Month: June 2021

2021-06-15T23:01:00

(BPT) – Whether you’re on a road trip or plane ride, every parent knows the journey can be a challenge. Long hours waiting or riding can test any kid’s — or parent’s — patience. With a little preparation, however, you can ensure your family (and you) will be happier throughout your trip.

“One major challenge can be making sure your family members are well fed and hydrated while you travel, to prevent them from getting ‘hangry’ or resorting to high-sugar, low-nutrient snacks,” says nutritionist Kristin Kirkpatrick, MS, RDN. “Planning snacks and drinks ahead is worth the effort for a happier, healthier trip.”

Here are some travel hacks to make the journey almost as much fun as getting to your destination.

1. Car hacks

The best way to prep for a car trip is planning age-appropriate activities and packing essentials — like snacks and water bottles. Keeping toys reserved only for trips will also make them special, giving kids something to look forward to.

Drinks and snacks

A small cooler can help keep drinks and fruit chilled during your ride. “You’ll also want to pack snacks that aren’t too messy, including some with protein to keep your family fueled up,” says Kirkpatrick.

When passing fast food restaurants and candy-filled rest stops that leave your family begging for sweets, Quest Hero Protein Bars can satisfy your family’s desire for a crispy, crunchy and creamy snack. With a satiating 15-18g protein and 1 gram of sugar per bar, they are a perfect sweet treat or snack. Two new flavors have recently been added to their line-up: Cookies and Cream and Chocolate Coconut.

On-the-road games

Some old classics don’t need prep, but a little planning can create new spins on old games to keep them fun and challenging.

• Track your map: Print a map of your route and post on the back of the front seats so kids can follow along. Use colored markers to indicate the route and use a dot for snack stops or other locations. At each stop, have kids mark where you are on the map.

• The license plate game: Kids spot license plates of cars to identify the states. They could write them down, or you can create bingo cards with states you’re most likely to see (like neighboring states).
• Scenery bingo: You could also create bingo cards with landmarks or scenery you’ll see on your route.

2. Plane hacks

The hardest part about plane journeys is waiting at the airport. Planning games and snacks ahead will result in much happier kids once they’re on the plane and distracted by the interesting surroundings (and hopefully views out the window).

Bring a snack bag

Avoid high prices and unhealthy snacking on the plane and in the airport by packing your own snacks in your travel bag.

“Snacks can include nuts and dried fruits, whole fruit like a cut-up apple with individual peanut butter packets, Quest Candy Bites or Quest Peanut Butter Cups, which will satisfy all family members,” says Kirkpatrick.

Pack an empty water bottle

It’s easy to dehydrate while flying, and bringing an empty bottle helps avoid the temptation of sugary drinks, giving you the chance to fill up in the airport before you get on the plane.

Airport and airplane games

• I spy: This classic takes no preparation, and many ages can play. One player says, “I spy with my little eye …” and gives clues about something they can see around them (without staring at it). Everyone else guesses, and the winner is the next to play. This game can also be played in the car.
• Continue a story: For longer waits or trips, make up a “continuing story,” taking turns, using something you see around you as inspiration. A parent can model storytelling by starting, “Once upon a time, there was a girl arriving at the airport,” continuing for a few minutes until the next person’s turn. Set a timer to switch to the next storyteller or let someone raise a hand when they have an idea — the rules are up to you!

Planning a family trip? Stay #Onaquest and find great travel snack options at QuestNutrition.com.

2021-06-15T08:01:00

(BPT) – Vacations are top of mind for everyone right now. People are daydreaming of getting out of their homes and checking into a hotel. With all the pent-up travel demand, here are a few ways you can maximize your summer trips by choosing a credit card that will work hard for you and offer the best perks.

Unlock Rewards

When doing your research for a new credit card, find one that is built with the traveler in mind. Look for cards that allow you to unlock rewards that can help you extend your stay with perks like additional hotel nights.

