With a little bit of planning, you can avoid a lot of blood-pressure-raising traffic messes.
You will need

*Time to plan
* Traffic reports
* GPS service (optional)

Avoid rush hour : If at all possible, don’t drive from six to ten in the morning and between four and seven at night.

Plan ahead : Plan your route ahead of time. If you’re traveling during a peak time, you may want to use back roads instead of crowded highways.Online driving-direction sites often let you choose a “no highway” option.

Know alternatives : When planning your route, research two or three alternate routes in case there’s a traffic tie-up.Familiarize yourself with how roads connect with your primary and alternative routes in case you have to make a change while driving.

Get traffic updates : Check traffic reports just before you hit the road and adjust your route accordingly. Many major cities have updated traffic information available for free over the Internet.

Listen to the radio : Local radio stations often provide traffic updates on a regular basis. Tuning in to these updates can help navigate traffic jams as they happen.GPS-based devices and services available to many mobile phones can keep you informed about traffic problems lurking ahead.

Take the train : Switch to public transportation whenever you can. You’ll save money, aggravation, and the environment—and you can read the paper—all at once!

The average person spends 47 hours a year stuck in traffic! You may not be able to get that number down, but you can find ways to better handle the time.

You Will Need

* Books on tape
* And air freshener
* Popcorn (optional)
* Carpooling buddies (optional)

Tighten your grip : Squeezing a rubber stress ball is a proven tension reliever. But don’t bother with the ball—what else are you using that steering wheel for? Just clutch it tightly, hold for five seconds, then release. Repeat until you’re relaxed. This also focuses you on something besides the traffic.

Take the scenic route : If possible, choose routes with lots of greenery. Research shows that drivers surrounded by greenery become less upset by traffic than those on sterile roads.Keep popcorn in your car for aggravating stop-and-go traffic. Eating one kernel at a time occupies your mind while the carbs calm you down. Be sure to buy the healthy air-popped kind.

Listen to books on tape : People who listen to audio books feel less aggressive and tense in traffic than those who listen to music—even slow, relaxing tunes. In one study, book listeners were not only less irritable when other vehicles cut them off, but they drove more slowly and carefully.Listen to mysteries and page-turners. You’ll get so wrapped up in the plot you may not even mind being stuck in traffic!

Use air freshener : Use air fresheners in your car. The scent of citrus boosts mood, while vanilla and lavender keep you calm.

Sing : Singing in your car won’t just get your mind off the traffic—it also changes your breathing pattern, which in turn lowers stress levels by slowing the heart rate and calming the nervous system.
Consider carpooling : Consider carpooling. Not only does it allow you access to carpool-only lanes, but research shows that drivers with passengers are less susceptible to road rage, because they’re not as focused on the stopped traffic.

Unless you own a rickshaw and Emeril owes you a favor, this is as good as a speedy meal can get.

You Will Need

* Heavy duty aluminum foil
* Cooking spray, butter, or oil
* Food of your choice
* And an oven mitt and/or tongs
* Wire (optional)

Find engine's hot spot : Find a hot spot on your car's engine by driving it a few miles and then seeing which sections are the warmest.Metal sections are best, especially the radiator.

Determine what to cook :Figure out what you can cook in the amount of time you'll be driving. Based on a speed of 65 mph, shrimp takes about 35 miles; salmon fillets, 40 miles; boneless, skinless chicken breasts, 60 miles; pork tenderloin, 200 to 300 miles.Fish and chicken are your best bets, as meat takes longer and can get tough.

Stack foil : Place several pieces of heavy-duty aluminum foil on top of each other.It's better to err on the side of too much foil than too little.

Coat foil : Spray or spread butter or cooking oil on the top sheet, so that the food won't stick.

Center food on foil : Place an individual serving in the center of the foil, and top with thinly-sliced veggies and whatever spices you like.

Drizzle : Drizzle the food with a small amount of wine or cooking oil.If you top your entire with lemon juice or slices, make sure the package is tightly wrapped, because leaking lemon juice can corrode the engine.

Fold up foil : Fold the foil as if you were wrapping a gift box.

Secure foil on engine : Secure the pack on the engine so it doesn't end up on the road. Use wire as needed.Test the packs security by closing and then reopening the hood. If the top is untouched, add some wadded-up foil.

Remove & eat : After the estimated cooking-drive time, remove the food pack with an oven mitt or tongs. If youre at your destination but your meal is undercooked, re-start the car in a well-ventilated place and let the engine idle until the food is done.

Whether you have to move into your car or you want to, there are some bases you need to cover.

You Will Need

* Pillows
* Blankets or a sleeping bag
* A cooler
* A camp stove
* A voltage converter
* Access to restrooms
* Places to park overnight
* A hot-water bottle

Furnish your car : Furnish your car with blankets (at least one made of wool, for warmth); a couple of pillows; a cooler; a camp stove; and a voltage converter so you can power appliances with your cigarette lighter.Consider removing the passenger and rear seats for more room.

Know where to park at night : Know where you can park at night. Trucker areas off the interstate are usually safe, as are hospital parking lots. Wal-Mart allows RV’s and cars to park in their lots overnight.Never park near a school. Someone is sure to call the authorities.

Find restrooms : Shopping malls, supermarkets, and hospitals are good places to wash up. For a shower, go to a truck stop and ask around for a shower coupon; truckers usually have more than they need and are happy to give some away.If you can scrape together the monthly fee, a gym membership will allow you to shower regularly and stay clean.

Gas up off hours : Buy gas off-hours at stations with convenience stores. When you go to pay, ask if you can use the microwave to nuke a meal, like a baked potato or a frozen entrée.

Stock non-perishables : Stock up on foods that are nutritious and don’t require refrigeration, such as peanut butter, beans, and cereals. Stay warm in winter, cool in summer : Stay warm in winter with the help of a hot water bottle; stay cool in summer by parking in the shade and spending the hottest part of the day — noon to two — in someplace air conditioned, like the library or mall.