Category: Brandpoint Lifestyle

2018-03-13T11:01:02

(BPT) – If the spring is golf season to you, then this is the best time of the year. A full season of golf awaits, and you can’t wait to get out and play.

Making this your best season yet means starting the year off on the right foot and improving round after round. But to do that, you need more than just practice and coaching. You need the right gear.

Research done by Golf Magazine and overseen by premium fitter Club Champion showed that golfers who used custom-fit clubs gained 22 yards off the tee, 15 yards with their irons and lowered their scores by an average of 3 strokes per round.

To lower your scores, here are three tips in looking for the perfect custom-fit clubs.

1. Find the ideal shaft

The choices in shafts extend far beyond steel and graphite. It’s a matter of flex and it can mean something different for every manufacturer. Flex is significantly impacted by torque, one of the most misunderstood shaft specifications. Higher torque shafts are better for smoother, slower swingers. Lower torque is better for players that swing aggressively.

Club Champion, for example, starts all fittings by looking at the shaft to identify not just the proper shaft flex but also the proper weight. To do this, they use a unique coupling system that allows you to hit any of 35,000 head and shaft combinations. The result is a combination that addresses your unique problems and fixes them.

2. Match the correct clubhead

There are many clubhead options. Each brand or model has its own distinctive characteristics that affect launch angle, spin rate and ball speed. To buy a driver that has the right launch, spin and forgiveness for your swing, be sure to use a launch monitor and look for the highest smash factor, ball speed and spin that generates the greatest distance. It’s also important to ensure that the clubhead you select is the perfect match for your ideal shaft.

Iron heads are more complex. Design features like offset, non-offset, blade or cavity back impact ease of playability and whether you hit a draw or fade or hit it high or low. Having your clubs custom fit will help you find the best equipment options to account for these factors and your swing.

3. Buy the right swingweight

Swingweight is the weight distribution of the club or how your driver feels when you’re swinging. With widely variable shaft, grip and clubhead weighting, swingweight is more important than ever. It affects how you swing the club and ultimately how you deliver it at impact. A heavier swingweight, for example, will make a shaft play looser, while a lighter swingweight will make it play stiffer.

When focusing on swingweight, the most important thing to remember is that you should be matching clubs within a set. If your clubs aren’t matched properly, they may feel different as you swing them, which will impact your game.

Take steps to improve your game today

Practice and lessons are important, but truly improving your game is about more than putting in the time. You need the right gear in your hands. Custom-fit clubs can help you hit the ball farther and straighter and ultimately lower your scores. And at the end of the day, isn’t that what this game is all about?

Professional golf instructor David Leadbetter concludes, “It never ceases to amaze me that golfers buy clubs off the shelf and assume they’re right for them. Whether you’re a great golfer or a casual one, getting a custom club fitting is one of the quickest ways to improve your game. Lessons are critical but if you’re fighting your equipment, you can only progress so far.”

Says Club Champion co-founder Nick Sherburne, “With literally thousands of options on the market, it’s nearly impossible for a golfer to find equipment that performs best for them without professional help. Find a skilled fitter with a launch monitor to show you how to maximize your swing to its fullest potential.”

To learn more about how Club Champion can help find the right equipment and improve your play, visit clubchampiongolf.com.

2018-03-13T09:03:01

(BPT) – Even though many Americans understand the importance of STEM education, children in the U.S. continue to lose interest in science, technology, engineering and math subjects at young ages.

Not surprisingly, 44 percent of U.S. adults say they felt more excited about science when they were kids, reports the State of Science Index, a global study commissioned by 3M examining the general population’s attitudes toward science. Maintaining students’ interest in science during the middle school years is crucial to increasing the likelihood they’ll pursue STEM careers. That’s important, since studies show our nation will need to produce an additional one million STEM workers between 2012 and 2022 alone.

That said, we’re still not on track to meet demand, partly because students continue to lose interest.

What’s the answer? Creating a rich culture of STEM education in schools requires professional development, suggests Cindy Moss, vice president of global STEM initiatives for curriculum developer Discovery Education. She points to research showing teachers need 80 hours of cumulative targeted professional development before effectively teaching STEM-promoting classes.

“Many educators in our country believe we need to accelerate our approach to STEM education,” Moss says. “There are three to four million STEM job openings in the U.S. right now, and companies can’t find American workers with the skills they need. Fifty percent of everybody’s jobs right now are STEM, and they’re predicting that in the next 10 years about 75 percent of all jobs will involve STEM.”