Turn Everyday Spending into Major Rewards

Only apply for cards that give back on your everyday purchases. With a travel-forward credit card, even small purchases can add up over time towards big rewards. Tip: be sure to compare the cards’ reward programs and annual fees!

Rack Up The Perks

When traveling, especially with a group or family, it’s important to spend wisely on your trip. Some cards will offer loyalty membership perks like free hotel breakfasts, airport transfers, and comped Wi-Fi at select properties. Those costs can add up! Select a card that has you traveling like a VIP.

Recommendation: Unlock rewards with the Hotels.com^® Rewards Visa Credit Card.

In addition to unlocking Hotels.com’s Silver Membership status for your first year as a cardholder (which offers upgrades such as free breakfast, airport transfer, free Wi-Fi and more!), using the Hotels.com Rewards Visa Credit Card for your everyday purchases gets you closer to your next hotel stay. Other benefits include unlocking a reward night when you collect 10 stamps through your card purchases and stays booked on Hotels.com. Plus, right now, for a limited time, Hotels.com has an amazing introductory offer with two Reward Nights deposited in your Hotels.com Rewards account once you spend $1,000 in the first three months. With over half a million properties in over 200 countries and territories around the world, you can use this card for your much-needed summer vacation.

To apply for the Hotels.com^® Rewards Visa Credit Card, visit www.hotels.com/creditcard to submit an online application and start earning rewards for future travel, now!

2021-06-15T11:01:00

(BPT) – Anyone who has taken a prescription medication knows that pricing can be mystifying — and increasingly expensive. Especially if you have a chronic condition that requires ongoing treatment, prescription costs can add up quickly.

More and more we’re seeing the financial burden put back on the patient, making healthcare unaffordable even for those who have commercial insurance or Medicare. In fact, a recent survey conducted by GoodRx found 37% of Americans struggle to pay for their medications, forcing them to stop filling their prescriptions, borrow money, or make tough choices about food or housing costs.

That’s why it has become more important than ever for patients to be their own advocates and use free resources to save on their prescription medications. In fact, new research from GoodRx shows just how significant medication savings can be. In 2020, GoodRx saved an average of 79% off retail prices. By lowering out-of-pocket medication costs, GoodRx has helped patients obtain at least 78 million prescriptions they otherwise may not have been able to afford.

The next time you need to go to the pharmacy, take these steps to give your wallet a break.

1. Shop around!

The cost of the same drug can vary widely depending on the pharmacy you choose to visit. So don’t just settle for the first price you’re offered — take the time to research the cost at different retailers. You can do this by going to GoodRx.com, typing in the name of your medication, and seeing the cost of the drug at pharmacies around you. Prices can vary upwards of $100 in some instances.

GoodRx has saved Americans $30 billion on prescription drug costs (compared to pharmacy retail price) and helped patients obtain more than 78 million prescriptions that they otherwise may not have been able to afford. We believe that helping individuals afford their prescriptions may have helped these people stay healthy and out of the hospital, and save money on medical expenses so they could pay for necessities like food and rent.

2. If you can’t find savings, talk to your doctor

Before you fill your prescription, ask your doctor some questions to see if they can help you find the most affordable option.

• Do you have free samples? Doctors sometimes have samples of a medication, especially a new one, that you can try — or that you can take to bridge the gap until you get your prescription filled.
• Are there generics or alternatives? Doctors may have information about a medication that can help keep costs down, such as generics that may be available, or whether there is a recommended alternative medication if the one they prescribe is not affordable.

3. Appeal your insurance

If you find you’re paying too much because your medication is not covered by your insurance, submit an appeal. Your healthcare provider can help you with this process. Persistence is key.

But keep in mind that insurance doesn’t always provide the lowest cost. For the 100 most purchased medications in 2020, GoodRx users actually paid less than average commercial insurance copays 55% of the time — and users who paid less than the average commercial insurance copay saved an average of 52% off the average copay

4. Take advantage of a manufacturer savings program

Pharmaceutical manufacturers offer a variety of ways to help patients pay for prescriptions, such as copay cards, patient assistance programs, and free trial cards. However, it’s important to keep in mind that you must meet eligibility requirements based on income and insurance.

