Don’t Fly Your Family Skiing, Hire A Van!

The modern-day solution for those who want to ski without paying the high prices of ski resorts is the gear up a sweet van and take it to the slopes with you. This can be a for a long term stay or a short term stay depending on how much of a ski bum you want to be during your time there.

Ski vans are perfect for those who want to spend most of their time out on the slopes. Using a van can make for a one of a kind experience that you’ll fondly remember for the rest of your life.

Qualities Of The Best Ski Van

Before you just hop in the nearest van you can get and head out, there are a few things you need to consider about the kind of van you’re taking to the slopes with you. While there are a few particular vans that people like to use, each person has their own preference on brands. Whatever brand you choose, be aware that the best van for a ski trip will have these features:

Powerful engine

You’ll need an all-terrain sort of vehicle to get up some of the hills you’ll be driving around. Not to mention that the weather conditions will be unpredictable! It’s best to have an engine that is strong enough to get you around and out of all manner of snow-covered places without straining the van so much.

Snow tires

Remember that in order to ski there must be snow. Therefore, it only makes sense to have snow tires on the van you want to take with you. The last thing you want is to get stranded somewhere because your wheel gets stuck or to be slipping and sliding around because of lack of traction while driving.

Spacious interior

You’ll be doing a lot inside of your van, so if you don’t have enough space to move around a little bit to change, sleep, or relax than your trip might not be as enjoyable as it could be. You’ll be basically living out of a van for however long, so choose one with a little wiggle room!

Electrical hookups

This is important if you want to be able to change phones, use an electronic cooking device, or otherwise. All sorts of vans come with hookups, so just make sure your van has the right set-up to allow plug-ins during the trip.

Customizable

You don’t have to make huge adjustments to be comfortable. All that’s really important is being able to put down or remove the seats, separate the back compartment, or other things of that nature. If you can’t do any of these sorts of things with the van, you’ll be stuck if the interior set-up doesn’t allow enough room for your stuff and yourself to be comfortable.

The best vans to take skiing vary a lot by brand and style, but they all have some similar characteristics listed above. If you need to hire out a van for your next ski trip, check out SC Vehicle Hire for quality vans you can enjoy during your time on the slopes. You’ll find a good selection of vehicles to choose from at reasonable prices that will beat the resort and hotel prices by a long shot! Make sure your next ski trip is an enjoyable one and rent out a van from SC Vehicle Hire.

BMW M2 Releases Official Information to Eager Sports-Car Enthusiasts

2015-10-19_141246 BMW will release the new M range model M2 in April 2016. Photos and technical specifications were released earlier than expected to eager and interested BMW fanatics. BMW has been dropping tantalizing hints regarding the upcoming M2 for more than three years. Enthusiasts only had fleeting glimpses from photos taken of prototype tests of the new M-car to speculate on until the recent release of official photos.

The new M2 photos reveal an aggressive, streamlined and sleek front-end. The car finishes off with a rear spoiler and 4 notable exhaust pipes. This new model is the smallest of the M-range cars in all dimensions. Weight has also been reduced to reach optimum performance. The car was designed for improved aerodynamic performance by exhibiting a narrow front end that widens to the rear. Fenders add bulk to the rear. The M2 is low-down for added aerodynamic advantage. This, in combination with the other design features, gives the car a unique, powerful and mean look.

Performance speculations indicate that the M2 will offer top performance for the expected starting price. The sports vehicle features standard six-speed manual and rear-wheel drive. Buyers can opt for a seven-speed dual clutch DCT transmission which gives the choice of automatic or manual mode and additional choices of comfort, sport or sport + driving modes. Additionally, the engine is packed with an N55 inline-six engine that gets 365 horsepower at 6500 rpms. This powerhouse reaches 60 mph in 4.2 seconds when in automatic mode and in 4.4 seconds in the manual mode and reaches a max of 155 mph.

Additionally a modified cooling system has been created for the newest M-range model. This makes the car ready to go on the race-track with optimum performance. The dual-clutch gearbox has a special oil cooler to ensure excellent runs.

