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What I Learned From My First EV Road Trip

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I had never driven an electric car before, so, naturally, I made sure my first drive covered 500 miles across two states in one day.

Although public opinion on electric cars is still mixed, facts suggest these cars are not a passing fad. Electric vehicle sales in the U.S. topped 1 million for the first time in 2023, quadrupling the figure three years prior. And although demand has slowed, a recent study by industry group Cox Automotive found that more than half of shoppers previously identified as skeptics are poised to enter the EV market in the second half of the decade.

While my first experience with an EV was unusual — I rented one to drive from San Jose, California, to a work event in Las Vegas — it included many situations a prospective buyer would want to consider. If you’re new to EVs or just curious about what a road trip in one is like, here are the lessons I learned.

Maximum range isn’t the actual range

The 2023 Chevy Bolt EV 1LT that I drove has a combined miles-per-gallon equivalent ( MPGe ) of 120 and a maximum range of 259 miles, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. These totals didn’t translate to real life.

That’s because an electric vehicle’s maximum range doesn’t take into account the use of anything in the car, including air conditioning/heater, the infotainment system, charging your phone or the terrain you’ll drive through. It's just a measurement of what the 100% charged battery is capable of.

It turns out, though, that an electric battery functions best when it is between 20% and 80% full, because going over that exposes the battery to high voltages that can accelerate degradation over time. (Think of your phone battery and how the battery dies faster as the phone ages.) So if you’re keeping the car's battery between 20% and 80% most of the time, your battery should last longer.

When I picked up the car, the battery was at 80%, which gave me a minimum of 151 miles. I had mapped out my trip based on where I could find public charging stations, and I knew the first leg of my trip would cover about 150 miles while driving through a mountain pass. Before heading out, I decided to top up the charge to a minimum of 163 miles — but, happily, I got to the first stop with 60 miles left, mostly due to regenerative braking that takes the energy usually wasted with braking and puts it back into the battery.

Charging isn’t always available

I charged the vehicle four times on my trip, using three of the four largest public charging companies: Electrify America, ChargePoint and EVgo. Because all three charging companies function differently, this meant that each time I was figuring out how payments and plugging in worked. It felt like I was 16 again and learning how to fuel up my car for the first time.

Depending on your area, you might have a plethora of charging options or not many at all, and it's not always predictable. Consider two California cities of comparable size: Fresno with a population of 542,107 and Sacramento with a population of 524,943. When it comes to charging stations with Level 2 and direct-current (DC) fast chargers (the two fastest charging options), Sacramento has more than double the number of chargers in Fresno — 359 and 174, respectively, according to the U.S. Department of Energy. And there’s even more of a divide in different areas across the country.

Keep in mind, too, that not all of those chargers work for every car. Tesla has the largest network of charging stations by far, but while the company is opening up that network to other manufacturers and charge-point operators, that process is very much in-progress. What’s more, at any given station some of the chargers may be out of order (two of the four stations I visited had chargers that weren’t working), and if you get to a station and it’s full, you may have a wait ahead of you.

Charging may take a long time

Enter a drive from San Jose to Vegas in your favorite mapping software and it'll say it takes about eight hours. My drive required 11 and a half.

Travel time in an EV depends on the vehicle you’re driving and what kind of public chargers you use . DC fast chargers can fill a battery electric vehicle to 80% in as little as 20 minutes or as long as an hour, according to the U.S. Department of Transportation. When I stopped at the ChargePoint in Coalinga, California, I had a minimum of 60 miles left in the battery. I used a DC fast charger for 1 hour, 9 minutes to gain an additional 103 miles.

But most plug-in hybrids and many electric cars are not yet equipped for that type of fast charging, and so realistically it may take longer. I didn't do any Level 2 charging on my trip, but that technology can charge a battery electric vehicle to 80% in four to 10 hours and a plug-in hybrid in one to two hours.

In total I charged for 3 hours and 6 minutes over my 529-mile drive. For comparison's sake, I drove a gas-powered car back from Vegas and had to gas up only once for eight minutes.

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Charging anxiety is real

Awful. That’s how it feels to be on a long drive in an EV wondering if you’ll make it to the next charging station.

I experienced this twice on my trip — when I reached Mojave, California, with a minimum of 20 miles left, and then pulling into Las Vegas, with a minimum of 32 miles left. Both times I was genuinely concerned that I wouldn’t make it to my next stop. I turned off the air conditioning, stopped listening to my audiobook, unplugged my cell phone and tried to remain positive.

I started to plan out my options for what to do if the car died. I looked up charging stations near me using my phone, but had no luck. Worst case, I was ready to use my AAA membership, although I don’t know what they could do other than tow the vehicle to a charger. Of course, this was first timer's nerves, but in survey after survey, anxiety over charging and range is among the biggest blockers to widespread EV adoption, with one noting that some 40% of current EV owners still report having a little.

A smartphone is essential for EV drivers

When you’re driving a gas car, there are plenty of opportunities to stop. In fact, you’ll see road signs along the highway to let you know when you can stop. This isn’t something you can rely on in an electric car. Instead, you’ll have to rely on your phone or previously mapped out charging stations. Despite mapping my stops ahead of time, I ended up looking for stops when I started getting charging anxiety.