To search for available offerings from manufacturers, you can go to GoodRx, type in the drug name, and find a list of the available savings options all on one page.

So before you fill your next prescription at the pharmacy, take the time to look around and see how GoodRx can save you money.

2021-06-15T10:11:00

(BPT) – Virtual birthday parties. Online family game nights. Digital dinners with friends. You’ve done your part to stay connected yet socially distanced, however, as restrictions lift across the country, you’re eager to host friends and family in your home again.

“The problem is after over a year of working, studying and playing at home, many people’s houses are looking a bit drab,” says Jennifer Meska, Director of Merchandising & Design at LL Flooring. “If you want to refresh spaces for future entertaining, start with the floor and work your way up to add both fashion and function to your home.”

Meska shares some top DIY projects that can be completed in as little as a weekend so you’re ready to welcome back guests:

Update flooring

When you think about visual real estate in a home, the flooring truly is the foundation of the aesthetic. Consider updating the flooring with modern options that add style, but are also durable enough to handle guests and everyday demands.

A good option is Rigid Vinyl Plank (RVP) that provides the look of hardwood but is waterproof and scratch-resistant. Lake Geneva Oak CoreLuxe RVP is a good option, with its innovative rigid core that clicks together with ease for a simple DIY project. CoreLuxe stands up to heavy traffic, busy families and plentiful entertaining, making it ideal for bathrooms, kitchens and living rooms.

“These floors deliver quality, beauty, waterproof functionality and are easy to install,” says Meska. “What’s great about these floors is they work well in any room.”

Rethink furniture

Once the floor is updated, think about how you currently use your furniture and how it might best serve you when entertaining. Consider rearranging furniture to breathe fresh life into a space and encourage guests to mingle comfortably. Prioritize grouping furniture to facilitate conversation and interaction while keeping common traffic areas open for ease of movement.

In addition to rearranging furniture, now is the time to address functionality of pieces and swap in multiuse options when appropriate. For example, an ottoman is great for kicking up your feet or as additional seating for guests, especially young children. Select an ottoman designed with a top that opens, providing storage space for blankets, toys or other clutter. You can even add a serving tray to the top when closed and you have a coffee table or small buffet space for snacks.

Create a statement wall

Once you decide on an arrangement of furniture, try transforming a focal wall to give the space an elevated interior design. One easy way to do this is to paint one wall different than the others in an accent color, like a blue or yellow. DIY-friendly peel-and-stick wallpaper is growing in popularity and is another fun option if you want to add a pattern on an accent wall.

Another way to create a noteworthy accent wall is to design a gallery wall with a collection of treasured items hung in a group. Framed photography is common for creating gallery walls and serves as a wonderful conversation starter when guests arrive. In addition to photographs, you can add other framed items such as typography, children’s artwork, travel keepsakes, mirrors and more.

“Now is the ideal time to prepare for the revival of entertaining at home,” says Meska. “Start with the floor, think beyond the conventional, and make updates that you’ll enjoy whether you’re hosting guests or spending time at home with family.”

2021-06-15T06:01:00

(BPT) – After so many months of social distancing due to the global pandemic, summer travel is top of mind. People with chronic health conditions, like gout, may not be thinking ahead of their unique needs when on vacation. Whether going on a weekend road trip or a multi-week cross-country adventure, proper planning can help ensure an enjoyable trip without a gout flare.

“Gout is the most common form of inflammatory arthritis and is caused by an accumulation of uric acid crystals in the joints,” explained Dr. N. Lawrence Edwards, a rheumatologist and chairman of the Gout Education Society. “Today, more than 9.2 million Americans are living with gout and the numbers are increasing. Gout is extremely painful and tied to several other serious health conditions. While it cannot be cured, it can be treated — so a timely diagnosis and ongoing, proper management is important.”