What can parents and educators do to foster more interest? Consider the following:

* Find role models. If a child doesn’t know anyone working in STEM, he or she may be unable to imagine a career in such roles. Introduce him or her to people actively working in such fields, then encourage discussion and/or job shadowing. Teachers might bring in speakers who can answer candid questions about the rewards and challenges in their fields — including significant demand and attractive pay scales.

* Seek achievement opportunities. Introducing children to engaging events like the annual Discovery Education 3M Young Scientist Challenge may spark their sense of competition and passion for STEM. The annual contest, which is accepting submissions until April 19, invites innovators in grades five through eight to develop one- to two-minute videos describing their ideas for creative solutions to tackle everyday problems. The top 10 finalists receive a summer mentorship with a 3M scientist, and the winner will receive $25,000. Last year’s winner, Gitanjali Rao, developed a device that measures lead levels in drinking water, inspired by the recent water crisis in Flint, Michigan.

* Keep participating. Reducing involvement in your child’s daily academics once he or she enters middle school may backfire. One study shows middle schoolers maintain a more positive attitude toward science when their parents continue to display interest. The Rao family, for example, frequently visits museums and holds game nights focusing on problem solving. “We encourage our children to communicate their ideas clearly and concisely and understand real-world issues,” notes Bharathi Rao, Gitanjali’s mother. “We hope we can instill the value of compassion while helping them understand they have the power to create change.”

* Discourage snap decisions. During adolescence, Moss notes, kids struggling to figure out who they are can easily form inaccurate perceptions of their academic weaknesses. Reassure your child one challenging assignment or bad grade need not rule out a future career. “Kids often make up their minds by sixth grade whether they’re capable of doing science and math,” says Moss. “We have definitive evidence that by age 6, girls have already started to internalize negative stereotypes that science and math are not for girls.” In reality, she notes, understanding science and math simply requires more thinking for some people than others; it’s not a skill based on gender.

According to State of Science Index findings, 96 percent of U.S. parents want their kids to know more about science. It’s critical for us to maintain interest during the middle school years, and according to Moss it’s our responsibility to help children see the possibilities.

“Kids in fifth through eighth grade have a whole lot of empathy and really do want to make the world a better place,” she says. “They have the power, but we need to instill confidence and give them the tools and encouragement to pursue STEM.”

2018-03-09T10:01:00

(BPT) – Modern digital technology has replaced landlines, television antennas, VCRs, CDs and many other things that were once part of our daily lives — and the next thing to go may well be cash.

A few years ago, the idea that we would no longer use cash would have seemed outlandish, but it’s happening right before our eyes. A 2016 Gallup poll found only 24 percent of Americans made all or most of their purchases with cash, compared to 36 percent five years ago. Plus, according to a recent U.S. Bank Cash Behavior Survey, more consumers say they prefer the use of digital apps to make payments versus cash.

Digital payments, specifically person-to-person (P2P) payment technologies, have made it fast, safe and convenient to send and receive money from a mobile device. Where once people exchanged cash, they are increasingly sending money to one another via P2P technology services like Zelle(R), which connects the nation’s leading financial institutions to enable consumers to send fast payments to friends, family and people they trust.

If you haven’t already joined the 100K consumers, on average a day, who are signing up to use P2P payments, the experts at Early Warning Services, the network operator of Zelle(R) — offer three ways to be “Money Smart” in a Digital World:

* Speed — When rent is due, or someone’s birthday is coming up, time and money are critical! Don’t send money that will take days to get to someone or could get lost/stolen at the post office. With Zelle you can safely send money, typically within minutes when both parties are already registered.

* Simplicity — Using Zelle makes it easy to send money to friends and family with a bank account in the U.S. — whether you’re using your banking app on your phone or the online banking portal on your laptop, you can pay friends back or request money from family wherever you are and without ever looking for an ATM.

* Safety — Make sure you only send money to people you know and trust, and make sure you type in their phone number or email address accurately when you send funds. By only sending money to people you’re already familiar with, you help to mitigate your chances of falling victim to scams.

Are the days of wrinkly dollar bills and trips to the ATM over? Maybe, maybe not — but as more people switch to mobile payments, the convenience, security and ease will revolutionize the way people exchange money.

