Howcast

How to Visit a National Park

Howcast — Mon, 09 Aug 2010 17:31:35 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Plan in advance Plan in advance, especially when visiting the most popular parks and wilderness areas, because permits for access to certain areas are limited.
Step 2: Decide where to stay Decide where you will stay and how long you need in order to see the sights. Then make reservations as soon as possible, whether you’re staying within or outside park boundaries.
TIP: Visit a national park during the off season to avoid crowds.
Step 3: Make list Make a list of what to bring depending on your planned activities, keeping in mind the basics, such as cash, bug repellent and sunscreen, and that gear may be rented near the park.
Step 4: Check pet restrictions Check pet restrictions before leaving home if you plan to bring the family pet. Pets are prohibited from some areas.
Step 5: Stop at visitor center Stop at the visitor center when you arrive to obtain a pass, learn the latest on park conditions, and obtain any needed permits.
TIP: Seniors 62 and older who visit national parks qualify for a $10 lifetime National Park pass.
Step 6: Challenge yourself Challenge yourself in nature’s wonderland in America’s 390 national parks and sights where endless options to climb, swim, hike, bike, and ski will help you explore your own limits and potential.
FACT: President Grant signed a bill on March 1, 1872 establishing Yellowstone as the country’s first national park.

You Will Need

Permits
Reservations
Cash
Insect repellent
Sunscreen
Visitor center

How to Deal with Summer Traffic

Howcast — Wed, 14 Jul 2010 15:15:54 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Leave with plenty of time Leave for the beach or park with plenty of spare time — rushing is a surefire way to add stress or have an accident.
Step 2: Plan your route Plan your route carefully and avoid heavy traffic areas when possible.
TIP: Visit your state’s Department of Transportation website to view the latest construction zones and street closings and plan accordingly.
Step 3: Avoid traveling during peak times Avoid driving during peak hours such as early morning and mid-afternoon, and avoid major holidays.
Step 4: Take the scenic tour Take the scenic tour or drive alongside the ocean and don’t be afraid to get lost.
TIP: Invest in either a dash-mounted GPS system or a cell phone with GPS to navigate through unfamiliar territory.
Step 5: Exercise patience Exercise patience and be nice to your fellow tourists when on the road; this is the best way to travel and get to your destination safely.
FACT: The 392 National Parks in the U.S. receive nearly 12 million visitors each year, most of them to the 4 1/2 million acres of oceans, lakes, and reservoirs.

You Will Need

Time
Patience
Carefree temperament
Internet access (optional)
GPS system (optional)

How to Read a Map

Howcast — Tue, 23 Mar 2010 15:15:46 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Find the compass rose Find the compass rose on the map to determine the directions on the map. The compass rose resembles a flower and will usually have the letter N at the top point, representing north.
Step 2: Match the compass with the map Align the direction you’re facing with a direction on the map by using your compass.
Step 3: Locate yourself Find a large landmark or land formation to orient yourself. If you see a mountain range on your map and in front of you, find where you are on the map roughly based on your relation to the mountain range
Step 4: Find the scale Find the map’s scale. The scale looks like a small ruler, often near the bottom of a map. This will tell you how many miles per inch the map is scaled to.
TIP: To determine how far your destination is, use a ruler and the scale to measure how many miles it is from point A to B.
Step 5: Learn the symbols Learn the symbols by finding the map key, which is usually near the bottom. The map key tells you what the symbols on the map represent, such as an airplane for an airport or a tree to symbolize a park.
TIP: If you’re looking at a large area map but want a more detailed look at a city or area, find the inset maps either near the bottom or on the back of the map.
Step 6: Learn the latitude and longitude Find your latitude and longitude point on the map. Latitude lines go east and west and longitude lines go north and south, and where they cross at your location is your point of reference.
TIP: Latitude and longitude points are often used when there are no landmarks or roads to help determine a location.
Step 7: Map your route Use your location to plot a route on the map, and enjoy your trip.
FACT: The United States has a land area of 3,537,438.44 square miles.