Edwards urges people with gout to follow important lifestyle steps when travelling:

Visit your doctor every six months

When you’re first diagnosed with gout, you will see your doctor or rheumatologist more frequently to figure out the best way for you to manage the condition. Once you have an effective plan, make sure to visit your doctor every six months to check serum uric acid levels and come prepared with questions and concerns to have a more meaningful conversation. Scheduling an appointment before any out of town travel is a good way to help ensure you’re healthy and have an enjoyable trip.

“Elevated uric acid in the body is the root cause of gout, so it’s critical for anyone with gout to take steps to ensure that levels are at a healthy 6.0 mg/dL or below,” says Edwards.

Adhere to medications

Taking daily uric acid-lowering medications, as prescribed, is an important part of managing gout for most people. When traveling, make sure to pack enough of your prescription medications — and medications in the event you have a flare — for the entire length of your trip. It’s best to pack prescriptions in their original containers and document the names and dosage for your records, such as taking a picture of the labels with your phone. Always store medications in a safe location, being mindful that temperature or humidity may impact some prescriptions.

“Gout is a sneaky disease and often requires ongoing medication that will need to be taken for life,” says Edwards. “Some people may be tempted to stop taking a medication if their condition appears under control or they believe skipping it for a vacation won’t matter. This can be a big mistake. Plan ahead and take medications as prescribed by your doctor.”

Follow a healthy diet

While not a substitute for prescribed medications, a healthy diet can help you better manage your gout. If you know your triggers, avoid or enjoy them only in moderation while on vacation. If you’re eating out and not sure about ingredients or serving size, ask the server or chef. Some common gout trigger foods include alcohol (especially beer or grain liquors), large amounts of high-purine foods like red meat, organ meat and shellfish, and high-fructose corn syrup. Crash diets or sudden dietary changes can also trigger flares.

“A healthy diet is key to overall wellness. Many people with gout feel their best when following the DASH or Mediterranean diets,” says Edwards. “As long as your uric acid levels are under control, while on vacation, you can celebrate and enjoy your favorite foods if you do it in moderation and continue your prescribed treatment regimen. Instead of the 12-ounce steak, though, opt for a 4-ounce option and some steamed vegetables.”

Stay hydrated

Proper hydration is always important, especially on hot days or when you’re active and sweating. Adults should engage in moderate-intensity physical activities for at least 30 minutes most days of the week, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Plan vacation activities like walking briskly, swimming or bicycling. Because regular exercise is important even when traveling, remember that water is the best thing you can drink — so always pack a bottle and keep it filled wherever you go.

“When the body gets dehydrated it can raise the uric acid in the blood, which can cause gout flares,” says Edwards. “It’s also bad for the kidneys and can lead to kidney stones. On vacation, you may be drinking differently than you do at home — but remember that certain gout-triggering drinks, like beer and soft drinks, should only be enjoyed sparingly. Water is best.”

Learn more

The Gout Education Society is a nonprofit organization of health care professionals dedicated to raising awareness of gout arthritis. The Gout Education Society offers complimentary educational resources for both the public and medical professionals. Learn more at gouteducation.org.

2021-06-15T07:15:00

(BPT) – Do you want to be the Big Cheese at a national snack food company? Now’s your chance! Farm Rich, one of the cheesiest brands in America, is looking to hire their very first honorary Chief Cheese Officer (CCO).

The national frozen snacks brand is seeking a candidate with the right cheese-loving credentials and a sharper-than-cheddar sense of creativity. The CCO will make people believe in the power of cheese by creating engaging social media content that is, admittedly, a bit cheesy. The CCO will also give Americans another reason to celebrate the food by creating a national cheese-inspired holiday — because you can never have too many — and come up with fun new snack concepts.

“Farm Rich is known for its ‘cheesy’ snacks and appetizers and we’re ready to give one of our lucky fans a chance to bring their ideas to life in the role of Chief Cheese Officer,” said Ciera Womack, Farm Rich Director of Marketing. “There will be some work involved, but if you’re passionate about cheese, it should hardly feel like work at all. Go ahead and apply. You might just land the cheesiest job of a lifetime!”