2018-03-08T14:35:00

(BPT) – With spring officially arriving, home improvement season is swinging into full gear. Fair warning to homeowners looking to hire a professional, 2018 is predicted to be a record-breaker.

A recent study by the Joint Center for Housing Studies of Harvard University projects home improvement spending will approach $340 billion this year — the strongest gain for remodeling in more than a decade. Among the costliest of projects is roofing, a large expense with serious implications if put off or improperly done.

When you add 2018’s remodeling demand with the much-talked-about skilled labor shortage, on top of the recovery from last year’s hurricane season, homeowners could be tempted to jump right into major home work, all without doing their homework first. As this could prove costly, consider the following before anyone sets foot on your roof:

1. Check contractor qualifications

Choose a local, reputable contractor. These contractors should have the best knowledge of local building codes, state codes and required certifications and licenses. Ask the contractor to see their certificate of insurance before stepping onto the roof. Consider going the extra mile and choosing a contractor certified by the manufacturer of the shingle the contractor installs. Improper installation is considered one of the major reasons roofs fail prematurely, so finding a contractor with knowledge and experience in the correct application of a particular product is of the utmost importance.

2. Determine layover or tear off

Many times, contractors will push for a removal of all existing shingles, or a tear off, over adding another layer of shingles on top of an existing roof, a layover. Although a complete tear off is more expensive due to increased labor costs, there are some advantages.

“When you tear off, you get a chance to look at the roof deck and repair any deteriorating wood or substrate,” said Rick Taylor, longtime roofing contractor and a trainer for shingle manufacturer TAMKO Building Products Inc.

Typically, doing a layover is more economical, although homeowners need to discuss relevant factors with their contractor, including local building code requirements and implications for the manufacturer’s warranty.

3. Research the warranty

It is important to understand the warranty specific to the roof product you have installed. Educate yourself on requirements for installation, including whether a shingle layover is applicable (as mentioned above).

“Some shingle manufacturers won’t warranty the roof unless it is a complete tear off,” Taylor said. “TAMKO is one that actually does have the option to warranty a laminated shingle applied over one other layer of 3-tab shingles.”

Other warranty concerns to consider include proper installation, the required steps to register your roof after installation and the time period allowed for transferring that warranty to future owners of the home.

4. Assess ventilation needs

Inadequate roof ventilation is another major culprit behind premature roof aging. There are a variety of options for roof ventilation; however, it is generally recommended to incorporate proper ventilation into the original re-roof, rather than add it later. The recommended ventilation depends on the size and architecture of the home, but when done correctly, the air inside the attic should be near the same temperature as the ambient temperature of the air outside it.

5. Check the weather

It may seem obvious, but a simple check of the weather before starting a roofing project could prevent a big headache later. Avoid starting a project with wet plywood or underlayment, or when the forecast indicates a strong chance of rain. Also, many manufacturers of asphalt shingles, the most popular form of roofing in the U.S., do not recommend installation in below-freezing temperatures or in excessively high temperatures.

Careful consideration of these steps during your next home exterior project could save you from costly and lengthy rework years later.

2018-03-08T09:47:00

(BPT) – There are a lot of things people miss during the winter — flip-flops, shorts and warm sunshine. But one of the things homeowners miss the most is the sight of green grass.

For months their lawns go into hibernation and disappear under a blanket of snow. Once the temperature starts to rise and the days start getting longer, many are eager to get outside and restore their lawns to their former glory.

But in order to get a lush green lawn that is the envy of your block, it’s crucial to get to work at the beginning of spring. The lawn experts at Lowe’s have shared five key steps you can take right now to ensure you have a beautiful and healthy yard all year long.

1. Tune up your equipment

Before you start work on your lawn, you want to make sure your mower is ready for the season. This means changing out the oil, tightening up any loose bolts or fasteners and starting the season with fresh spark plugs. You should also make sure the air filter is clean, and don’t forget to have your blade sharpened. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions.

2. Evaluate your lawn

Once all the snow has melted, set aside some time to walk over your lawn. Take note of any dead spots, snow mold or raw patches of earth that need reseeding. Bring a rake with you to clean up dead leaves or break up any thatched areas that may have formed over the winter.

3. Take care of snow mold

If you find a spot of snow mold and other types of lawn fungus that are common in early spring, take a rake and gently break up the matted grass so it can dry. Oftentimes, this will be enough to dry out the mold and get the grass in the area growing again. However, depending on the extent of the damage, you might have to patch or reseed the area.