Additionally, paying for charging may require your cell phone. Gas stations generally have two payment options: at the pump or with an attendant. None of the charging stations I visited had an attendant working, and ChargePoint didn’t let me tap or pay at the plug. Instead, I had to pay using its app, which isn’t ideal if your phone is dead or you can’t get the app to work.

Would I buy an EV after this trip?

Yes, but there are some caveats. I’m fortunate enough to be a two-car household, and if we were to get an electric car, it would replace one of the gas vehicles. I suspect electric cars are great for short trips, like a daily commute, but I'm not ready for one on a longer journey. And if I did buy an electric car, I don’t think I would rely on public charging. I would install a Level 2 charger in my home , which costs extra for the charger and the electrician but gives peace of mind that I could quickly top up every night.

On a similar note...

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Jun 28, 2024

What is expected to be the busiest summer travel season on record has arrived at Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW). The Independence Day holiday travel period – from Wednesday, July 3 through Monday, July 8 – is projected to bring an estimated 1.5 million travelers through DFW, an increase of 5.5 percent over the same time last year.

Jun 24, 2024

If you lose a personal item when traveling to, from or through DFW Airport this summer, there is a good chance you’ll get it back. That’s because the airport implemented an artificial intelligence-driven image recognition system five years ago, which has resulted in an impressive average daily return rate of about 90 percent.

Jun 03, 2024

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) announced today the launch of the Hidden Disabilities Sunflower lanyard program, which is designed to help ensure customers with less visible disabilities receive the assistance they need while traveling through the airport.

May 14, 2024

As Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) prepares to begin construction on more than $5 billion worth of new terminal facilities later this year, the airport is issuing a public Request for Proposals (RFP) for 38 new retail and dining locations in all terminals across the airport. This is the largest single concessions opportunity at DFW since Terminal D opened in 2005.

Apr 26, 2024

Building on last year's successful pilot, we’re pleased to announce liquid disposal stations will remain available at select Transportation Security Administration (TSA) checkpoints in each terminal.

Apr 08, 2024

At Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW), Earth Day is not just a date on the calendar; it represents our enduring commitment to sustainability. Far beyond one day, DFW is engaging our community in conversations that matter—about the air we all breathe, the water we all drink and the steps the airport is taking to be a better steward of our planet. From customers passing through, to local North Texans or environmental enthusiasts, DFW is inviting everyone to join our mission of creating a more sustainable world.

Apr 04, 2024

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has released its 2023 Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) report. The report provides transparent information and disclosures about DFW’s ESG performance and impact.

Mar 11, 2024

For the second-consecutive year, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has been named the best large airport in North America for customer service by Airports Council International (ACI) World.

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Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is gearing up to welcome a record number of passengers this spring break travel season, with an estimated 4.6 million customers between March 7-25.

Feb 12, 2024

The flowers and bouquets that will be purchased by tens of thousands of people across the North Texas region this Valentine’s Day will be a lot fresher thanks to Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) and Qatar Cargo.

Jan 11, 2024

On Jan. 13, 1974, Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) began operations as the country’s newest and most modern commercial airport, heralding in a new chapter for modern aviation. On Saturday, DFW will recognize its 50th anniversary by beginning a year-long celebration that reflects on the airport’s success, looks ahead to its exciting future and thanks the community for five decades of support.

Nov 15, 2023

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) is ready for what’s expected to be among the busiest winter holiday travel seasons in the airport’s nearly 50-year history.

Sep 19, 2023

Dallas Fort Worth International Airport (DFW) has kicked off a project that will upgrade the checked baggage equipment in the Terminal D south lobby. As a result, some of the airline check-in counters near the D18 security checkpoint will temporarily relocate. Customers flying on an international airline out of Terminal D will check their bag with their airline before being directed by airline staff to the bag drop-off area near the center of the lobby to complete the check-in process.

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How Will the Nationwide Hotel Strike Affect My Labor Day Plans?

Though hotel chains say they’ll continue to operate normally, travelers could see disruptions as employees walked off the job in cities from Boston to Honolulu. Here’s what to know.

By Derek M. Norman

Over the busy Labor Day weekend, at least 10,000 unionized front-desk workers, housekeepers and other employees at 24 hotel properties across the country walked off the job on Sunday after failing to come to an agreement in contract negotiations.

The strikes — which as of Sunday afternoon were affecting some Hilton, Hyatt and Marriott hotels, and one Fairmont property, in Boston; San Francisco; Seattle; San Jose, Calif.; Honolulu; Kauai, Hawaii; San Diego; and Greenwich, Conn. — were scheduled to last two to three days in each city, just as many travelers’ holiday weekend plans were in full swing. More hotel workers in other cities could also soon announce strikes.

The strike comes as members of the UNITE HERE union at Hilton, Hyatt, Marriott and Omni properties across the country have been engaged in contentious talks since at least May.

The affected hotels say they plan to stay open, perhaps with modified services, but they may not always notify travelers that a strike is happening. So inquire ahead of time, or you may be surprised to find a spirited picket line in front of your hotel when you arrive.

Here’s what else you need to know.

There’s a strike at the hotel where I have a reservation. What should I do?

First, call the hotel and ask to speak to a manager to confirm that a strike is taking place at that property. UNITE HERE has also created a website, FairHotel.org , that offers an updated map of which properties are experiencing labor disputes. Ask the manager which services are being affected by the strike, and ask about the hotel’s cancellation policy.

