you have been there, done that.  While people are all aware of the traditional “vacation” of one or two weeks, I wanted to come up with some alternatives to travel for you to consider.  Not all of these will work for most people, as they depend on your current life situation as well as your tolerance for adventure.

  1. Work Abroad – It will take months to arrange, but there are many countries that bring in native English speakers to teach English.  This is often just a matter of having a degree in anything and being a native speaker.  Living a summer or years in another country teaching is very rewarding if you get with a good school and a nice location.
  2. Study Abroad – Don’t want to teach?  Get taught.  Take an educational trip.  These are sometimes lead or might be just taking classes in a university in another country.
  3. Extended Business Trip – This one is not as involved, but it is a must if you can swing it.  If you have a business trip, negotiate a swap and take your family or friends along for free.  When I was touring the country as a national speaker, I would frequently trade extra nights in the hotel in exchange for airfare.  Then we would drive and get a paid vacation for the cost of gas and food.  Had a lot of nice 3-4 day trips like this.
  4. Coach Surfing – If you are young and hungry to hit the road, coach surfing can be fun.  You talk to your friends and line up places to stay and then travel from place to place staying with friends of friends.  You meet a lot of great people.  Just be careful to not end up with anyone who is not highly recommended by people you trust.
  5. Airbnb – You can save a lot staying at Airbnb locations and I have heard of one writer living in Airbnb locations.  He stays until he gets tired of the location and then moves to a new location.  Not quite vagabonding but close.

Any of these options can lead to some nice experiences without doing the traditional vacation.

Ohio National Parks

Summer Vacation time for many families across the country is coming to an end. Colleges, universities, private and public schools in many counties have set their calendar early this year. Classes for many students are scheduled to begin August15th. Scheduling the last trip for your family to enjoy before getting ready for school might seem a bit rushed, but if you live in Ohio and like nature, there are many places that you can visit for the weekend, have fun and most importantly spend time with the family.

  1. Hocking Hills State Park

An Ohio State Park with 2,000 acres to explore. The state encompasses 6 different areas with hiking trails, waterfalls, fishing, and archery. The beautiful scenic view you will encounter hiking this beautiful national park is a perfect getaway for your entire family or it could be an incredible spot to celebrate an anniversary at any other time of the year. The park is open from dawn to dusk all year round, with a campground and cabins for you to stay.

Address: 19852 Ohio 664, Logan, OH 43138

phone:(740) 385-6842

2. Cuyahoga National Park

A beautiful state park between the cities of Cleveland and Akron, this 50 plus square miles park with beautiful scenery can leave you wanting to explore for days. There are many activities that your family can enjoy while exploring the beauty of the park; hiking, fishing, jogging, and kayaking. Do you own a horse? This park has the trail for you to ride your horse and enjoy nature. Do you want to have a family picnic or party? No problem, the park has plenty of parking, picnic tables and a beautiful pavilion for you to enjoy.

Not all national parks charge a fee, and this beautiful park so close to home is a free experience for you.

If you are feeling more inclined to visit historical monuments, on the other hand, Ohio has an abundance of them with a nice history lesson for the whole family. Visit the National Park Service website to find the one closest to your home.

Safety Tips For Car Emergencies

How to Stay Safe When Your Car Breaks Down?

Even a brand-new car can break down unexpectedly. While situations vary based on time of day, weather, and location, here are the general tips from multiple sources on how to keep safe in the event of a breakdown.

When you go out on the road, always have your cell phone and charger with you so that you can call for help if your car breaks down. It is a good idea to have membership in Roadside Assistance of some kind. If your car breaks down, stay in the vehicle with your seatbelt on. Don’t do anything foolish, and be careful who you trust. Be aware of where you are. Pull off to the right side, and get out of traffic, and at the same time, stay visible. Stay in your locked car, even if someone offers to help. Ask the person to call for help if you can’t.