4. Reseed where needed

For the bare spots as well as areas of your lawn that are looking a little thin, overseeding is a great way to return it to its full, lush state. Spread grass seed over the area you want to patch, add some fertilizer and about a half inch of topsoil and gently rake the mixture in with the grass and soil. Thoroughly water these patches every day until the seeds begin to germinate.

5. Plant while it’s still cool

The cooler temperatures in spring are ideal for roots to take hold before the hot summer weather arrives. This is why spring is the best time to seed your lawn. Also, if you’ve been thinking of planting any shrubs or trees, you should do it before it gets too warm.

The smell of fresh-cut grass is almost upon us! Lowe’s has all of the products and services you need to get your lawn ready for spring.

2018-03-07T14:01:01

(BPT) – Outdoor hardscape projects add resale value to a home as well as bring extra enjoyment to homeowners while they are living in the home, according to the “Remodeling Impact Report: Outdoor Features” by the National Association of Realtors (NAR) and the National Association of Landscape Professionals (NALP).

The report confirms that investing in landscaping and hardscaping is a win-win, whether you plan to stay in your home or prepare it for market.

“This report validates that outdoor remodeling and landscaping improvements are a necessity when it comes to improving your home’s resale value,” said Missy Henriksen, NALP vice president of public affairs. “Homeowners working with a landscape professional to embark on renovations — whether that means enhancing their turf and growing a lush lawn, overhauling their entire landscape, or incorporating new features like patios or exterior fireplaces — can rest assured that they are making a smart, worthwhile investment.”

Curb appeal

Real estate agents suggest that a home’s first impression is paramount when preparing it for sale. Simple updates such as adding retaining wall units or paving stone edging around gardens add value and curb appeal. More ambitious projects like a front paving stone entrance with patio and a seat wall or two add major curb appeal plus the enjoyment factor from adding a beautiful, functional front yard.

Varying hardscape colors and textures in the front outdoor living space lends maximum visual appeal. Hardscapes also can make routine maintenance easier, such as creating a tree ring from retaining wall units and surrounding it with pavers to reduce the need for trimming after mowing.

Making unusable space usable

A family in Maple Grove, Minnesota, had a hill behind their home that sloped down to a pond. They knew that excavating would be required and contacted Villa Landscapes in St. Paul to help them decide how best to make use of the space.

“The Versa-Lok Standard retaining wall system was perfect for retaining the soil behind the garage when we excavated to create their outdoor living space,” said Lonny Sekeres, a designer with Villa Landscapes. “There are no voids in the units to backfill, and the top-down pinning system made the installation easy. By back-splitting the retaining wall units, we easily created matching freestanding seat walls around the fire feature area too. Plus, the same unit was used to create columns that provide a base for a pergola while giving a nice definition to the outdoor living space.”

Prevent erosion

Damage to your property can devalue a home plus create major headaches. Retaining wall systems are essential in preventing erosion, controlling grade changes in a yard, and preventing damage to the landscape, and in certain environments, even damage to your home.

One homeowner in Apple Valley, Minnesota, had a steep, unusable backyard that sloped toward the home’s foundation. Over the years, water damage to the foundation occurred.

“The negative flow caused water damage, a leaky foundation and the accumulation of dirt that had been eroding down the slope for years,” said Paul Devine, owner and principal of Devine Design Hardscapes in Rosemount, Minnesota. “There was no flat, usable area at the base of the hill, and the client had never been able to grow grass because of constant erosion. The Versa-Lok wall design created a positive flow away from the home’s foundation, steps to the top of the hill, and a flat, usable area for a backyard.”

Devine created a tiered retaining wall design with ample space for perennials and a staggered staircase with landings that feature seat walls for resting.

Safety and privacy

Seat walls can add a measure of privacy and protection against the elements, and energy-efficient landscape lighting can be installed along patios, paver walkways and under retaining wall caps for nighttime ambiance and functionality. Landscape professionals can suggest how adding these and other hardscape elements can increase value and offer measures of safety and privacy.

In the end, investing in your home’s landscape with hardscapes is a long-term win-win, no matter how long you stay in your home or if you are preparing it for sale. Says Henriksen: “Further, that investment is coupled with the immediate happiness received by beautiful landscaping and the long-term enjoyment of outdoor living spaces, which are priceless.”