The M-range was originally begun as the motorsport portion of BMWs car-manufacturing company to serve their racing program. The M-range has historically offered several different body styles of its models including coupes, sedans, convertibles, roadsters and station wagons. At this time, BMW will only offer a coupe model of this latest addition to the M-range cars.

Other premium sport compacts expected to compete with the M2 are the Audi S3 and the Mercedes-Benz CLA45 AMG. The competition shows significant differences such as a hatchback style and 4 wheel drive. The M2 is sure to fulfill a market segment with its unique specs.

European Road Trip

Europe Road Trip Hire Planning a road trip around Europe is bound to be exciting and exhilarating. There are memories for a lifetime just waiting to be made. Driving around Europe, in a rental car, can be a great experience that offers you much more flexibility than if you were dependent on air, bus, or train travel. You can leave at your own time without being dependent on other’s schedules. You can stop where and when you want. You can choose to linger somewhere more than others. You can bond more with your fellow travel companions when you are on a road trip together.

While it is fun to leave a large part of your trip unplanned, to create more magic and leave more room for spontaneity it is also important to have a few tricks and tips up your sleeve that will make your journey all the more comfortable and memorable.

Book your rental car in advance so that you have time to look around for the best deals, discounts, and rates.
Don’t skip on insurance for rental car insurance, which is often offered by the car rental company. No matter how expensive the insurance might be, it is worthwhile to be covered. Make sure to read the fine print of what the insurance covers and doesn’t cover. Ensure that the countries you want to cover in your European road trip are covered in the insurance.
Keep an old-fashioned paper map handy or satellite navigation device, GPS, in the car. Sometimes the GPS in your phone app may not work under different network conditions.
Study the road laws in the different countries in Europe that you are driving through. Different countries have varying laws and not adhering to these could incur a heavy fine. Some countries are very strict about having first aid kits, while others insist on having warning triangles or reflective jackets in the car. Some countries insist on having snow chains in the car as a rule. Some countries have a complete ban on mobile usage in the car. Knowing the rules beforehand can save you a lot of money in potential fines!
Keep lots of loose change in Euro currency to pay for the numerous toll booths that dot the highways in Europe. This will save you considerable time and stress.
Try to keep the local currency of the country that you are visiting in your pocket at all times. Some places do not accept credit cards or Euros but only the local currency. You will also need this for parking meters and tips for service staff.
Learn some common phrases and sentences in the local language of the countries that you are travelling through, as not all the countries have English as a common language.
Make sure you ask and remember whether your car needs gasoline or diesel before you leave the car rental.

Keeping this pointers in mind, it will be easy to have a life-enhancing European road trip!

United Kingdom Road Trip Ideas

UK road trip The United Kingdom is a wonderful little island country to explore by car. It is replete with idyllic, picturesque country landscapes that are as pretty as a painting, perfect motorways, and friendly people.

The best way to discover this country would be by road as you get to chart your own itinerary and schedule, decide your own timings, how long you are going to spend in a certain village or town, and even spend time exploring one place more than another if it catches your fancy. This is a country that offers a variety of diverse options for road trips, so read on to get some ideas of where to go on your next holiday!

The Cat and Fiddle: This must be the only road in the world that is named after an inn which is at its summit! You get views of the Cheshire Plain and Manchester.

London to Brighton: Driving this distance of 90 km from the heart of London will take you to the idyllic coastal town of Brighton, which will make you forget all about the hustle and bustle of the city in no time at all.

Glasgow to Inverness: This is a 275-kilometre stretch of road that takes you up and down scenic Scotland. You will also drive through Cairngorms National Park. Inverness is home to the famed and mythic Loch Ness Monster. This is one road trip that will have your camera clicking away to glory!

Norfolk Northern Coast: This drive is all of 150 kilometre long and you will find all that is quintessentially British here-from coastal villages to quaint little pubs, flint cottages, markets, and gentle rolling hills. You will cover several historic villages that have retained their old-world charm.