So are you qualified? The ideal CCO is …

Someone who is passionate about cheese (like, you can’t have a meal without it)

When you’re out with friends, do you always order the cheese plate? Here are some other signs you might be qualified:

• You can identify all the cheeses on a charcuterie board
• You’ll always order extra cheese when you’re eating out (even if it costs more)
• Mozz sticks are basically a food group for you
• You won’t have wine without cheese
• You believe National Cheese Day should be a federal holiday

Someone whose fondue-ness for cheese gives them solid credentials

If you are head over wheels in love with cheese and aren’t afraid to show it, you may be the right person for the job. Would you say your social media pages and feeds have lots of cheesy posts? Do you have an entire website devoted to this dairy staple? Do your go-to recipes all have cheese as an ingredient? Can you name the origins of most cheeses?

Someone who’s creative (in the cheesiest way possible)

Do you tend to march to the beat of your own drum? Are you often inspired to try new food combinations? Could you create a work of art entirely focused on Muenster? If so, you’re a true creative at heart. As a passionate foodie, you’ve seen all the different ways people consume cheese. But experts know there’s more than one way to consume it. In fact, you may have several ideas for new, cheesy snack concepts and pairings.

Someone who’s ready to take the wheel as a cheese executive

Many will apply to become CCO, but only one will get the prize. If passion, creativity and cheese expertise are attributes that define you, those business cards may have your name on it.

Get your cheese on and join the team!

As CCO, you’ll get $5,000 to support the Farm Rich team virtually for approximately 45 days. Plus, you’ll get to take a lovely trip to St. Simons Island in Georgia, home to Farm Rich HQ, and get a year’s supply of snacks and swag.

Fill out an application on the Farm Rich website by July 7, 2021 for a chance to be the Big Cheese!

2021-06-14T16:53:00

(BPT) – It takes hard work to train a dog, but have you ever thought about what it takes to create a champion for a prestigious competition like the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show?

Each year, thousands of dogs and handlers come from across the world to compete for the coveted title of “Best in Show.”

This year, Wasabi the Pekingese, with handler David Fitzpatrick, stood out from the competition to be crowned Best in Show at the 145th Annual Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show presented by Purina Pro Plan.

So how does just one dog win Best in Show? Westminster handlers often say it’s the “little something extra” that sets the Best in Show winner apart. But the basics are always the same. Handler Valerie Nunes-Atkinson, whose German Shorthaired Pointer, CJ, won Best in Show in 2016 — and whose German Shorthaired Pointer, Jade (also CJ’s daughter), won the Sporting Group this year — shared the three key components of building a Westminster champion: genetics, nutrition, and training.

1. Genetics

The competition starts with 2,500 dogs across 209 breeds. Each breed has its own standards, which are established by its parent club, and judges then use those standards to evaluate each dog accordingly. With so many dogs competing, determining who’s the top good boy or girl isn’t easy. Training styles and diet play a critical role in a dog’s success, and so do their genetics.

“Genetics play a huge role in developing a competitive dog,” says Nunes-Atkinson. “The goal is for your dog to have all of the standard traits needed in order to compete.”

Everything from the dog’s bone structure, shape, movement, health and temperament all play a role in how well a dog performs, as judges look for the ideal characteristics for each dog’s breed.

For Wasabi, the winning Pekingese comes from a long line of conformation dogs — his grandfather Malachy was the Westminster Best in Show champion in 2012, and his father Chuckie won the Westminster Toy Group in 2017.

2. Nutrition

Even a dog with the best genes can benefit from the right diet. Nutrition is one of the most important factors that goes into preparation, especially when competing at this level. Many handlers — including 95 of the top 100 show dogs¹ — feed Purina Pro Plan as their food of choice.² Pro Plan is advanced nutrition that’s backed by research, including input from more than 500 nutritionists, behaviorists and veterinarians. “I started feeding Purina Pro Plan when CJ was a puppy,” says Atkinson. “It’s the only food I trust to feed all of my dogs.”