2018-03-06T06:01:00

(BPT) – As the hub of activity in a home, the kitchen serves many purposes: meal prep base, dining area, family gathering place, celebration zone, and entertainment center, to name a few. Does your high-use, heart-of-the-home kitchen meet the challenges and needs of your family life?

If not, then it’s time for a renovation. A kitchen remodel can be inspired by lifestyle changes, the need for energy efficiency, upgrading of decades-old styling, or simply that you are ready for a change. The good news is that remodeling the most used room in your house not only improves the space itself, it increases the overall value of your home.

Research from Remodeling magazine shows homeowners who undergo a mid-range kitchen remodel can expect to recoup 81 percent of their spend upon selling their home. A major kitchen remodel will recoup 59 percent, according to the same study. With statistics like these, remodeling your kitchen has the potential to be good for you now and in the future.

So what are you waiting for? Start planning your kitchen remodeling project today. Here are six ideas, ranging from minor to major:

* Replace your faucet. For the amount you use your kitchen faucet, functionality and ease-of-use should be top priorities — highlighted with stylish designs lines, of course. The Avery Selectronic hands-free pull-down kitchen faucet from American Standard features a three-function spray that can handle any kitchen challenge. Plus, this high-arc touchless faucet offers flexibility to suit user preference — simply switch to manual function for guests not familiar with touchless operation.

* Paint your cabinets. If replacing your kitchen cabinets is not in the budget this year, repainting them is the next best thing. A fresh coat of paint can dramatically change the appearance of your kitchen. Select a paint that dries hard so it can stand up to wear and tear; choose a satin finish paint to hide imperfections in the cabinet surface. To complete the look, consider replacing the cabinet hardware. Pick the style that appeals most to you and remember knobs are more common on cabinets, handles on drawers.

* Add a backsplash. Create an instant wow factor by enhancing the walls above the work areas of your kitchen. The use of varying shapes and materials can really showcase your creative side. Today’s homeowners are choosing larger sized subway tiles, introducing a bit more color to this traditionally neutral-colored area of the kitchen, experimenting with varying tile patterns, and choosing metallic and mirrored finishes. Extending the backsplash all the way to the ceiling, with the use of shelving instead of cabinets for storage, is a new trend gaining ground. Whatever your choice, a new backsplash can delight you every time you enter the kitchen.

* Elevate your faucet. For homeowners who enjoy crafting delectable meals for family and friends, an upgrade to the GROHE Essence semi-pro faucet provides the perfect combination of modern functionality and high style. It features convenient one-hand operation, full 360-degree sink mobility and two high-performance sprays. Plus, this high-arc faucet features a flexible silicone hose that can be easily replaced in a variety of rainbow colors for an instant kitchen “perk-up.”

* Explore sink options. Whether it’s for food preparation, dish washing or bathing a small child, families depend on the kitchen sink for a lot of things. The DXV Hillside stainless steel sink exhibits the rich character of popular farmhouse sink styling with a refined sophistication ideal for the modern kitchen. Made from 16-gauge stainless steel, its clean apron-front design makes it perfect for under-counter, flush countertop or above-counter custom installation. The result is a high-style sink that can meet any kitchen need.

* Change out those cabinets. While repainting cabinets can change the look of your kitchen, replacing them can totally upgrade the room’s core style and functionality. Select new cabinets based on the current needs of your kitchen, considering accessories that can improve functionality. Think slow-close drawers and doors, turntable corner cabinets, pull-out trash can cabinets, plus many innovative storage features. The choice of design styles — framed or frameless — will impact your kitchen’s look. Cabinets vary in price, depending on whether they are stock, semi-custom or custom. With kitchen cabinets accounting for up to 40 percent of a full kitchen remodeling budget, invest time in choosing the style and function that will make you love your new kitchen.

Whatever your level of kitchen remodeling, these upgrades are sure to make life easier and more enjoyable in a room that is the focal “living” room in any home. Go ahead and plan your renovations today — and experience the benefits for years to come.

2018-03-22T09:01:01

(BPT) – The April 17 tax filing deadline is quickly approaching. While many are excited about the possibility of a tax refund, nearly 1 in 3 taxpayers waits until April to file their return. Whether filing online or meeting with a tax professional, H&R Block shares three tips to help make the final stretch of the tax season less daunting.

