WNJ Travels Archives - Whitney Nic James

#WNJDrives | 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander #DriveMitsubishi

September 9, 2015 by Whitney 3 Comments

For most of the summer I’ve had the pleasure of test driving several different cars. Hubs and I are not in the market for a new car, however we don’t mind test driving for future reference. Also since we were moving this summer, the cars I’ve been able to drive have been spacious enough for us to pack and load up during the move. Last week this cute red 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander SE S-AWC Premium was my companion. It was the perfect ride for everyday errands, last minute packing, and a few back and forth rides to D.C.

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander

At first glace I was smitten with this cute car. Once I opened the doors and saw all the space, I was even more pleased. The last row of seats folds down to make for even more space, which came in very handy when we picked up our new bed-frame! I was also impressed with the sound-system and the Sirius radio capabilities. I went from The Heat to the Heart & Soul stations the entire time the car was in my possession.

2015 Mitsubishi Outlander car review, thanks to @mitsucars and @driveshop! #DriveMitsubishi

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Overall I had a good experience while driving the car, but I must be honest and say the car was not as smooth as the others I’ve driven this summer. I felt a lot of the bumps and turns on the highway while commuting. Hubby and little sis both agreed and while it wasn’t bad enough for me to stop driving the car, it was a bit disheartening. However the following additions (available when purchasing the SE S-AWC Premium) made up it for the bumps along the way:

power glass sunroof with tilt and slide function
leather seating surfaces
power driver’s seat with (back) seat pocket
wood grain interior trim panels

So tell me, have you ever driven the 2015 Mitsubishi Outlander SE S-AWC Premium? If not, what car do you currently drive? Let me know!

As always thanks for reading and commenting. I’ll be back with one more car review this month (next week). I have a car being sent for my Blogalicious trip this weekend, so be sure to look out for that recap and car review. Until next time, be blessed and be safe!

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* Drive Shop USA provided me with this vehicle to test drive. All opinions are my own. *

#WNJDrves | Road Trip Essentials + Traveling with the 2015 Kia Optima SX

June 9, 2015 by Whitney 17 Comments

My husband and I are on the road at least two weekends a month. Often, we’re road tripping to Delaware to visit Darrius’ side of the family. That’s exactly where we were this weekend; we had a great time! Our niece graduated from high school Saturday, so of course, we were front and center, cheering her on and showing our support. Without hesitation, we loaded up the 2015 Kia Optima SX, as well as our road trip essentials.

A reliable and safe car is the #1 must-have when traveling on a road trip. This Remington Red Kia was just that! One of my favorite features was the rear-view camera; it’s beneficial when parking and backing out of a parking space. The power-folding outside mirrors also came in handy while traveling. The mirrors alert you by blinking and making a faint beeping sound to tell you when it’s safe to make a move. This feature is one I’d like to see in all cars; it’s so necessary!

Must have road-trip essentials. #wnjdrives

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Another remarkable feature is the Infinity sound system. Cruising with music while road tripping is a must, and the sound system in the 2015 Optima is on point! From my homemade mix CD’s to the radio to Sirus XM, hubby and I grooved the entire time. The sound pouring from the speakers is crisp, and I could even listen to my iPhone playlists through the speakers.

2015 Kia Optima SX

Aside from a safe and reliable car and good music, here are my five must-have road trip essentials:

1. Sunglasses | When traveling, sunnies need to be on deck, especially during the summer months. Sun visors in the car can help, but wearing sunnies is better and much more stylish.

2. Hand Sanitizer | Eating and snacking on the road is a must, so be sure to pack some hand sanitizer (or wet wipes) to keep those hands nice and clean. The mini ones are great to keep in your glove compartment!

3. Phone Charger(s) | Separate phone chargers, yes, please! There’s nothing worse than your phone dying while traveling—pack at least two phone chargers, as well as an extra wall charger piece. If you have a portable charger, throw that in the bag too. Charging your phone, iPod, and other electronic devices is a must. You can never be too prepared, so pack extras!

Road Trip Essentials - 2015 Kia Optima SX

Spacious Trunk Space!

Rear-view Camera

4. Cash and Coins | If you don’t have an EZ-Pass, you need change for the tolls. Carrying $1 bills, a few $5’s and $10’s is always a good idea. Also, bring a couple of quarters and some other silver coins too. If you stop at a gas station for gas or snacks, it’s always better to pay with cash. Keep the transactions simple and quick.

5. Feminine Products | Every woman should have a few extra feminine care products to take on a road trip. You never know when you may need them, trust me.

So tell me, what are your road trip essentials? Have you ever driven a Kia? Let me know!

Thanks for reading and until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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* Drive Shop USA provided me with this vehicle to test drive. All opinions are my own. *

#WNJTravels | Home 2 Suites by Hilton, Dover DE

April 15, 2015 by Whitney 6 Comments

Last month hubby and I traveled to Dover, Delaware to visit his family. Being the hospitality expert and professional he is, I usually leave the hotel accommodations to the him. For this trip, he planned for us to stay at the new Home 2 Suites by Hilton and I was really impressed. Not only was the hotel clean, but the staff was friendly, helpful and very accommodating.

Only a few miles from Dover Downs Casino, the hotel is located right on DuPont Highway. I immediately got a modern and eco-friendly feeling when we arrived. The front desk area and lobby was clean, bright and inviting. The front desk agent let us know that breakfast and WiFi was complimentary and that each room was a suite with a full kitchenette. We didn’t get a chance to go for a swim, but the hotel also has an indoor saline pool and a gym.

The next time you’re in Delaware, be sure to stay at the @Home2Suites in Dover! #wnjtravels

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Entering the suite was delightful as well. I was intrigued with the wall paper, room decor and cleanliness of the rooms. I also liked the separation of the bedroom and living area. There was a sturdy curtain-like divider hanging from the ceiling that separated the bed from the lounge area – a perfect feature for families with smaller children. Speaking of the bed, let’s just say I sunk into the covers and fluffy pillows and fell asleep without hesitation. The desk area was spacious enough for a laptop and mini work station setup; another bonus and great for those guests traveling for work.

So tell me, have you stayed at a Home 2 Suites by Hilton before? What do you think about the pics and review? Let me know!

All in all, the trip itself was enjoyable and the hotel stay was wonderful. There’s no place like home, but staying somewhere like Home 2 Suites made me feel comfortable and “at home like”. With the mini kitchenette, room divider and other accommodations I would suggest this hotel brand to those who want that home-like feeling while traveling. I’m sure you’ll love it! Until next time, be blessed and stay safe…XO!

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