18 Tech Essentials For Your Next Road Trip - http://clapway.com/2015/12/29/18-tech-essentials-next-road-trip/

The year is coming to an end and New Year’s Resolutions are coming quickly. Chances are one of your resolutions is going to be to travel more. It’s likely due to the fact that traveling brings something out of us and enriches our lives in ways most of us can’t truly explain until we’ve had our own adventures. If you pursue any of your resolutions in 2016, then traveling more should most definitely be one of them.

And if you’re feeling really adventurous, then an all-American road trip should be one way to do it. One guy figured out how to have the best road trip ever that includes 20 destinations across the states from San Francisco to Newport and many in between. However, there are plenty of routes to take to make this dream a reality on the road.

One you’ve done your research, planned your track, and packed your bags, there are just a few tech gadgets you should include that could be game changers on your road trip. Some are just helpful add-ons, while others could make or break the endless days riding shotgun or in the driver’s seat. Take a peek at the 18 products or services you should have on hand before you get on the road:

A Portable Charger

You never know when you’re going to need your phone, and chances all it’ll die when you need it most. Have one of these just in case.

A Car Charger

Navigating the roads and using entertainment on your phone will run the battery, so make sure you’re always fully charged with one of these.

An Auxiliary Cord

Unless you have a Bluetooth car set up, you’ll want one of these so you don’t have to rely on inconsistent radio stations and the Top 40.

A Spotify Playlist

There are plenty of amazing playlists already created for this occasion. Save a few to have ready for when you just want to sit back and drive (or sing)!

Audible Books

Thousands of miles may call for more than music, conversation, and trivia. Have a few solid books already downloaded in your Audible app and catch up on your reading list.

Gas Buddy Mobile App

You’ll be shocked at how much money you could save on gas – and you’re going to be using a ton of it.

Google Maps

This is a no-brainer. Make sure you’ve downloaded this to your phone.

Roadtrippers Mobile App

A few people swear by this app, but I personally think it’s just an easy add-on to use occasionally if at all. Spontaneity is my personal tip.

A Gas Card

Spending an insane amount on gas can also lead to an insane amount in gas points. Trust me, it’ll definitely add up.

A Phone Stand For Your Dashboard

Go hands free with one of these babies.

A Breathalyzer

After a long day’s drive, you’ll likely want to relax with a local cold brew, but you should always be safe ad make sure you’re sober enough to continue the trek.

A Portable Wi-Fi Hotspot

There will be minimal Wi-Fi once you’re out on the open road, but you can bring your own Wi-Fi with you when you need it.

A Steering Wheel Tray

This can come in handy when you’re eating, making notes, drawing on a map, or anything really. Not tech, but useful.

A Car Air Purifier

This might not be a game changer but it would surely be nice to have (especially towards the end of your trip).

A GoPro

While you’ll likely use this more when you’re not just driving down hundreds of bland miles, it’s good to have on hand in case something crazy happens on the road out of the blue.

Roadside Assistance

Make sure your car insurance is up to date, and especially one with roadside assistance. This way, with just one phone call (on your fully charged phone) you’d have help in no time.

A Radar Detector

Use this not to cheat the system, but to drive safely overall. The detector can help you manage your speed even without a cop nearby.

A Portable Espresso Machine

Now this baby is game changer. No need to get coffee at the questionable gas station anymore! Brew your own with this set.

And maybe one of these fantastic future gadgets will be available in time for you to add to the list (especially the digital Bat Man decal). For the meantime, having a few of those items will really make the trip less stressful when you’re out on the open road.

“Nothing behind me, everything ahead of me, as is ever so on the road.”— Jack Kerouac, On the Road

18 Tech Essentials For Your Next Road Trip

There is something healing about looking at the ocean, listening to the soothing sound of the waves pounding on the shore and breathing the invigorating fresh air. - http://clapway.com/2015/06/07/the-call-of-the-ocean/

There is a place on the Pacific Coast of Vancouver Island that was built for dreamers: a place where the salty air is curing, the cold ocean is rejuvenating, and the lush rainforests are reinvigorating. A place where people go to gaze at the ocean in peace, and experience nature at its humblest best.

Tofino is indeed an oasis of nature’s wonders. With its beautiful old-growth coastal forests, abundant wildlife and miles of sandy beaches, this little surfing town attracts many surfers, outdoor adventurers, soul searchers, and nature lovers every year.

During the past few weeks, I felt an overpowering urge to be by the ocean. So when Corianne showed interest for a weekend getaway, there were no doubts we had to make a trip to Tofino. We departed Whistler at dusk on Saturday and headed south to catch the early morning BC Ferry leaving Horseshoe Bay, Vancouver towards Departure Bay, Nanaimo. The scenic 2 hour-ride through the Gulf Islands was pleasant, as we sat in the rear deck, sheltered from the wind, exposed to the rising sun.

Once in Nanaimo, we drove north on Highway BC19, a car loaded with camping gear and a sun blasting into the sky. We crossed the island on the Pacific Rim Highway heading west, meandering through a coastal forest of old-growth oaks. The beams of the afternoon sun poured through trees and fog. We travelled the picturesque road, winding around Sproat and Kennedy Lake, until we arrived in the coastal town of Tofino.

We had booked camping on the beach at Bella Pacifica, located on Mackenzie Beach. We set up camp and retired on the beach for the evening as the sun was setting. Along with wine, cheeses, and charcuterie, we admired the hues of the sky as the sun fell back behind the evening haze.

We woke up early the next morning to another beautiful and sunny day. We brewed fresh coffee and took a stroll on the beach. As we shuffled our bare feet in the sand, we found ourselves spectators of a rare scene: the beach was blanketed by thousands of blue tiny creatures called “sail jellyfish”, scientifically known as Velella velella, that washed ashore during the night. At the rocky shores of the bay, we explored the tidal pools at low tide and spotted many starfishes and sea anemones. Amongst curious children, we were fascinated by the stunning diversity of marine life.


There was a short hike I’ve heard of and really wanted to do. It wasn’t on any map, so after asking a few locals, I had enough clues to hunt for the hidden trail. I couldn’t be happier when I found the entrance, and I couldn’t be more excited when we reached the top, overlooking the panoramic view of Cox Bay.

After a lunch of fresh tuna tacos at Tacofino, we headed back to Cox Bay with our surfing gear. Time to slip in the wetsuit, put on the booties, strap the leash and head to the water. I am no surfer. But I can play in the waves. And here in Tofino, there is no better place to learn and play than on its beautiful beach breaks and high waist waves.

I took a moment to embrace my surroundings: the water slipping off my forehead, the air cleansing my lungs, the retreating sun warming up my skin, and a setting to dream for. I glanced at my friends, who glanced back, nodding for this inspiring moment we shared.

We spent the night by the campfire on the beach, along with friends we met. The moon rose and settled in the sky, full and ripe, stretching its light far in the distance. We watched fireworks exploding in the clear sky while the sounds of drums resonated through the night.

Coastal living offers wonderful benefits. Not only does spending time by the ocean balances the body and creates physical harmony, but it also allows us to take a moment to pause, reflect, meditate and embrace solitude. It brings us to a tranquil state of mindfulness and awareness, and gives a sense of freedom. It clarifies the mind and opens up to new perspectives. There is something healing about looking at the ocean, listening to the soothing sound of the waves pounding on the shore and breathing the invigorating fresh air. So if you ever need to calm your mind, improve your physical health or find inspiration and purpose to your life, perhaps all you need is a dose of Vitamin Sea.

The Call of the Ocean