1. Get organized

Keeping good records is the foundation for everything else because you can’t deduct what you haven’t documented. Take the time to complete a paper chase and find all tax and financial documents and related information needed to file a tax return. It may be easier to use a customized tax preparation checklist to help you make sure you aren’t missing important documents. Missing tax documents can lead to missing out on tax benefits you are entitled to claim.

Consider starting with your previous year tax return, then track all income and receipts, and finally document each. After that, separate business-only bank accounts and credit cards to make it easier to keep good records and file accurate tax returns. Remember to secure paper and digital records in a safe place like MyBlock, and make sure you back them up too.

2. Don’t overlook credits and deductions

The tax refund is the single largest financial transaction many taxpayers will have in a year. The stakes can be high and mistakes can be costly, especially when it comes to life changes — getting married, having a baby, buying or selling a home, sending a child off to college or retiring. Not understanding how these life changes can impact your return causes many taxpayers to make mistakes and leave money on the table. In fact, the IRS announces annually that approximately $1 billion goes unclaimed in federal tax refunds.

Most taxpayers file their taxes using the standard deduction, but you may be eligible for a variety of deductions or credits that could possibly save you more, including:

* Education benefits: Federal tax credits can help offset the costs of higher education for yourself or your dependents — depending on your academic program, what year the student is in, etc. To qualify, you must pay for post-secondary tuition and fees for yourself, your spouse or your dependent.

* Earned Income Tax Credit for lower-income workers: Twenty percent of eligible taxpayers, particularly lower-income workers, do not claim the Earned Income Tax Credit (EITC). Keep in mind that eligibility may fluctuate based on financial, marital and parental status, which may cause taxpayers to be ineligible one year, but eligible the next. Also, people tend to overlook the EITC because they may not earn enough income to have to file a return. Remember that the EITC is a refundable credit, so even those who don’t need to file a return can still claim the credit.

* Itemizing deductions: Itemizing can save taxpayers hundreds of dollars, as only 1 in 3 taxpayers itemize, but millions more should. Owning a home is often the key that unlocks itemization, but some taxpayers with high state taxes and charitable contributions may also be able to itemize.

3. Avoid common filing pitfalls

Selecting the wrong filing status can affect which credits and deductions you are eligible for, the value of your standard deduction and your tax bracket. In addition, common clerical errors such as mixing up names, forgetting to include information reported on your W-2, 1099 or other forms, or even making mathematical errors can also affect your tax benefits.

Not filing at all is even worse — as the penalty for not filing a tax return is 10 times greater than the penalty for not paying in full. The best way to avoid this penalty, which could add up to 25 percent to your tax bill, is to file a completed tax return or apply for an extension. An extension to file is not an extension to pay any taxes you might owe. To avoid a penalty, you will need to estimate what you owe and pay at least 90 percent by April 17.

To ensure you get the maximum refund without delay this year, or if you find yourself filing incorrectly, visit hrblock.com for more information, to make an appointment with a tax professional or to start your own tax return online for free.

2018-03-21T12:01:00

(BPT) – El Salvador, Central America’s smallest country, attracts a wide array of intrepid travelers who come to experience its vibrant culture and diverse outdoor activities. From its rich Maya history, to its volcanic beauty and generations-old artisan heritage, El Salvador provides plenty for travelers to explore.

El Salvador is incredibly easy to reach from the U.S. and offers everything from ecotourism to culinary adventures at a fraction of the price of more well-known Central American destinations. There are regular direct flights to El Salvador from major U.S. cities, including New York City, Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles, and there is no need to exchange money upon arrival, as the U.S. dollar is the national currency.

Here are five ways to make the most of a trip to El Salvador.

1. Kick back at the beach

There is no shortage of world-class beaches in El Salvador, with warm Pacific waters lapping on nearly 200 miles of coastline. Surfers flock to La Libertad for its renowned waves and international competitions. Those interested in learning to surf can find lessons for as low as $10. Along black sand beaches, travelers will find amazing seafood to enjoy while taking in magnificent ocean views.

2. Hike volcanoes and waterfalls

El Salvador is known as the “Land of Volcanoes” with 25 volcanoes visible to the naked eye. Many travelers combine a city tour of San Salvador with an easy volcano hike in El Boquerón National Park, just a short drive from the city. Local guides can navigate visitors up steeper volcanoes for half- and full-day trips. The country’s tallest volcano is Santa Ana Volcano in Cerro Verde National Park northwest of San Salvador where hikers will find moderate to difficult trails with a stunning turquoise crater lake at the top.