This year’s winner Wasabi became the 14^th of the last 15 Best in Show champions to be fueled by Purina Pro Plan². His formula of choice is Purina Pro Plan Adult Complete Essentials Shredded Blend Chicken & Rice.

3. Training

Just as runners train for marathons, handlers prepare their canine competitors well in advance by dedicating their time to training and socialization to ensure they are ready for the big day.

“I start training my dogs when they’re newborns,” says Atkinson. “I begin by handling them every single day and getting them used to human touch and different positions. And when they are old enough, socialization to new people, places and experiences helps ensure they aren’t phased by the spotlight of the ring.”

Training for dog shows also involves teaching core skills such as the “stack” — the static pose the dog enters when being judged — and the “trot” — bringing the right front leg and right back leg together while moving to show off the complete physique. Just keep in mind not to overdo it. Even a few minutes of training a day can be enough.

Even if you’re not entering your dog in the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show, your furry friend deserves to eat like a champion. Check out Purina.com/pro-plan to learn more about Purina Pro Plan.

2021-06-14T10:01:00

(BPT) – If you are like the majority of Americans, you have undoubtedly had a wave of uneasiness come over you in seemingly common, everyday situations. Whether you’re walking through a parking garage at night or taking the dog for an early morning walk, a recent study conducted by SABRE via Ipsos.Digital revealed that at some point in the past three years, four in every five Americans have felt unsafe in an everyday situation.

As the country’s reopening coincides with National Safety Month in June, it is the perfect time to review your personal safety habits to ensure you feel confident as you go out to enjoy the summer and beyond.

“Regardless of where your day takes you, your daily routine should include being thoughtful and proactive about your personal safety,” said David Nance, CEO for SABRE. “Before leaving the house, you should always be sure your check list of essentials includes all your critical items — wallet, keys, cell phone and of course, an easy-to-carry personal safety tool.”

With more than four decades as a leader in personal safety, Nance and SABRE continue to find ways to innovate in the personal safety space while simultaneously developing products that fit any situation. As many seek to enjoy a carefree summer, Nance recommends a variety of solutions and tools to add confidence for any situation.

Day-to-day safety

Whether you have big summer plans or are just spending the hot months in your own neck of the woods, having a daily personal protection plan while on-the-go is of the utmost importance, which is why SABRE developed the Mighty Discreet. Designed to be carried with you at all times, the Mighty Discreet is the brand’s smallest personal safety tool to date and is approximately the same size as a tube of lipstick, offering users a chance to easily fit it into a pocket and carryall, or utilize the snap clip for quick detachment. Mighty Discreet features a twist top safety to prevent any accidental discharge and offers 16 bursts up to 12-feet away, providing protection at a safe distance. Providing an additional level of safety, the Mighty Discreet features a UV marking dye to help quickly identify suspects who have been sprayed.

Protection and assurance away from home

A trip to a new destination can bring excitement, with surprises around every corner. But what happens when one of those surprises turns out to be an unwelcome threat? You may not have a chance to call for help or you may be unfamiliar with your surroundings and unable to convey your location.

Consider utilizing an easy-to-carry safety tool that can provide your GPS coordinates and/or alert family, friends or authorities you may be in danger. For example, SABRE’s SMART Pepper Spray can provide peace of mind when you are visiting locations both old and new. The connected SMART Pepper Spray works seamlessly with the SABRE Personal Safety App to enable pre-selected contacts to be immediately notified if the user’s spray has been deployed. The free SABRE app allows the user to, at the touch of a button, alert five contacts that they are in danger while providing their contacts with their location where they can follow the user to safety. In addition, with the Personal Safety App’s premium option (available for a $4.99 monthly fee), Noonlight will send emergency personnel to the user’s live location when the spray has been deployed.