There are things you can do to protect yourself:

1. Keep your purse and valuables on the floor.
2. Keep doors locked.
3. When you stop, keep the car in gear.
4. Travel in well-lit areas.
5. In cold weather, keep blankets, hats, scarves, and gloves in your car.

AARP has a list:
1. Pull off the road, take your foot off the accelerator.
2. Don’t all of a sudden slam on brakes.
3. Go to the right side of the road when possible.
4. Turn your wheels to the right so if you get hit, you won’t go into traffic.
5. Turn on hazard lights.
6. Stay in the car until you know for sure it is safe to get out.
7. Get out on the passenger side.
8. If you don’t have a phone, hang a white cloth out of your window so that state patrol knows you’re in trouble.
9. Use common sense, especially if you are alone.
10. If your car catches on fire or starts smoking, get out immediately, call Roadside Assistance, a tow truck, or 911.

The website drivingskillsforlife.com has 7 safety tips:

1. Pull your car off the road.
2. Get help.
3. Let others know you are in trouble.
4. Don’t leave your vehicle.
5. Don’t try to fix it.
6. Be aware of your surroundings and use wisdom.
7. Be careful who you trust, especially those you don’t know.

Regular maintenance on your vehicle will prevent a lot of problems. Get regular oil changes, tire rotations, check fluids, and get tune-ups if you need to.

If your car catches on fire, stop[ and turn it off immediately. Get everyone out of the car and get far away from it. Warn oncoming cars to stay clear of it. If you notice the car overheating, turn it off and let it cool.

Summer Home and Vacation Savings

Vacation Saving Tips (If You Are Driving)

As the time to start planning your summer vacation approaches, gas prices are going up.  It happens every year in anticipation of the travel season. Even if money is not an issue for you, these tips will help you be good to the environment, and help you save for other things you want to do with that money.

1. Shop around – Some of the best apps for your iPhone that are free and can save you money right away are:

  • a) GasBuddy
  • b) AAA Mobile
  • c) Gas Guru

2. Use Apps to help you with traffic and rerouting trips to avoid traffic jams, accidents or

  • a) Waze
  • b) Route4Me
  • c) inRoute

3. Check your vehicle’s tires. Having a well maintained car will help you save on gas.  The efficiency of your vehicle on the road depends on how well maintained you have kept your car all year round.

4. Follow the speed limit signs. Even when you have a long road ahead, driving at the speed limit posted can save you money on gas.  Driving slower and at a consistent speed burns less fuel, and if traveling for a long trip, use your cruise control to keep a consistent and moderate speed.

5. Keep it light – Excessive baggage or a roof box cargo can make gas consumption a bit expensive. Keeping your windows and sunroof close will reduce the drag, making you car more aerodynamic.

Home Saving Tips

Many of the new  homes have excellent windows, new roofs, new air conditioning units, etc.  Everything is new and working properly.  But, if you have an older home and are looking to save energy and money, what are some of the energy saving tips that will also save you money?

  1. Replacing your old air conditioning unit is not something we do frequently, they last a long time and they are expensive. But, if you have an old unit, the efficiency is not longer there. The electric bill is probably not a pretty sight every month, so replacing the unit is probably the only solution that can save you money in the long run.
  2. Replacing old Windows – The draft you feel as you get close to a window or door is heat leaving your home and making your gas or electric bill higher than it should be. Replacing old windows or doors can save you money in heating bills and add value to your home.
  3. Keeping the temperatures in your home at comfortable levels can save you money.  Too cold in the summer months and too warm in the winter can add hundreds of dollars a year.  Try a difference of a couple degrees and see if you feel a difference in your comfort level and notice the difference in your bill.
  4. Turning off the lights in your home and appliances or other electronic devices that nobody is using saves electricity and money.
  5. Remind your children that the water in the home is not heated by the sun. A short shower can save water and electricity and hundreds of dollars a year.

By using some of these tips, you will not only save money but will help the environment as well.