3. Get caffeinated on a coffee tour

El Salvador’s high altitude and tropical climate create the ideal conditions for growing coffee beans, and the country is known as one of the world’s top regions for specialty coffee production. Chances are that you have enjoyed java that originated in the mountainous region of El Salvador. A tour of El Carmen Coffee Estate gives visitors a closer look at the coffee-making process and provides the chance to taste some of the best coffee on earth straight from the source.

4. Get crafty with an artisanal immersion

Several of El Salvador’s small colonial towns are known for signature artisanal crafts that travelers can learn during their stay. Those that travel north from San Salvador to the quaint town of Suchitoto can make their way to the Arte Añil workshop and gallery to learn how to dye cloth with indigo as the Maya once did. Further north, the town of La Palma draws inspiration from the Maya to create the Arte Naíf drawing style. Visitors learn to paint with spontaneity without adhering to perfect proportions, creating bright and contrasting colored designs on locally harvested copinol seeds for a truly exotic souvenir.

5. Dig into the past with an archaeological site visit

Known as the “Pompeii of the Americas,” the UNESCO World Heritage Site Joya de Ceren provides a fascinating look at an ancient farming community that was buried in ash from a nearby volcano. A visit to the site and the nearby pyramids at San Andrés educates travelers on the lives of Central America’s original inhabitants who lived there as many as 1,000 years before Europeans arrived.

With easy flight options, low prices for world-class experiences, and the ability to hike a volcano in the morning and surf in the afternoon, it’s not hard to see why El Salvador has become a hot destination for 2018.

2018-03-20T16:01:00

(BPT) – As the weather starts to warm up, Americans will hit the road more often for destinations ranging from family outings to spring vacation destinations. Because cars are such an important part of our daily lives, Hankook Tire examined what drives Americans to keep up with car maintenance, as well as what matters when maintenance can do no more and it’s time to visit the dealership.

Leave it to me

Two-thirds (69 percent) of drivers perform their own car maintenance, according to the latest Hankook Tire Gauge survey. Among those who do so, the main motivator is to save money (54 percent). Others like doing it to save time (28 percent), because they prefer knowing exactly what’s going into their vehicles (26 percent), or it’s a fun task for some who simply enjoy it (22 percent). In fact, about one-third (35 percent) of drivers started taking responsibility for car maintenance as soon as they earned their licenses.

The air in the spare

When asked the most elaborate car maintenance they’ve performed without help from a mechanic, most Americans said that they have either changed the oil (21 percent) or changed a tire (21 percent). But being able to change your own tire won’t do much good if the spare doesn’t have any air in it! Twenty-nine percent of Americans never check their spare tire’s air pressure, which could be deflating if it’s flat too. Fortunately, checking the air in the spare is part of a regular maintenance routine for more than half of drivers (57 percent).

Remind me

Generally, Americans agree that they welcome a nudge to check their tire pressure, and 44 percent say that automatic tire pressure monitors ensure they check it regularly. Experts suggest checking your tire pressure once a month. Even new tires with minimal wear and tear lose air due to factors like temperature change, driving distance or carrying added weight in your vehicle. Now is a good time to check your air pressure, as temperature fluctuations reduce tire pressure by about 1 psi for every 10 degrees Fahrenheit the outside air temperature drops.

Purchasing power

Should the time come to purchase new tires, money talks. The Hankook Tire Gauge Index found that price influences nearly two-thirds (63 percent) of tire purchases, and similarly, 38 percent of drivers report that rebates, like Hankook Tire’s Great Catch rebate, also impact their purchase decision. When it comes to the brand, however, drivers maintain an open mind. While nearly half of drivers (43 percent) say they have a brand in mind when they enter the dealership, they are flexible on what they ultimately buy — only 16 percent of Americans go into the dealer set on a particular brand.

Price also impacts vehicle purchases (41 percent). When shopping for a new car, drivers focus on price more than twice that of safety (18 percent) or performance (15 percent). And women are more price-conscious than men, as 45 percent of women consider the price when buying a new car, as opposed to only 37 percent of men.

Whether you are driven by price or performance, regular maintenance and vehicle knowledge is key to avoiding unexpected bumps in the road.