Technology Rules When it Comes to Family Travel

CarMax, the United States' largest retailers of used cars wants to know what parents find necessary when taking long family trips this summer. Modern technology definitely had its place within the responses.

The telephone survey was a part of the CarMax LUV2DRV campaign, which took place on Facebook until July 6, 2010. The aim was to help families make the most of their summer vacation journey. All Facebook users had the chance to enter the giveaway, which featured a grand prize of $2,500 and other items that would be great for your summer road trip!

So what were the results of the survey? Well, 42% of participants said they'd be rate their stress levels pretty high for their anticipated trips, with the average trip lasting about 8.5 hours one way. That's pretty understandable considering the group of participants was made up of 500 parents of kids ages three to fifteen. About half of the survey-takers said music was the one thing necessary to help ease their travel anxiety and the one thing they couldn't live without. 17% said movies are must-have technology, 16% said books, 11% said gaming devices and only 5% said they'd resort to games like "I Spy."

As far as what type of car travelers are using this summer, over half of the respondents said an SUV or Minivan (36% and 34% respectively). 16% were taking a normal sedan, 8% a truck, and 4% would travel in their station wagon.

Technology was definitely important when it came to the "must-have" accessory for the trip. 28% said a GPS or Navigation system is important. That was tied with a DVD System. 14% would take extra cup holders, 8% needed their car racks, as well as the 8% who needed folding or removable seats and 7% who would not leave without an extra power supply.

If you go to CarMax's Facebook page, you can currently download the LUV2DRV "Summer Road Kit Trip" and print it out for your summer vacation. The kit includes, ideas for games to play on the road, helpful app suggestions for your smartphone, quirky tourist spots, safety tips for your vehicle, and the LUV2DRV license plate, which they'd like you to hold in family photos and post on the CarMax Facebook page.

---

Looking for a short term mobile technology rental to to make your next trip a success? Call 800-736-8772 today and ask about our Nextel Rentals, Two Way Radio Rentals, or even our Aircard Rentals!

New Hyatt Miami Hotel is Loaded with the Latest Technology

Hyatt has a new hotel in Miami and among its many wonderful features is a boatload of modern technology. The Hyatt Miami at the Blue is a 240-room deluxe hotel located on 17 acres in Doral, Florida. It's just minutes from the Miami International Airport and located next to some of the most famous golf courses in the world.

The hotel is made up of 15 three story villas and each one of those is made up of hotel suites, including 700 square foot studios, 1,000 square foot one bedroom units, 2,000 square foot three bedroom units that that take up two stories. All of the suites have a terrace and golf course view, as well fully equipped kitchens with stainless steel appliances and marble bathrooms with rain showers and separate bathtubs.

As far technology goes, the new hotels are fully equipped with the latest, allowing guests to take advantage of their own gadgets. For example, each room has an iPod docking station so you can listen to your music as you're getting ready for a night out on the town. If you want to stay in, the hotel has you covered there as well. Each room comes with a large LCD flat-screen TV and its own DVD player.

The hotel has a number of other offerings. These include a state-of-the-art fitness center, a full-service spa, heated swimming pool with private cabanas, a poolside cafe and bar, and 5300 Chop House, the Hyatt's signature restaurant. If you're planning a business meeting or social event, the Clubhouse at the hotel offers 1,700 square feet of meeting space, as well as a well-appointed boardroom.

"We are thrilled to add Hyatt Miami at The Blue to our robust portfolio of hotels in the Southeast. The location and quality of the hotel will no doubt appeal to both group and leisure travelers. We look forward to a long and successful relationship with Davidson and ING Clarion while offering guests at Hyatt Miami at The Blue the level of service and authentic hospitality Hyatt guests have come to expect," said Chuck Floyd, Hyatt Hotels Corporation's chief operating officer, in a press release.

---

Looking for a short term mobile technology rental to to make your next trip a success? Call 800-736-8772 today and ask about our Nextel Rentals, Two Way Radio Rentals, or even our Aircard Rentals!