You Will Need

A map
A compass
A ruler

How to Eat Healthy on the Road

Howcast — Thu, 02 Jul 2009 13:17:31 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Pack some breakfast bars Eat something for breakfast to rev up your metabolism. Try low-fat, low-sugar breakfast bars made with whole grains – they’re easy to pack when traveling.
Step 2: Drink lots of water Dehydration can trick you into thinking you’re hungry. Be sure to drink plenty of water throughout the day.
Step 3: Snack on whole grain crackers Skip salty, high-calorie snacks like potato chips and pretzels in favor of baked whole grain crackers.
TIP: Add some protein, like low-fat cheese or peanut butter, to keep your appetite under control between meals.
Step 4: Lunch on lean protein Choose a lean protein, such as grilled chicken or turkey, for lunch. It will give you more energy than greasy burgers and fries and keep your calorie intake low.
Step 5: Eat a granola bar to keep energy levels up If you’re feeling the late-afternoon slump, skip the candy bars and cakes and snack on a handful of unsalted nuts and dried fruit.
TIP: High-carbohydrate snacks will give you an instant energy boost but you’ll crash a few hours later.
Step 6: Split dinner Most hotels and restaurants serve overly generous portions. Share with your travel companion or take half of it home so you don’t eat more than you need in one sitting.
Step 7: Enjoy fruit for dessert Order a fruit cup for dessert, or stock up on fruit for your hotel fridge to enjoy a healthy treat when that sweet tooth hits.
FACT: Just one fast food meal can contain an entire day’s worth of calories, sodium, and fat.

You Will Need

Low-fat
low-sugar breakfast bars
Bottled water
Whole grain crackers
Nuts and dried fruit
Fresh fruit
Self-control
Low-fat cheese or peanut butter

How to Make a Decent Meal from Convenience Store Food

Howcast — Wed, 15 Apr 2009 13:33:21 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Pep up soup or salad Start with a ready-made soup or salad and make it more nutritious by adding a can of beans to it, like lentils or chickpeas.
TIP: Keep a Swiss Army knife on hand so you can open cans and cut fruit.
Step 2: Choose a protein Choose a high-quality protein, like water-packed tuna, low-sodium beef jerky, or peanut butter. Hard-boiled eggs are also great, if available.
Step 3: Add a good carb Add a complex carbohydrate, like whole wheat bread, crackers, or crispbreads. Or grab a cereal whose first ingredient is whole wheat or whole grain.
Step 4: Include some dairy Get some dairy, like low-fat yogurt, cottage cheese, reduced-fat hard cheeses, and string cheese.
Step 5: Go nuts Grab bags of nutrient-rich nuts and/or seeds, like raw pecans, walnuts, almonds, sunflower seeds, and pumpkin seeds.
TIP: Walnuts are a good source of heart-healthy omega-3 fat, while cashews are one of the least healthy nuts.
Step 6: Look for fruit Look for fresh fruit, like bananas, apples, and oranges. Or choose dried fruit — just remember it’s higher in calories, so eat less.
Step 7: Grab a drink Grab a bottle of plain water, not the flavored and vitamin-enhanced kind, which are glorified low-cal sodas.
TIP: The most nutritious fruit juices are, in order, pink grapefruit, orange, white grapefruit, pineapple, prune, grape, and apple.
Step 8: Have some dessert Enjoy a jar of baby food fruit for dessert. It’s a delicious way to end a meal, plus it provides a gram or two of fiber for just 40 or 50 calories.
FACT: In 2007, 7-Eleven announced that it would start stocking more fruits, vegetables, salads, and sugar-free Slurpees.

You Will Need

A convenience store
Some knowledge of nutrition
The discipline to pass up the snack cakes
A Swiss Army knife

How to Prepare Your Car for a Road Trip

Howcast — Tue, 03 Feb 2009 11:47:28 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Check tires Check the tire pressure and inspect tires for bubbles, knots, cracks, gouges, and uneven wear.
Step 2: Check tire tread & rotate tires Check tire tread with a depth gauge, available at auto supply stores for a few dollars. It will tell you if your tires are bald. Rotate your tires if it�s been a while since you�ve done so.
TIP: Traveling in the winter? Consider investing in a pair of tire chains�some mountainous roads even require them.
Step 3: Check fluid levels Check your engine fluid levels�oil, brake, power steering, transmission, and coolant. Add fluids as necessary.
TIP: If you are getting your oil changed, ask the shop to check your tires and engine fluids.
Step 4: Inspect wipers Inspect your wiper blades and replace them if necessary. Top off your windshield wiper fluid and throw the leftover jug in the trunk.
Step 5: Visit mechanic Have a mechanic check your battery, spark plugs, and belts, and test your brakes.
TIP: If your car is making any strange noises or handles �funny,� pay a mechanic to do a full inspection.
Step 6: Pack emergency kit Pack an emergency kit. It should contain nonperishable food like energy bars, water, jumper cables, first aid supplies, a flashlight, and extra engine fluids. Better safe than sorry.
FACT: Planning for the interstate highway system started in the 1930s, but it wasn�t officially established until 1956.