The Cotswolds: This 150 kilometre drive from London will take you to a place where you find the most overwhelming natural beauty, and a place that will make you understand why most of the celebrities in the UK have made a second home there!

The Lake District: William Wordsworth wrote most of his poetry in awe of the landscape here, and you will understand why once you drive through this area that boasts of unforgettable beauty. You will enjoy the views of Lake Thirlmere, Lake Windermere, and Lakeland Fells.

The Atlantic Highway (from Lynmouth to Newquay): Another of the scenic road trips that are a must-do in the UK, this will take you through the Exmoor National Park which are famous for its wild horses. In Boscastle town, you can even find the castle that is reported to be the birthplace of King Arthur.

Scottish Highlands: For the most breathtakingly beautiful views in the United Kingdom, nothing can beat the Scottish Highlands, where you can also visit some of the most famous and finest distilleries as part of your road trip for an extra punch!

So get packing and get ready for your next adventure with this list of the best UK road trips!

Best Hot Hatches Of 2015

Volvo V60

The latest Volvo V-60 features a turbo charged 4 cylinder engine which according to the critics seems very powerful and offers an excellent acceleration for the drivers. Besides, there is 8 speed auto which shifts fluently. You have the option of picking either a turbo 6 cylinder engine or a turbo 5 cylinder engine. Both feature all-wheel drive & 6 speed auto. The brakes and steering look impressive as well.

Audi All road

In the United States the company has replaced the A4 Avant Wagon with their new Allroad model. The Allroad tries to appear similar to a rough SUV however it does not have enough stuff in order to support the styles. It is a bit higher, with meaty wheels, lower body layer and the skid plates, still the off road capabilities have hardly increased. It gets the power through a turbo 2L 4 & 8 speed automatic with standard all-wheel drive. The car features luxury interiors, the 3 trim levels are likely to suit your pocket and taste.

Volkswagen Golf Sport

The Golf Sportfrom Volkswagen is versatile. Has a roomy cabin, as well as an efficient gasoline engine, besides the existing diesel engine which makes it one of the greatest substitutes to the crossovers and the compact SUV’s. It is reliable and safe to drive.

In short, the Golf Sport from Volkswagen seems to be lighter, bigger, and more economical than ever.

Mercedes-Benz E-class

The latest model from Mercedes-Benz features a turbo diesel 4 cylinder engine. According to the test drivers of this car, it offers great accelerations and is also very quiet while driving. The engine line up for the E Class features a V-6, a V-6 hybrid, fresh twin turbo V-6 as well a number of twin turbo V-8’s that extent from 402 HP V8 inside the E550 all the way to the 577 HP V8 found inside the E63 AMG S that according to the experts provide an excellent acceleration speed. The model features standard rear wheel drive & 7 speed auto transmission. Also, there is an elective all-wheel drive. The experts state that though this particular model might not be that agile in this segment, still they like its calm and relaxed ride.

The Best Vans & Mini Buses for the Year 2015

1. Dodge Grand Caravan

This is a typical minivan in the US. It features a powerful 3.6L V6, quality steering in addition to a 6 speed auto power train making the minivan the best in the market at the moment. Also, its interior is able to perform several tricks as well with a foldable back seat & vanishing 2nd row seats. This sporty model mainly aim the male customers.

2. Chrysler Town & Country

Whether you need to carry bulky stuffs, shuttling the children or offering space & comfort for spreading out onto the road travels, this vehicle faithfully carries out all its work. The 6 speed auto along with the 283 horse power 3.6L V6 engine offer you with enough mileage as well as power. Also, there is lots of storage room for snacks & toys, video game plugins and a dual screen Blu Ray player helps calm down the kids. The strong built and good steering offer exceptional agility for keeping mom and dad entertained.

3. Mazda 5

People who feel that regular minivans are extremely bulky will find the new Mazda 5 very comfortable. This is a mini vans offers enough room inside. It can comfortably fit 6 members at a time. Although, this vehicle is especially intended towards families with small children, it instantly turns into a cargo transporter for delivering store appliances and carrying out weekend projects.

