Recently I had a conversation with a coworker about getting away to Vegas. With the cost of gas today, it's no wonder many are asking what is cheaper for travel. I have Vegas trips down to a routine. My family has a home there, so I'm in Sin city several times a year.

My last getaway to Vegas was on June 5th. I decided to be the guinea pig among my friends and try the new direct flight from Santa Barbara to Vegas with Allegiant Air. Round trip was only $98 with all taxes, now that makes it worth flying. So when is it not worth jet setting?

Let's take a few common mpg (miles per gallon) averages and do the math. Many autos float around the 20mpg whereas others are closer to 30mpg. My truck averages 20mpg, From door to door, it is 314 miles. So, it takes me 15.7 gallons to get to the Vegas house. At $ 4.50 per gallon, my cost for fuel round trip comes to $142. For those of you with smaller autos averaging 30mpg; you would use about 10.5 gallons, costing you $94. Now since it was just me traveling, it made more sense to fly.

Some use the time excuse for taking one form of travel or the other. Both are close when factoring a trip to Vegas. The drive time (without traffic) is about 5 hour's non-stop. If I consider; drive time to airport, security/check-in, flight, rental car pick up, and driving to the home, the time comes to about 4 hours.

I tell my friends this; I rather sit and relax in the airport or on a plane than look out the window at desert for several hours. That and I don't feel the drive is worth the gamble. It has literally taken me up to 9 hours to get home before. My time is worth more than that and the great gas mileage goes out the window as well.

Do the math before your next big trip. Plan ahead, some flight specials are only available months in advance. Factor the amount of people traveling as well. With anymore than 2 people, chances are the drive will save you hundreds of dollars. Not to mention there is something about packing in a car with friends for hours on end.

Happy travels,

Lance

Here are two of the least expensive airlines for local travel to Las Vegas:
www.allegiantair.com
www.southwest.com

Here is a great site for both flight and package deals:
www.cheapoair.com

Greetings,

As I have mentioned in the past, starting July 1st you can be fined for using a cell phone while driving ($20 for first offense, $50 for subsequent convictions). Let us take a moment to thank those of you that can't chew gum and rub your stomach at the same time. You know whom I'm talking about; Ms. can't put the phone down to make a U-turn or Mr. I can drink my latte frufru while holding my cell and steering with my leg.

It is time to use both hands again while driving people. There are several ways you can conform to this new law. I will outline the top options for you:

1. Buy a Bluetooth ear piece: The top model on the market today is the Jawbone. The actual engineering behind this ear piece was derived from military use. If you are looking for crisp and clear with minimal echo, look no further. The price ranges anywhere from $80-100 dollars. The least expensive place I have found it is Fry's Electronics in Oxnard.

2. Use a cell phone ear piece/ headset: Many cell phone models still allow connection of a wired ear piece. these are safer than a Bluetooth since they do not give off radiation. No, not nuclear, "RF" or Radio Frequency energy. Contact your carrier or shop online to find out if this option may work for your phone. The typical cost is anywhere from $5-20 dollars.

3. Utilize a "plug & play" hands-free kit: The most common of these is the Parrot line. They currently have a large advertising campaign in print and radio promoting these simple hands-free systems. The most popular is a visor mount kit that syncs with your Bluetooth phone. You simply turn the unit on when entering and just like that, you have a speaker phone and mic just above your head. You can pick up a Parrot visor mount for $60-70 dollars.

4. Purchase a Bluetooth-enabled head unit (stereo) for your car: I went with this option recently in my Colorado. I have a friend who owns Drive Customs, a car stereo shop back up in San Luis Obispo. I wanted to update my stock unit with something that had both Bluetooth and MP3 compatibility. He suggested the Pioneer P8000-BT and I love it. You can find this or similar models anywhere from $200-$350 dollars.

As soon as I step into the car my stereo auto-connects to my phone. There is a microphone subtly installed just above the rear view mirror. The actual audio transmits through the cars speakers and as soon as a call comes in it even pauses my music.

On top of that I can now plug my iPod into a USB connector stashed in the center console. The single control knob on both the stereo and the remote is setup the same as the iPod knob and makes navigating my tracks a breeze.

Whatever option you chose to go with, no that in a few weeks it's the law. Also for those that have teenagers on the roads; No one under the age of 18yrs. is allowed to use a cell phone while operating a vehicle. This includes; texting, 2-way and calling. My law enforcement friends have told me they will be paying special attention to this law as it pertains to minors.

Stay safe out there,

Lance

Helpful Sites:

Q&A from DMV on new cell phone laws:
www.dmv.ca.gov/cellularphonelaws/index.htm

My top pick for Bluetooth ear piece:
www.jawbone.com

Accessories for your phone:
www.VerizonWireless.com
www.ATT.com/wireless
www.Sprint.com

Bluetooth equipped stereos:
www.Crutchfield.com
www.DriveCustoms.com

Have you noticed more motorcycles and mopeds on the road? All of a sudden many are cleaning off the cobwebs and putting their cycles to good use. If you got it use it! With gas prices pushing an all time record $5 mark, I think change is inevitable for many of our transportation routines.

As mentioned a few postings back, I have been on the hunt for my fourteenth motorcycle. I ended up finding a beautiful Yamaha R1 formerly owned by none other than Nicholas Cage (I even have his old registration card). This is the longest I have been without two wheels in 10 years. What better time to get into my oldest hobby (next to cars) than now!

One may think such a high-performance moto as a crotch rocket can't get good gas mileage, wrong. Most motorcycles these days rather a twin or an inline 4, get anywhere from 40-55mpg. That's a substantial jump from your gas guzzling SUV's and performance coupes.

"But bikes aren't safe" I often here from mouthes of those who don't ride. I state "it's not the bike that's dangerous, it's those of you on the road around us". It's true, the leading cause for motorcycle accidents is the unprotected left hand turn automobile drivers make in front of a bike. Some say that cyclists speed or make aggressive maneuvers, true. Some do it because they don't have the proper respect for the bike. Other riders may actually be doing it to avoid a hazardous driver or situation. An advantage we have is power and maneuverability, it makes up for the lack of protection from a tub & chassis.

So, you ready to ride? Let me strongly suggest a safe place to start. Even though I first started riding street at age 14, I still took this course at 18 as requested by the cycle shop I worked for at the time. It is the motorcycle Safety Program or MSF for short. Years past this was optional but is now required for all riders under the age of 21. They teach many riding traits that took me years to figure out on my own. This program also qualifies you for a discount with your insurance company as well.

The training is available right here in Camarillo. To find out additional information,
visit: www.motorideredu.com

Happy Riding,

Lance