Then decide if you still want to stay at the hotel.

Besides weighing the effect on services, consider your feelings about the dispute itself, said Bjorn Hanson, an adjunct professor at the New York University Jonathan M. Tisch Center of Hospitality. Some travelers like to support the business and keep their reservation at the property, Dr. Hanson said. Others prefer to support the striking workers by not crossing a picket line.

If you choose not to stay at the affected hotel, he said, you should first book new accommodations and then call your original hotel as soon as possible to cancel.

In the case of past strikes, Dr. Hanson said, “Individual hotels have some discretion, but the hotel company policy was: Whatever our cancellation policy is, is the policy we will maintain during the strike. So at the very least, that is what the regular, average traveler should keep in mind and plan around,” he said.

The cancellation policy at Hilton , Hyatt , Marriott and Omni hotels generally depends on your specific rate and dates of your stay, so you’ll need to look up your reservation on their app or website.

Will my hotel stay open during the strike?

In general, hotels say they are prepared to operate without disruption.

Representatives for Hyatt, Hilton and Omni all said that they had contingency plans to minimize any strikes’ impact on hotel operations. Marriott did not respond to request for comment.

While the chains would not reveal details of those plans, it is likely that they would use nonunion employees, Dr. Hanson said. They might also, for example, substitute a grab-and-go buffet for table service. And outside contractors may be hired to perform services that hotel staff would typically perform.

During the most recent major hotel strike, last summer in Los Angeles, thousands of hotel workers walked off the job just as travelers were gearing up for the Fourth of July. That first strike was resolved after three days . Sporadic walkouts at other properties throughout the summer affected housekeeping services for some guests and caused disruptions after event organizers canceled events .

Follow New York Times Travel on Instagram and sign up for our weekly Travel Dispatch newsletter to get expert tips on traveling smarter and inspiration for your next vacation. Dreaming up a future getaway or just armchair traveling? Check out our 52 Places to Go in 2024 .

An earlier version of this article misstated the number of hotel properties that were on strike as of Sunday afternoon. It was 24, not more than 25.

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Derek M. Norman is a senior news assistant for the International section of The Times. More about Derek M. Norman

Money blog: Bank launches cheapest five-year mortgage - as rivals also announce cuts

The Money blog is your place for consumer and personal finance news and tips. Today's posts include NatWest launching the cheapest five-year mortgage on the market and an old Liam Gallagher tweet about ticket pricing. Leave a comment on any of the stories we're covering in the box below.

Tuesday 3 September 2024 13:54, UK

• High-street bank trumps rivals with cheapest five-year mortgage
• Pay-per-mile tax scheme proposed for electric vehicles
• Liam Gallagher's 2017 tweet about £350 tickets comes back to haunt him
• Millions to get cost of living payments this winter as scheme extended

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• Basically... Free school meals
• 'This job has saved lives': What's it like selling the Big Issue?
• Best of the Money blog

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• Money Problem : 'My dog died but insurance still wants whole year's payment'
• How else to eat Greggs on cheap as O2 Priority scraps freebies

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After the revival of popular Cadbury's chocolate bar Top Deck earlier this year, we asked you which discontinued treat you would like to see brought back - and we got so many responses that we've decided to make a weekly feature of it called  Bring It Back . 

Every Tuesday, we'll pick one from our comments box and look at why it was so beloved and, crucially, find out whether the companies in question might consider reintroducing them.

This week we're looking at a chocolate bar that became a staple of lunch boxes in the 1980s and '90s - and spawned a TV advert that is among the most fondly remembered of the era: McVitie's Trio.

Sold in multipacks of six, each bar included three segments made up of a caramel layer over biscuit, all covered with milk chocolate.

The product became synonymous with a memorable commercial that featured an animation by artist Bob Godfrey and a play on the traditional Jamaican folk song "Day-O (The Banana Boat Song)".

Its lyrics, which will be familiar to almost anyone who grew up in the 1980s, included the bar's tagline: "I want a Trio and I want one now."

Having discontinued the product in 2003, it briefly returned to shop shelves in 2016 following a Facebook campaign, before vanishing from sale again shortly after.

Hordes of Sky News readers have called for the chocolate bar's revival.

Kellie said: "I'd love to have Trios back! They were yummy. McVitie's really need to start selling them again."

Derek told us: "What a chocolate bar the Trio was! I could eat an entire multipack in one sitting now if given the chance. And that old advert... instantly transported back to childhood just thinking about it."

Samantha said: "I can hear the jingle in my head now! Trios were just delicious chocolate bars... and we want one now!"

When asked by Sky News, a McVitie's spokesperson conspicuously declined to rule out a return for the iconic chocolate treat, saying the company was "constantly listening to what audiences want".

"This helps us to keep innovating and adapting to changing tastes, meaning more biscuits and snacks you love for generations to come," they said.

"For those who miss the caramel taste of Trio, one of our newest and most exciting innovations, McVitie's Gold Billions Wafer, will be your new favourite for on-the-go chocolate moments."

And, tantalisingly for fans of the bar, they added: "Watch this space for more to come..."

Along with the legions of Trio diehards, the Money blog will certainly be doing that - and hope to bring you news of further developments in the crusade in the near future.

