The NASCAR driver of the popular Sprint Cup Series, David Reutimann, spends more than 30 weeks on the road chasing the Sprint Cup with his team, Michael Waltrip Racing. The team is sponsored by the Best West International and gets the rare opportunity of sleeping in hotels for more than six months a year. It is therefore quite clear that David and his team knows quite a lot about road trips. So here is a list of tips from the popular driver David, on the do’s and dont’s of road trips. You might consider them when you go out this year for either your annual family vacation or a business trip.

Before you start your journey:

(1) If you have 2 cars, then go for the one which consumes less fuel. If you have just an old SUV then you can rent out a small car that has better mileage.

(2) Take less luggage – a study by the www.fueleconomy.gov, shows that an extra baggage of 100 pounds in the trunk reduces the fuel economy of a typical car by about 1 to 2 per cent, while a load roof rack makes your car 5 percent less fuel efficient.

(3) Check out your tires – keep them inflated will make your car safer and it will also reduce the wear and tear of the car, giving you a better mileage of about 3 percent.

When you are on road:

(1) Drive slow – for every 5 mph you drive over 60 mph would be paying additional 24 cents per gallon of gas. Rapid acceleration and braking may reduce your mileage by about 33 percent.

(2) Use your smartphone to download useful travel apps which can provide you with gas prices, road directions and many more.

This summer, if you want a little adventure, then Europe would be a better option than the Middle East.

Yes, the Western Europe, which has been quite predictable at all times, is now in the middle of a serious political and economical crisis, never before seen in these parts. The Western Europe has been the dream destination for many American tourists throughout these years. As word spreads on about road blockages, lockouts, strikes and ever fluctuating currency rates, these Americans are wondering whether it’s safe anymore.

Bruce Mclndoe, the president of the iJET Intelligent Risk Systems, a security consultation company said that the situation has never been like this. He said that the issue of a more stable financial system and a stronger and better goverment would create a more tense situation throughout Europe in the next few weeks. Infact, since last week the scene of action has been Greece, with frequent & violent clashes between the protesters and the police.

Most of the American tourists are worried about two main issues, i.e, money & safety. (2 things to worry about. Isn’t it?)

While the value of Euro has fallen below Dollar making travel (for U.S tourists) really cheaper, experts predict that as soon as the situation stabilizes, the value of Euro may rise over Dollar making it all the more expensive, which could be a serious trouble.

The various security agencies have warned visitors to avoid some West European countries like Spain, Greece, Ireland and Portugal this summer as economic weakness and high unemployment would make these countries potential hotspots this summer.