4. Honda Odyssey

Honda’s Odyssey has charmed the Car and Driver staff for years with its unrivaled road manners, smooth powertrain, and accommodating interior, and this latest iteration is no different. The Odyssey comfortably seats up to eight, and it’s efficient, thanks to a clever cylinder-deactivation feature on its 3.5-liter V-6. Handling and steering feel could be improved, but who cares? It’s a minivan.

This particular vehicle has been attracting the industry experts for a number of years with its spacy interior, great road behaviors, and smooth powertrain. The newest model seems to give the same expression. The Honda Odyssey can easily sit up to 8 people at a time. Also, the efficiency level is not too bad either featuring cylinder deactivation technology on its engine (3.5L V6). In short, this is a great minivan for a family.

5. Toyota Sienna

The latest Sienna is an ideal choice for those looking for extra space while travelling. The 266 horse power 3.5L V6 engine along with the 6 speed auto operates the front. The vehicle also gives the front sitters the capability to address the 3rd row while the kids stay entertained with the Blu ray entertainment screen.

How to Save on Car Hire

1. Do Enough Research On the Web

Compare vehicle sites let you to locate the most reasonable rental vehicle deals obtainable by airport/city location. It is suggested that you sensibly go through the results from every website mentioned above.

In addition, you may do your search on the official website of any individual company’ which focuses on vehicle rental. Most of the times, you’ll get a free estimate on these websites. But remember that such quotes could often be less than what you get by reserving your place on the phone.

Within a few minutes, you will be able to save a very decent cash if you follow the above steps properly.

2. Get a free satellite navigation application

Firms in the car rental field may charge in excess of £50 each week for a satellite navigation service. But with a GPS enable smartphone, you will be able to transform it in a sat-nav for your trips abroad, and view the local maps, at no additional charges.

More importantly, you will be able to do this & you don’t have to use any costly data abroad.

Navfree which is a totally free application for the users of Android as well as iPhone users is capable of transforming a GPS smart device in a satellite navigation device that requires no data, it has maps, voice prompts as well as route planning all preloaded inside it. Although, this is not a fully-fledged structure that you see in paid sat-nav service, still it is good enough for a one-off tour.

In case you already have obtained the maps for the place or nation you are travelling, then you may simply pack your personal sat-nav too.

3. Get an yearly excess insurance if you are travelling abroad more often

In case you are a person who goes for car rental two or more times each year, it would be much better if you get a yearly excess cover.

In addition, an annual cover can be a lot inexpensive in case you live abroad for 2 or more weeks, although this may be decide by the company occasionally.

When Should You Change Your Motor Bike Helmet

2015-09-10_161041 No matter what type of motorcycle you are riding, helmets are always a major element of your safety. Helmets have saved the lives of many people during a collision or any similar type of accident.

Those helmet which have experienced any type of accident are suggested to change right away, but those which still look in a good condition must undergo inspection from time to time. According to experts, you must replace your helmet even if they haven’t suffered any type of mishap for a number of reasons.

Change your helmet if you see any type of clear damage on it. Marks and cracks on a helmet may indicate that the structural integrity of your helmet may be affected which might result in serious health hazard if worn in an accident. It is good to replace them after every 2-4 years, says Motorcycle Safety Foundation.

A helmet is created of the materials which start deteriorating as time passes. The materials start losing its strength after every usage, in addition to some other factors such as cooling or heat. Chin straps are impacted due to the continuous usage which increases their vulnerability towards breakage. In addition, the resins, material and glues which were used for the construction of a helmet start breaking up which further add to the worry and also reduce the safety qualities of a helmet. In case your helmet gets loose, never try to change its padding. Rather, buy a new one.

Simple tips to look after a helmet:

Keep your helmet at a dry and dark location whenever it is not in use.

Avoid placing your helmet upon a fuel tank. Try to keep it as far from the tank as possible.

It is better to change your helmet in the event you drop it on a ground.

If you wish to clean your helmet, clean it from the outside with soap and water, ensure that the water stays outside the helmet.