NatWest has launched the cheapest five-year fixed mortgage deal on the market. 

The 3.71% rate comes with a £1,495 product fee and is available to customers who have a 40% deposit. 

Other lenders have also announced cuts this week, including Barclays and Halifax. 

Yesterday, Barclays reduced its five-year fixed 60% LTV remortgage deal from 4.06% to 3.93%. 

It also announced cuts across its purchase product range, with a five-year fixed 75% LTV deal coming with a 3.95% rate and a £899 product fee. 

Halifax also launched a 3.81% five-year deal to new borrowers yesterday. 

Brokers have welcomed the cuts as "hugely positive" news, and suggested more lenders could follow suit. 

"NatWest's latest rate cut is another clear signal that mortgage lenders are pulling out all the stops to reignite the housing market," Ranald Mitchell, director of Charwin Mortgages, told Newspage.

"This flurry of rate reductions is a positive step towards finding that sweet spot where consumer confidence rebounds, and the property market gets back on track. 

"It's an exciting time for potential buyers, affordability is improving, and the window of opportunity is wide open." 

Justin Moy, the managing director at EHF Mortgages, said: "Lenders are looking to grab some market share by the end of the year.

"Other lenders will likely want to make a similar move over the coming days to remain competitive." 

By James Sillars , business reporter

It's a fairly muted start to the day's trading, again, on financial markets.

The FTSE 100 has opened 10 points higher at 8,373.

Rolls-Royce, the civil aerospace-to-defence firm (not to be confused with the luxury motor car manufacturer), is leading the gainers.

Its shares rallied by 4% early this morning after a 6.5% decline the previous day.

That tumbled was in reaction to the apparent mid-air failure of one of its engines on a Cathay Pacific flight .

Analysts said that the share price recovery was down to an update from  the airline that the fleet affected should be back to full operation by the weekend.

A tweet Liam Gallagher wrote seven years ago criticising the eye-watering price of gig tickets has come back to haunt him.

His message, written in September 2017 about his older brother Noel, who was touring America with his band High Flying Birds at the time, read: "350 dollars to go and see rkid in USA what a c*** when will it all stop as you were LG x"

The tweet has resurfaced after dynamic pricing for Oasis's much-hyped reunion next year left fans - many of whom had spent hours queueing online - stunned after some standard tickets more than doubled in price from £148 to £355 on Ticketmaster due to demand.

X users pointed out the irony upon seeing the 2017 tweet, posting comments including, "Well this is evergreen", "What's your excuse for charging over 368 quid then?" and "Not ageing well, Liam".

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Using a phrase Liam adopts in his own social media comments, another fan wrote simply "BIBLICAL".

Hundreds of people have complained to the Advertising Standards Authority (ASA) over "misleading claims about availability and pricing".

In response, Sir Keir Starmer has said the government will get a "grip" on the issue of surge pricing, with Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy promising a consultation over the transparency and use of dynamic pricing, and the technology around queuing systems, to ensure fans don't get ripped off.

Yesterday we revealed that official reseller Twickets had lowered its fees after criticism from Oasis fans.

Scroll through today's Money blog for: Cheapest dates to go on holiday this year (6.42 post); how do you get free school meals (7.58 post); pay-per-mile tax proposed (7.38 post)

Basically, free school meals are aimed at making sure the country's more vulnerable youngsters don't go hungry while they're learning in their earlier years.

Children of certain ages automatically qualify without having to apply, but the rules differ across the four nations.

Children whose parents claim certain benefits or asylum support may also be eligible - though an application may be needed.

Free school meals without having to apply

In England, outside of London , all state school children in reception to year two automatically qualify for infant free school meals, while in the capital , all state primary school children up to age 11 qualify for the benefit in the 2024-25 academic year.

In Scotland , all state school children up to primary five (around four to nine years old) get the meals automatically. There are plans for this to be extended to pupils in receipt of the Scottish child payment in primary six and seven from February.

In Wales  all primary school children in state schools can get free meals from September.

Families who claim benefits

If your child falls outside the eligibility criteria for automatic free school meals, they'll still be able to benefit in certain circumstances.

Wherever you are in the UK, your child may be able to get free school meals if you get one or more of the following:

• Income support
• Universal credit
• Income-based jobseeker's allowance
• Income-related employment and support allowance
• Support under part six of the Immigration and Asylum Act 1999
• The guaranteed element of pension credit
• Child tax credit
• Working tax credit (Scotland and Northern Ireland)
• Working tax credit run-on England and Wales) – paid for four weeks after you stop qualifying for working tax credit

There's some specific criteria for families by devolved nation, which we'll break down below...

England and Wales

If you're claiming universal credit, your net household income must be less than £7,400 after tax, and not including any benefits.

Those receiving child tax credit must not also be entitled to working tax credit and must have an annual income of less than £16,190.

If you're classed as having no recourse to public funds - a type of condition placed on temporary visas in the UK - and the parents are able to work, they must have a household income of no more than:

• £22,700 for families outside of London with one child
• £26,300 for families outside of London with two or more children
• £31,200 for families within London with one child
• £34,800 for families within London with two or more children

People claiming universal credit in Scotland must have a household monthly income of no more than £796 (£9,552 per year) to qualify for free school meals. 

Families on child tax credit, but not working tax credit, can get the meals if they earn less than £19,995. For those on both benefits, their income must be no more than £9,552.