You Will Need

A tire pressure gauge
A tire tread depth gauge
Replacement engine fluids
A good mechanic
Emergency supplies
Snow chains (optional)

How to Play License Plate Bingo

Howcast — Fri, 30 Jan 2009 16:17:24 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Distributing writing materials Distribute paper and pens or pencils to players.
Step 2: Write the alphabet Have them write the alphabet on their sheets.
Step 3: Cross off letters When someone finds a letter on the license plate of another car, he or she crosses it off.
Step 4: Say “bingo” The first person to find all 26 letters says ‘bingo!’ and wins the game.
TIP: To make it more challenging, have participants find the letters in the order of the alphabet—a, b, c, etc.
Step 5: Make grids Another variation calls for blank grids of 5 columns by 5 rows.
Step 6: Fill in grids Using a list of the 50 states, enter the names of 25 states chosen at random, one per square, on each game board so that each board has different states written in different spaces.
Step 7: Distribute the boards Distribute the boards to each player. Decide how you are playing. Can you score a bingo by filling a row horizontally, vertically, or diagonally—or are you playing ‘full board’?
Step 8: Look for states Each player looks out for license plates from states that correspond to those on his or her board.
Step 9: Cross them off Every state spotted is called out. The players who have that state on their boards cross it off.
Step 10: Declare a winner The first one to complete a line or the full board wins the game.
FACT: Delaware was the first state to join the union in 1787, but Massachusetts issued the first license plates in 1903.

You Will Need

Two or more willing participants
Any kind of paper
Pens or pencils
Eagle eyes

How to Find Day Work on a Road Trip

Howcast — Sat, 20 Dec 2008 06:03:34 +0000

Instructions

: Be careful about accepting work that isolates you from others.
Step 1: Check out free listings Check out the employment gazettes that can be found among the free newspaper stands in big cities. They often advertise short-term positions.
Step 2: Visit a temp agency Sign up with a temp agency that specializes in day work.
Step 3: Find seasonal work Look for seasonal work, either on farms during harvest time or with merchants who might be overwhelmed during holidays.
Step 4: Investigate big events Check with the Chamber of Commerce or Tourist Information Center to see if there are any upcoming events, like a county fair or a music festival, that might require extra help.
Step 5: Swing by swap meets Stop by swap meets and flea markets and offer your services helping vendors set up and break down.
Step 6: Head to a resort area Check out the nearest resort area. Hotels and restaurants in those areas often need help because of the transitory nature of their employees.
TIP: If you’re in an area that’s popular with boaters, arrive at the docks early in the day and see if you can pick up some cash helping to wash down a boat.
Step 7: Spread the word Strike up conversations wherever you go and mention that you’re looking for day labor. You never know who may need a hand—or knows someone who does.
FACT: Route 66, popular with U.S. road trippers before the Interstate highway system was built, crosses eight states and three time zones.

You Will Need

Employment gazettes
A temp agency
The Chamber of Commerce or a Tourist Information Center
Initiative

How to Take a Cheap Summer Road Trip

Howcast — Mon, 04 Aug 2008 06:02:03 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Research your stops The web is a great��and free—way to research potential stops before you leave.
Step 2: Bring an atlas Bring an up-to-date road atlas and check out guidebooks from the library. Try to plot a route that avoids toll roads and big cities, where parking is expensive.
TIP: Borrow a friend’s GPS navigation device, or go to a site like buy.com and purchase a refurbished one that’s much cheaper than new and still comes with a warranty.
Step 3: Get inspected Since a repair on the road can eat up your vacation time—and funds—have your car fully inspected before you leave. Ask your mechanic for a refresher course on some basic maintenance, like checking the fluids and changing a flat.
Step 4: Pack an emergency kit Just in case, pack an emergency kit that includes a flashlight and extra batteries, road flares, a first-aid kit, towels, a whistle, jumper cables, waterproof matches, rope and bungee cords, rain gear, a box-cutter, a tool kit, duct tape, a small shovel, some water, and cash.
Step 5: Sign up for roadside assistance Sign up for a roadside assistance plan, which can help with emergency repairs and offer discounts and maps for your trip. Depending on where you live, AAA ranges from about $30 to $80 for a primary account, plus a sign-up fee. BWC is similar with membership fees that start at around $50.
Step 6: Hit the supermarket Stock up on groceries, and use your supply for all snacks and one or two meals a day. Pack perishables and meals you’ll want to cook over a campfire in a cooler. Go for bottled drinks, and don’t forget about paper towels, utensils, storage bags, garbage bags, and toilet paper.
TIP: Bring a refillable water bottle, and fill up wherever you can for free.
Step 7: Minimize gas costs Minimize your fuel costs. Find a car with good gas mileage, drive during the cooler parts of the day so you don’t need the AC, and maintain a steady speed or use cruise control.
TIP: Get a rough estimate of what your fuel costs will be with the fuel cost calculator at roadtripamerica.com. Sites like gasprices.mapquest.com can help you find the cheapest gas on your route.
Step 8: Stay with pals If you’ve got friends or relatives along the way, ask in advance if you can stay overnight. For the adventurous, couchsurfing.com can hook you up with a friendly stranger willing to host you for the night.
TIP: Don’t wear out your welcome. Keep your visit short.
Step 9: Camp out Cheap motels are great, but if the weather’s good, why not hunker down for the night at a campsite? They generally run for less than $30 a night, and some may even offer amenities like firewood and showers.
TIP: Some campsites may require reservations in advance, especially if it’s the busy season, so plan ahead.
Step 10: Visit a national park National parks are beautiful, offer a variety of activities like hiking and swimming, and are generally inexpensive. An annual pass, which gives you access to all federal recreation sites, only costs $80. See nps.gov for details.
Step 11: Provide your own entertainment Provide your own entertainment. Lots of cars now have built-in auxiliary jacks for MP3 players, but you can also find relatively inexpensive car adapters at your local electronics store. Bring reading material and a portable DVD player plus a few of your favorite movies.
Step 12: Enjoy the adventure It doesn’t cost you anything to be psyched! Take pictures, make friends, see great stuff, and enjoy the adventure!
FACT: Highway routes with odd numbers run north and south, while routes with even numbers run east and west.

