How to Keep Travel Tidy

There’s nothing quite as frustrating as arriving at your vacation destination unprepared.  One way to combat the stress that comes along with summer travel is to make sure your car is neat and tidy.  This allows you to plan ahead because you have room to see what you have, what you forgot, and what you can keep at the hotel room for the day.  Here are some simple steps for squeaky clean summer trips.

Stock your glove box with napkins and silverware for mess-less meals on the go.
Designate a place to collect trash.  This can be anything from a small wastebasket to a grocery bag.  It’s easier to keep things clean when all the dirt’s in one spot.
Clean out your trunk before you leave.  Many people use their trunk as a junk drawer on wheels–but you’ll appreciate the extra space when you travel.  If possible, only carry what you absolutely need during transit with you inside the cabin.
Don’t forget the Golden Rule of tidy travel: Take out whatever you bring into the car!

Fido’s big five for a tail-wagging drive

1. You should bring your own water from home.  Dogs have sensitive stomachs and water from unfamiliar places can easily cause an upset tummy for your pup.
2. Plan ahead for any medication your pooch might need while you’re traveling.  If you are able to pack extras, do so.
3. It’s always smart to bring a blanket that smells like home– people aren’t the only ones who get homesick!
4. Get your dog used to being on the road by taking him on a few short drives in the days approaching the big trip.
5. Make sure he’s micro-chipped.  Hit the road with the peace of mind that if the worst does happen, you won’t be caught unprepared.

You already know this, but we must remind you: NEVER leave your dog in your car unattended.  This is especially important during the sizzling months of summer.

Love Riding With The Top Down? You Can Thank Mazda For That.

Cruising with the top down this summer?  While you’re enjoying that breeze, just keep in mind that the design you love today had some very cool beginnings.  Back in 1988, Mazda engineer Takaharu Kobayakawa showed up to his favorite ski resort in the RX-7 Convertible with its top down.  Crazy, right?  Surprisingly, no.  We’d call it smart.  With its heater vents carefully aimed, this pivotal moment led to his invention of the wind blocker.

The design has been imitated by almost all convertible manufacturers since.