Northern Ireland

You may be able to claim free school meals in Northern Ireland if you receive universal credit and your post-tax earnings are £15,000 or less per year.

If you get child tax credit or working tax credit, you can still get free school meals on an annual income of up to £16,190.

How can I claim the meals?

In England, Wales and Scotland, you apply to your local council.

The UK government website has a local authority postcode checker here , which directs you to the council running services in your area. There are similar tools on the Scottish and Welsh government websites.

In Northern Ireland, you can use this form to apply directly to the government.

How many children are eligible - and how much does it cost? 

According to the latest data from the Department for Education, 2.1 million pupils were eligible for free school meals in the 2023-24 academic year - 24.6% of pupils. This was a rise from 23.8% the year before.

According to the London mayor's office, it's estimated that school meals cost £13.25 per week - or £2.65 meal - on average.

It says its free school meals offer for all state-educated primary school children in the capital saves parents around £500 per year.

According to a 2023 report from the IFS, the current system of free school meals in England – both means-tested and universal provision – costs the government around £1.4bn a year.

But separate research from the Food Foundation found that expanding free school meal eligibility to all primary school students could generate around £41bn in direct benefits to students and a further £58bn to the wider economy over 20 years.

Read other entries in our Basically series.. .

Tax receipts from petrol and diesel duty bring in £25bn for the Treasury each year - and questions have been raised about what happens as more drivers go electric.

Today, the public transport charity Campaign for Better Transport (CBT) is proposing that drivers of zero-emission vehicles (ZEVs), such as electric cars, should be charged based on how far they travel.

They are asking Chancellor Rachel Reeves to impose the pay-per-mile scheme, saying it's the solution to a "black hole" that will be created by the loss of fuel duty.

The scheme would not apply to drivers of traditionally fuelled cars.

Under the plan, drivers with a ZEV before the implementation date would be exempt, incentivising the switch to electric vehicles.

Previous governments have found the prospect of introducing per-mile charges - known as road pricing - to be too politically toxic.

But CBT claims it would have public support.

Let us know your thoughts in the comments box - and read more on this story here ...

Summer may be edging towards the rear-view mirror, but that doesn't mean Britons are turning their back on sunshine. 

With many looking to sort an autumn holiday, Expedia has taken a look at the best times to fly and book hotels - with savings of up to £120 if you are savvy. 

Its data is based on average daily rates for lodging and flight prices between 22 September and 21 December this year.

When to book flights for

• Cheapest : 22, 23 or 24 September
• Least busy : 10 or 17 December
• Most expensive : 19, 20 or 21 December
• Busiest : 20 and 21 October

"For the best deals, travellers should look to book their flights 14 to 20 days before travel, saving them on average £120 compared to booking 91 days or more out, or saving £60 compared to booking 60-90 days out," Expedia says. 

"Target the 22-29 September for travel, when average ticket prices (ATPs) for flights are shaping up to be nearly £100 cheaper than the autumn average, and £50 cheaper than summer ATPs."

When to  book a hotel

• Cheapest : 20 November or 11 December
• Most expensive : 14 or 21 October
• Busiest : 23 October or 25 September

"For hotel stays, target the 3-9 November, when average daily rates are £15 cheaper per night than the seasonal average and summer stays," Expedia says. 

The holiday booking site says the most popular autumn destinations have remained largely the same as last year based on the largest number of hotel searches...

• New York, USA
• Paris, France
• Edinburgh, Scotland
• Amsterdam, Netherlands
• Manchester, UK
• Tenerife, Spain
• Birmingham, UK
• Rome, Italy

Despite this, Expedia says savvy Britons are searching out "under the radar" getaway spots.

"Flight searches have surged for Brits looking to discover new, under-the-radar European cities this autumn, such as Tirana (+95%) in Albania and Bucharest (+70%) in Romania, as Brits look to stretch their budgets further by looking outside the popular city break hotspots."

The top 10 destinations with the biggest search increases are:

• Saint Malo, France
• Didim, Turkey
• Syracuse, Italy
• Beijing, China 
• Palermo, Italy
• Tromso, Norway 
• Brescia, Italy 
• Poznan, Poland
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• Ischia, Italy

The Money blog will return shortly - meantime, why not scroll through some of our best and most popular features below...

Despite traditionally being an affordable staple of British cuisine, the average price for a portion of fish and chips has risen by more than 50% in the past five years to nearly £10, according to the Office for National Statistics.

Sonny and Shane "the codfather" Lee told Sky News of the challenges that owning J-Henry's Fish and Chip Shop brings and why prices have skyrocketed. 

"Potatoes, fish, utilities, cooking oil - so many things [are going up]," he said. 

Shane also said that he is used to one thing at a time increasing in price, but the outlook today sees multiple costs going up all at once.  

"Potatoes [were] priced right up to about £25 a bag - the previous year it was about £10 a bag," Sonny said, noting a bad harvest last year. 

He said the business had tried hake as a cheaper fish option, but that consumers continued to prefer the more traditional, but expensive, cod and haddock. 

"It's hard and we can we can absorb the cost to a certain extent, but some of it has to be passed on," Shane added. 

After a long Saturday for millions of Oasis fans in online queues, the culture secretary says surge pricing - which pushed the price of some tickets up by three times their original advertised value to nearly £400 - will be part of the government's review of the ticket market. 