Most times, you can carry your helmet to a manufacturing company for examination and at times even for a repair. Take benefit of such type of service whenever possible.

Ensure that the inner part of your helmet stays clean all the time. The heat & sweat from your helmet is likely to cause damage to the inner foam and lining which could make the helmet loose. Hence, it’s good to clean it up after every use.

Why Paintball is a Super Game for All Age Groups

2015-09-10_160915 Paintball is a very common game in the US. This is because, you can play this game irrespective of your age and you don’t require any special training in order to play the game. With just a few hours of practice, you could easily master playing paintball. But first of all, you must enhance your shooting abilities.

Your goal in this game is to eliminate all your opponents by hitting the players with tiny bullets that are filled with different colours. As soon as these bullets hit your opponent, they instantly break down and you can see a visible colour spot on the cloth, body or helmet of your opponent. All the colours used are safe and harmless. Besides, the colours can be easily removed using plain water due to their water soluble properties. Those who are hit get eliminated right away. In order to win the game, you need to be able to eliminate all of your opponents.

At times, individuals play paintball in a particular time frame. Here, the game is over after the given time scale or if any team loses all its players. In case, the players are experienced, it is recommended to play the game inside a certain time scale. The reasons is as all the players do not have enough experience, the game might stretch for several hours.

In order to enjoy paintball to its fullest, it is necessary to play it in a sufficiently big region. But, there is no need to worry in case you don’t have enough space since you can easily enjoy the game by paying a small amount at the game fields. There are folks playing paintball indoor as well.

Make sure that you have taken all the precaution necessary whilst playing paintball. This will reduce the odds of you or any other person suffering any injury while playing the game. It is also necessary that the players wear googles as well as a face mask before starting to play the game. Goggles play a crucial role to protect your sensitive eyes whereas the face mask can help prevent any injuries to your face. While purchasing the safety accessories, ensure that you get them from a trusted vendor.

Why Should You Hire A Car For Your Holiday?

Range Rover Holidays are a necessity as it is a time when one can relax and rejuvenate oneself. It is a time when one travels with loved ones and family in order to enjoy and have a fun time.

However, many people tend to make some mistakes that take the fun out of such trips. So, if you want to have a fun vacation with your family without ruining it, then you keep some things in mind.

Why choose hired cars?

One very common mistake is people tend to take their own cars for trips including family travel. It is highly suggested that if you want to enjoy this time, then you must definitely not drive your own car at the vacation but take a rental car for the whole family instead. The reasons as to why you must hire a rental car instead of taking your own car in your family trip are –

Space Shortage – This is one of the main reasons as to why you must avoid taking your own car for family trips. There are various rental cars that are available for family trips like Land Rover Discovery 7 seat SUV. Taking such a car is highly feasible because this is a huge car with enough space to fit up to seven people including the luggage. So, it is better that you rent such a car instead of taking your own car where there will be no proper space to store away the luggage and people will have to suffer throughout the trip due to no proper space of seating and stowing away the luggage.

Cost effective – Renting a car for a family vacation is much more cost effective and affordable. This is because you do not have to pay for high priced plane tickets. Moreover, if you hire a cab for short trips, the fare will amount to a huge sum. So, it is better to hire a car like 7 seat SUV as hiring the car will not only provide to be economical, but will also help in a smoother journey for you and your family members.

High Enjoyment Factor – This is one of the main reasons as to why people prefer road trips as opposed to train or plane journeys. When you are travelling in a car, you get more time to spend with your family. There are various stops that you can make if necessary – either for clicking photos or just to observe the scenery which you cannot do otherwise. Thus, for all the reasons given above, road trips are much more preferred than a train or plane journey.

Easy process – Taking your own car for travel purposes can be quite tricky as you require all the proper documentation for it. It is better to just hire a car instead. This process is not only extremely easy, but is also very economical as it is inclusive of other charges such as gas charges. Thus, hiring cars is much more easy and economical.

So, if you are thinking of going on a trip, then it is recommended that you hire a car instead of taking your own!