You Will Need

An atlas and guidebooks
A gas-efficient car
An emergency kit
A roadside assistance program
Food and a cooler
A tent
sleeping bags
cooking utensils
and additional camping gear
MP3 player with an adapter or cord
A DVD player and DVDs
Reading material
A camera
A refillable water bottle
People who are willing to host you

How to Improve Your iTrip

Howcast — Thu, 24 Apr 2008 06:56:06 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Pry i-Trip out of case Carefully pry the i-Trip out of its case.
Step 2: Tape wire to antenna You’ll see a metal shield covering one side of the board. This is the antenna. Tape the copper wire to this shield.
Step 3: Reassemble Reassemble the i-Trip and wrap a few pieces of tape on it to make sure everything stays together.
TIP: For a better aesthetic, use colored tape that matches your i-Trip.
Step 4: Turn it on Turn it on and relax; your new antenna extension will keep your life static free.
FACT: There are downloadable applications available online which help you find the best local station to use for your i-Trip.

You Will Need

An i-Trip
A pocket knife
10u201d of un-insulated copper wire
Tape

How to Prepare for a Road Trip

Howcast — Fri, 14 Dec 2007 07:06:59 +0000

Instructions

Step 1: Make sure car is in working order Make sure your car is in good working order. No sense spending half your trip stuck in some two-bit town waiting for a new camshaft.
Step 2: Get a good map Invest in a good map. And make sure your destination is on it.
Step 3: Pack emergency supplies Pack emergency supplies, including blanket(s), flares, a first aid kit, energy bars, plenty of drinking water, and a working flashlight with extra batteries.
TIP: Invest in an electricity power converter. For about $50, you’ll be able to charge up your laptop, cell phone, electric razor and a lot of other gizmos, just by plugging them into your cigarette lighter. You can even buy an adapter that accommodates two electric devices at once.
Step 4: Bring spare tire Make sure you have a good spare tire or a donut in your trunk. Or, at the very least, one of those ‘tire-in-a-can’ flat repair kits. And while you’re at it, make sure your jack and tire iron are where they should be. Jumper cables are a good idea, too.
TIP: Take along a spare car key, and leave another one with a friend who could overnight it to you in an emergency.
Step 5: Bring pillows & sleeping bags Throw some pillows and sleeping bags into the back seat so you can snooze in the car or take advantage of camping sites. Super-store parking lots are also a popular place to crash overnight.
Step 6: Bring credit card Have at least one credit card with you for emergencies.
Step 7: Bring snacks & meals Stock up on snacks, and meals to cook on your car engine while you drive. The Internet is full of easy recipes you can download. Basically, all you need is some nice chicken, fish or chops, some vegetables, a little seasoning, lots of aluminum foil, and a hot engine.
TIP: If you’re driving in hot and sunny weather, bake cookies on your dashboard with slice-and-bake dough and aluminum foil.
Step 8: Take collapsible cooler Take along a collapsible cooler or two filled with ice to keep your beverages cold and food fresh.
Step 9: Be realistic Always be realistic about how much driving you can handle. When you’ve had enough, pull over and call it a day – or night.
FACT: Ellen DeGeneres was voted the celebrity Americans would most want to take a road trip with in a 2007 survey.

You Will Need

Map
Emergency kit
Spare tires & tools
Pillows & sleeping bags
Credit card
Food & snacks
Cooler
Ice
Power converter (optional)
2.0 Extra car keys
Slice & bake cookie dough