On today's episode of the Daily podcast, host Niall Paterson speaks to secondary ticketing site Viagogo. While it wasn’t part of dynamic pricing, it has offered resale tickets for thousands of pounds since Saturday. 

Matt Drew from the company accepts the industry needs a full review, while Adam Webb, from the campaign group FanFair Alliance, explains the changes it would like to see.

We've covered the fallout of the Oasis sale extensively in the Money blog today - see the culture secretary's comments on the "utterly depressing" inflated pricing in our post at 6.37am, and Twickets, the official Oasis resale site, slammed by angry fans for its "ridiculous" added fees at 10.10am.

The growing backlash culminated in action from Twickets - the company said it would lower its charges after some fans had to pay more than £100 in extra fees for resale tickets (see post at 15.47).

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Driving Time Calculator

Driving time between two cities.

Travelmath helps you find the driving time based on actual directions for your road trip. You can find out how long it will take to drive between any two cities, airports, states, countries, or zip codes. This can also help you plan the best route to travel to your destination. Compare the results with the flight time calculator to see how much longer it might take to drive the distance instead of flying. You can also print out pages with a travel map.

You may want to search for the driving distance instead. Or if you're thinking about flying, make sure you compare flight times between airports. For a long road trip, check the cost calculator to see if it's within your budget.

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Road Trip Planning Made Easy

Create custom day trips, weekend getaways, and cross country adventures worldwide

Powerful features for planning your epic road trips (and the shorter adventures in between)

Unlimited stops.

Add unlimited stops and sub-stops. Combine your own stops with our pre-planned routes and recommended places of interest.

Smart Scheduling

By the minute, hour, or overnight, set preferences for each stop. Export your trip to your own Calendar.

Set Vehicle Type

Car, RV, camper trailer, truck, motorcycle, pulling a boat? Get a realistic estimate of driving time. Adjust travel speed by percentages for each unique situation.

Divide Trips Into Days

Divide your trips into manageable driving days based on your custom settings by time or distance. And of course you can customize each day differently.

Route Preferences

Configure route preferences such as avoiding highways or tolls for each day or any segment of your trip.

Use Any Device

Plan trips from your desktop computer, iPad, Android tablet, and mobile phone with the same easy-to-use interface. No app to download or software to install.

Automated To Do List guides you through the road trip planning process.

Manage Your Budget

Track expenditures before you go and along the way. See a summary of expenses for entrance fees, activities, restaurants, and lodging, etc.

Gas Calculator

See the estimated fuel cost for your vehicle type.

EV Charging

Find EV charging stations along your route. Get reminders to recharge. Use Charging Ranges to display icons on the map where your vehicle will require recharging.

Export Options

We support Google Earth (KML), Garmin Communicator, BaseCamp and MapSource (GPX), Co-Pilot Live (TRP), Microsoft Streets and Trips, TomTom itineraries (ITN), TomTom Places of Interest (OV2), Comma Separated Files (CSV), and Tab Separated Files (TSV).

Directions on paper come in handy. Print your road trip with turn-by-turn maps and full directions, divided into your day-by-day itinerary.

Is This Really Free?

Yes! It is free to use our Scenic Drive Itineraries and Road Trip Planner. Please consider purchasing your National Park or National Forest passes on myscenicdrives.com.

Why Do I Need An Account?

A free account is only required for the Road Trip Planner, enabling you to create, edit, and save your trips. Your account is secure. We never share your information.

Do I Need to Download An App or Install Software?

No app or software is needed. myscenicdrives.com works in any browser. Simply go to myscenicdrives.com

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Estimate Your Car Journey

Estimating your car journey is crucial for several reasons, ensuring a smooth and stress-free travel experience:

• Accurate estimation helps you plan your departure and arrival times, allowing you to allocate sufficient time for breaks, meals, and potential delays due to traffic or weather conditions​
• By estimating the total distance and understanding your car’s fuel consumption , you can plan refueling stops efficiently, avoiding the risk of running out of fuel in remote areas​.
• Knowing the distance and fuel requirements helps you budget for your trip, considering not just fuel but also tolls, accommodation, and food expenses along the way​.
• Estimation allows you to plan rest stops, reducing the risk of driver fatigue, which is a significant factor in road accidents. It also helps in anticipating hazardous road conditions and planning routes accordingly​.
• Estimating your journey enables you to choose the most efficient or scenic routes, depending on your preferences. It also helps in identifying potential points of interest and amenities along the way​.
• With a clear estimation, you can prepare for emergencies by packing necessary supplies, such as food, water, and a first aid kit, ensuring you’re ready for any unforeseen circumstances​.

By carefully estimating your car journey, you ensure a well-organized trip, optimizing time and resources while enhancing overall safety and comfort.

Some Recommended Articles For You

• Best Comfortable Car For Long Distance Driving
• How To Travel Long Distance With An Electric Car
• 5 Most Common Distracted Driving Habits: You should avoid
• When You Can Travel With A Newborn By Car
• How To Travel With A Cat By Car

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Route planner

Hitting a UK road / French route / German stra ß e?

Wherever the stra ß e takes you, we’ve got you covered .

You’ve got your route covered .

Now, what about your vehicle?

Route? Check .