Security at home or at night

Also, it’s important to keep in mind a safety plan for the times you are at or around your home doing day-to-day tasks. SABRE’s multi-purpose PepperLight combines a high-power flashlight that can be seen up to 540 feet away with SABRE’s maximum-strength pepper spray formula, both of which are essential to have at the ready at home.

“At SABRE, we know there is no one-size-fits-all solution when it comes to your protection and safety,” added Nance. “Everyone’s needs and situations are different, which is why our family-owned company has spent the last four decades making it our mission to design unique safety tools that fit your lifestyle, because your personal safety is just that … personal.”

2021-06-14T12:01:00

(BPT) – Buying or leasing a new vehicle involves plenty of planning and consideration. We think about what features we’d like to add, like self-parking technology or heated seats. And we ask how our needs might be changing, which could mean moving from a compact to an SUV, or from gas to electric.

According to the latest Hankook Tire Gauge Index, nearly two-thirds (62%) of Americans would change something about their current vehicle, such as the size, safety features or even the color. So what are the biggest drivers for Americans entering the new vehicle market?

1. Eye on safety

The most important feature for Americans looking at new vehicles is safety, with nearly a quarter (24%) saying that a new vehicle has to protect them and their loved ones. That’s especially true for women, who place a higher premium on safety than men when choosing a new vehicle (30% vs 18%).

A great way to ensure that a new vehicle will offer the best protection is to research safety ratings from both the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration (NHTSA) and the Insurance Institute for Highway Safety (IIHS). Both organizations test and rate the most popular vehicles on the market, and provide independent, detailed reports on how they perform in a variety of accident scenarios.

2. Saving at the pump – and the socket

A close second to safety is fuel efficiency, with good mileage ranking as the most important element for 23% of Americans when choosing a new vehicle. It’s also important to consider both city and highway fuel economy, and make a decision based on the most likely type of driving that will be done.

Efficiency isn’t just for gas-powered cars, either: electric mileage is just as important for drivers shopping for new electric vehicles (EVs) and hybrids. The EPA offers an informative section on its fueleconomy.gov site to determine not just what an EV’s range is, but the equivalent annual costs in electricity.

3. Going green

With so many of us focused on the efficiency of our next vehicle, it’s no surprise that over half of all Americans (52%) either currently own or lease a hybrid or EV (18%), or plan to in the future (34%).

This trend is already growing, especially among younger drivers. Most millennial (69%) and Gen Z (71%) respondents either already or plan to own or lease a hybrid or EV. Hybrids and EVs are also popular among Americans living in the western part of the country (65%). That’s likely because of new regulations, such as California’s plans to phase out gas-powered car sales by 2035.

4. Gearing up with gadgets

It can be hard to choose from the assortment of bells and whistles available on the newest vehicles, but for many Americans, there’s a clear list of must-haves. Back-up cameras were the top necessity for 29% of Americans, followed by Bluetooth connectivity (16%) and blind spot detection technology (14%).

Not all tech is a must-have, though. Only 6% of Americans would consider self-parking technology as a necessity, and 15% say they don’t have any technological deal-breakers when looking at new vehicles.

That could still change: After all, back-up cameras were introduced to the U.S. in 2002, and have quickly become the top choice for in-car tech!

5. Sticking with what works

As the saying goes, if it ain’t broke, don’t fix it. And for 34% of Americans who wouldn’t change anything about their current vehicle, that holds true. So when this third of Americans need to buy or lease a new car, it’s likely that they’ll stick with what they know and like, including body style, color and features.

That’s less so for younger Americans, though. Just 18% of Gen Z and 20% of millennial respondents are happy with what their current vehicle provides, compared to 49% of boomers and 56% of silent generation Americans. As they get older and gain more purchasing power, we could see millennial and Gen Z drivers make a move for the features they want in a new vehicle.

Thinking outside the cabin

Hankook Tire asked Americans what unusual feature they’d love to have in their vehicles: 38% said they would add a refrigerator, and 19% would take a coffee maker! That brings a whole new meaning to a cup o’ joe to go!