Passport? Check .

Breakdown cover? Check it out .

If you’ve got a journey ahead, whether it’s small or large, the Green Flag Route Planner can help you get there with minimal fuss.

The route planner isn’t limited to the UK. You can get accurate directions across Europe. Remember that European breakdown is worth considering if you’re heading to the continent, because repairs and getting back can be costly and ruin your trip.

Once you enter your start point and destination the route finder will map out the best routes for your journey, giving you an estimation of time and an accurate mileage count. It’s easy to add waypoints, so if you know you need to take a detour en route then you don’t need to workout separate journeys.

The route planner will give you a list of directions to your destination, and each individual direction has its own mileage, helping you to keep on track and stay clear of wrong turnings.

Before you head out make sure you’re covered with breakdown cover so you can get back on the road if anything should happen on the way.

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Get directions and show routes

Report wrong directions

You can get directions for driving, public transport, walking, ride sharing, cycling, flights or motorcycling on Google Maps. If there are multiple routes, the best route to your destination is blue, all other routes are grey. Some directions in Google Maps are in development and may have limited availability. 

Important: Stay alert when you use directions on Google Maps. Always be aware of your surroundings to ensure the safety of yourself and others. When in doubt, follow actual traffic regulations and confirm signage from the road or path that you’re on.

• On your computer, open Google Maps .

• Click points on the map, type an address or add a place name.

Tip: To choose another route in any transportation mode, select it on the map. Each route shows the estimated travel time on the map.

Google Maps transportation modes

You can get directions for different modes of transportation in Google Maps. Learn about the differences in features and availability between each mode:

• If you want to change a driving route, click and hold a spot on the route and drag it to a new spot on the map.
• Not all cities have public transport directions in Google Maps. Before you can get public transport directions, your local transport operator needs to add their route info to Google Maps.
• If you want directions in an area with ride or taxi services, you can compare ride services with public transport and walking directions. Find out how to request a ride .
• Directions to multiple destinations, or waypoints, aren’t available for public transport or flight searches.
• Learn more about how to search for flights .
• Learn how to get directions for motorcycles .

Add multiple destinations

You can get directions to multiple destinations for all modes of transportation except public transport or flight.

• To edit your starting point, at the top, click Your location .

• You can add up to nine stops, which includes the final destination.
• To get directions, click on a route.

Tip : You can search for places along your route.

To change the order of your stops: 

• Find the destination that you want to move. 
• Drag the destination.

Preview directions in Street View

• On your computer, under the route you want, click Details.

• Point to a step in the directions. If Street View is available, you get a preview photo.
• To get Street View for other steps in the route, in the bottom-left box, click Previous step or Next step.

Customise your route

• Choose Options .
• Tick the box next to 'Tolls' or 'Motorways'.
• Get directions.
• After you get your directions, click Leave now .
• To change your travel dates or times, select Depart at or Arrive by .

Related resources

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• Plan your commute or trip

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Pair with your favorite music app, voice assistance feature, or even your car itself.

Schedule your drive around traffic

Once your trip is saved, sit back and relax. We’ll notify you when it’s time to leave.

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Distance Calculator Between Cities for Precise Driving Distances

Efficiently find the distance between cities, including driving distances, estimated travel times, and detailed route maps for any journey in the USA, from cross-country adventures to short drives.

This distance calculator, covering the United States, North America, and worldwide, simplifies your travel planning. Enter your start and end points in the "From" and "To" fields — accepting city names, addresses, or GPS coordinates — and click "Calculate" to get started.

Customize your journey with "Fuel consumption" and "Fuel price" for cost estimates, and use the crosshair icon for map selections. Dive into "Advanced options" to add stops or adjust speeds, tailoring the trip to your pace and ensuring accurate travel time predictions.

Driving Distance Between Two Cities: US Route Examples

• Distance from Dallas to Houston
• Distance from Austin to Houston
• Distance from Seattle to Portland
• Distance from Dallas to San Antonio
• Distance from San Francisco to Sacramento
• Distance from San Francisco to San Diego
• Distance from Dallas to Chicago
• Distance from Houston to New Orleans
• Distance from Denver to Chicago
• Distance from New York to Chicago

Route Planner for Estimating Distance Between Two Points

Family Vacation Planning : Families planning summer vacations can use the distance calculator to plan their route, estimate fuel costs based on their car's fuel consumption, and calculate budget needs, ensuring a cost-effective and enjoyable journey.

Business Travel Optimization : Professionals can plot the most efficient routes for their business trips, incorporating distance calculations to manage time effectively and budget for travel expenses accurately.

Logistics and Freight Management : Long-haul truckers and freight forwarders can utilize the tool to map out routes between cities, estimate mileage, and calculate transportation costs based on company tariffs, optimizing delivery schedules and pricing.

Meeting Halfway : Friends living in different cities can find a central meeting point by calculating the halfway distance between their locations, making it easier to arrange reunions and share new adventures together.

Explore Functions of the City-to-City Distance Calculator

City distances evolve annually with the construction of new roads, highways, and bridges.

Our online Distance Between Cities Calculator complements your preferred GPS navigator by allowing you to map out your route in advance, while your GPS assists during the drive.

The calculator utilizes OSM data and incorporates key Google Maps functionalities, including:

• Viewing distances and routes on a map for a comprehensive journey overview.
• Interactive map features like zoom, drag-and-drop, and full-screen mode.
• Route customization by adjusting markers directly on the map or adding stops via addresses.
• Distance calculations in either kilometers or miles, with unit preferences adjustable in the menu.

Exclusive features of our calculator include:

• The ability to print, save as PDF/PNG, or export routes to GIS and GPS formats such as GPX, KML, and GeoJSON .
• A route scheme offering a sequence of cities and timing for passing intermediate cities, an efficient alternative to detailed turn-by-turn directions for long distances.
• Fuel cost estimation adaptable to various fuel types. Just input your vehicle's fuel efficiency.
• Capability to generate distance matrices, savable in Excel format, for comprehensive planning.

USA, North America, and Worldwide Coverage

138,192 localities covered in United States. 1,971,411 localities worldwide.

This service measures the distance between cities around the world and is available in several languages:

• English ca.drivebestway.com Canada Mileage Calculator
• Spanish mx.mejoresrutas.com Traza tu ruta por México
• Portuguese www.melhoresrotas.com Calculadora de distância entre cidades do Brasil
• English au.drivebestway.com Aussie Distance Calculator
• English gb.drivebestway.com UK Road Distance Calculator
• Spanish espana.mejoresrutas.com Calcular ruta entre ciudades españolas
• Spanish argentina.mejoresrutas.com Calcular distancia entre ciudades argentinas
• Spanish colombia.mejoresrutas.com Calcular distancia entre ciudades colombianas
• Spanish usa.mejoresrutas.com Calcular distancia entre ciudades de EE. UU.
• Spanish chile.mejoresrutas.com Calcular km entre ciudades chilenas
• Spanish peru.mejoresrutas.com Distancia entre dos puntos en Perú
• Spanish venezuela.mejoresrutas.com Distancia entre dos puntos en Venezuela
• Spanish brasil.mejoresrutas.com Distancia entre ciudades brasileñas
• Portuguese pt.melhoresrotas.com Calculadora de distância entre cidades em Portugal
• French www.bonnesroutes.com Calculateur de distance France
• French ca.bonnesroutes.com Calculateur de distance Canadien
• German www.besterouten.com Routenplaner Deutschland
• Polish www.najlepszetrasy.com Kalkulator odległości drogowych w Polsce
• Czech www.dobracesta.com Kalkulačka vzdálenosti mezi českými městy
• Italian www.percorsomigliore.com Calcola distanze chilometriche in Italia
• Malay www.pandujalanterbaik.com Pengiraan jarak antara bandar di Malaysia
• Dutch www.besteroutes.com Afstand meten in Nederland
• Turkish www.duzgunyolusec.com Türkiye şehirler arası mesafe hesaplama
• Dutch be.besteroutes.com Afstand berekenen tussen Belgische steden
• French be.bonnesroutes.com Calculateur de distance belge
• French ch.bonnesroutes.com Calculateur de distance Suisse
• German ch.besterouten.com Routenplaner Schweiz
• German at.besterouten.com Routenplaner Österreich

How Driving Distance Is Calculated Between Two Locations

Algorithm for calculating driving distances between cities.

This route calculation tool harnesses the power of shortest path search algorithms within a weighted road graph, employing sophisticated algorithms like Dijkstra, A-Star, and Contraction Hierarchies . Unlike conventional calculators that use distance or travel time as the graph weight, our system optimizes drive time for vehicles, favoring routes on higher-class roads for a smoother journey.

The backbone of this tool is built on OpenStreetMap data, ensuring our road graphs are accurate and up-to-date. We calculate distances between road segments with the haversine formula , using precise GPS coordinates to measure the Great Circle Distance. This formula is pivotal for calculating "air distance" or "straight line distance" between two points, taking into account the curvature of the Earth.

Road distances, however, diverge from straight line distances due to the natural curvature and layout of roads . To address this, roads are represented as segmented lines, and the haversine formula is applied to each segment, allowing for precise calculation of the journey length between any two points.

Recognizing that cities encompass large areas, our tool selects a central point within each city for distance calculations between cities. For personalized route planning, users can specify exact addresses or select points on the map. Additionally, the route's start and end points can be adjusted directly on the map for enhanced customization.

Travel time calculations break down the route into segments, evaluating the maximum permitted speed for each segment to estimate the fastest possible travel time.

It’s important to note that while our route calculation relies on advanced computer modeling for accuracy, no model is perfect. We encourage users to plan with a margin for adjustment to ensure a reliable and efficient journey.

Alternative Methods for Distance Calculation Between Two Addresses

One simple way to measure distance is by using a highway atlas. By tracing a route with your eye and rolling a curvimeter along it, you can gauge the distance. Estimating travel time involves assuming an average speed of 50 miles/hour on major intercity roads. Although this method provides rough estimates, it's straightforward.

In the absence of a curvimeter, a ruler can serve as a substitute. Start by aligning the ruler's zero mark with your route's beginning and follow the road's bends closely. Then, translate the measured length into kilometers or miles using the map's scale, which is typically provided in the atlas.

For those seeking a more streamlined approach, pre-calculated distance tables specifically for the USA are available on websites, atlases, and guidebooks. Particularly useful for journeys between major cities, these tables streamline planning, although they may omit smaller locales.

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