A cracked windscreen can be a real pain. Not only does it obstruct your view while driving, but it can also lead to a hefty fine if caught by the police. This article will explore the rules and risks associated with driving with a cracked windscreen. We’ll also provide some tips on how to deal with this type of damage.
A crack in your windshield is more than just an aesthetic problem, and it can also be dangerous. If the crack is big enough, it can obstruct your view while driving and make it difficult to see other cars or obstacles on the road. In some cases, cracks can even cause the windshield to shatter completely. Here’s what you need to know about driving with a cracked windshield.
Rules and Risks of Driving With a Cracked Windshield
It is technically legal to drive with a cracked windshield in the UK, but that doesn’t mean it’s safe. If your windscreen is damaged, it could impact your ability to see properly while driving, which increases the risk of accidents. Even if the crack is small, it can still cause problems. For example, if sunlight hits the crack at just the right angle, it can create a glare that makes it difficult to see.
The Consequences of Driving With a Damaged Windscreen
If you’re involved in an accident and police determine that your damaged windscreen was a contributing factor, you could be fined and even lose your licence. In addition, if the other driver sues you for damages, your insurance company could refuse to pay out because you were driving with a cracked windshield.
How to Deal With a Damaged Windscreen
If your windscreen is damaged, you should first get it repaired or replaced as soon as possible. Driving with a cracked windshield is not only dangerous, but it’s also against the law. Depending on the severity of the damage, repairs may be all that is needed. However, if the crack is large or extends across the entire windscreen, you’ll likely need to replace it altogether.
When Should You Replace Your Windscreen?
In most cases, cracks can be repaired. However, if the crack is more than three inches long or if it’s located in the driver’s line of sight, you’ll need to do a Windscreen Replacement.
Tips for Maintaining Your Windscreen
To help prevent damage to your windscreen, always avoid driving on rough roads and be careful when parking. In addition, have your windscreen inspected regularly and fix any chips or cracks as soon as possible. Taking these precautions can help keep your windscreen in good condition and reduce the risk of accidents.
Driving with a cracked windshield is dangerous and against the law. If your windscreen is damaged, get it repaired or replaced immediately. Inspect your windscreen regularly and fix any chips or cracks as soon as they appear. Taking these precautions can help keep your windscreen in good condition and reduce the risk of accidents.
Small and totally mighty, Rhode Island is one of the gorgeous spots on the east coast that’s totally amazing to explore! From picturesque bays, historic towns and museums galore, there’s a heap of the best things to do in Rhode Island dotted all across the state.
We totally loved our trip to Rhode Island, especially Providence that is so lovely to visit. That being said, there’s no need to just confine yourself to one state whilst in the region. Whilst here, we tagged on a trip around Massachusetts best places and had the most amazing time in Boston, too.
So, to help you get the most out of your trip around Rhode Island, I wanted to share our top spots that we fell in love with. Some are nature-based, others involve the quaint little towns; but whatever the case, I’m sure you’ll find a shed load to fall head over heels with!
Take a look, below, at the best things to do in Rhode Island. Enjoy your time exploring the east coast.
1.) Newport
Nestled on the shores of Aquidneck Island, Newport is a thriving little city that’s beautiful to visit. Easily reached by a number of bridges connecting the island, it’s the kind of place that’s well worth visiting for a day (or two) when road tripping the east coast.
Once you arrive, be sure to check out Ochre Point Avenue and The Breakers, a vast Vanderbilt mansion that’s too amazing to miss. Built back in the 1800s, it was symbolic of the Vanderbilt’s wealth. And it even shows to this day.
With around 70 rooms and a colossal three-story dining room that’s a total masterpiece. The whole mansion is a work of art!
Afterwards, step out of The Breakers and follow the iconic Cliff Walk that heads around the shoreline and bays here. The views from here are totally stunning and it’s such a gorgeous spot to visit later in the afternoon when the sun dips a little lower.
Love your mansions and ornate architecture? Then make sure to stick around the Bellevue Avenue Mansions. This area of Newport is famed for its stunning buildings and you can find them all spread between the ocean and Bellevue. It’s lovely.
Be sure to visit the iconic Rosecliff Mansion, Marble House and don’t forget about The Elms, too.
The latter is another gem of a mansion and one of the best things to do in Rhode Island to explore the regions iconic houses.
Commissioned by Edward J. Berwind in the middle of the 18th century, it’s the kind of place that’s filled with French influences. Plus, the classical revival gardens are just too good to miss.
After that opulence, pop over to Fort Adams State Park and find out more about this fort that dates all the way back to the 1800s.
Finally, make sure to visit the White Horse Tavern which is the oldest (still operating) tavern in all the United States. Dating back from 1673, it’s a spot that’s incredible to spot for dinner. Their seasonal menu is so tasty; and so is their New England clam chowder for that matter!
Easily reached by boat (from this spot) at Point Judith, Dock Island is a totally fun island adventure for a day trip whilst in Rhode Island. Taking the Block Island Ferry, you’ll arrive on Block Island in no time at all.
Your first port of call will naturally be New Shoreham. From here, you’ll be able to grab a tasty bite at Kimberly’s (for their lobster, mac and cheese) before heading the gorgeous coastline around Mohegan Bluffs.
If it’s a beach you’re after, head over to Mansion Beach before finishing your day off with a hike around North Lighthouse. It’s just blissful.
Another gem on Aquidneck Island, visiting Sachuest Bay is one of the best things to do in Rhode Island for any beach bum.
You see, Second Beach is a sandy paradise that you really can’t miss in summer. Within easy reach of Newport, it’s well worth a gander for a more relaxing day. Plus, you’ll get one of the best sunsets in Rhode Island from here.
If you’ve got time (and extra energy to burn) pop on the gorgeous trails around the Sachuest Point National Wildlife Refuge.
They’re so peaceful and incredible on a blustery day when the waves are crashing against the shore. I love that sound so much!
Our first real port-of-call in the state, visiting Providence is one of the best things to do in Rhode Island for a lovely city break. With a young vibe, it’s the kind of capital city that’s got a little something for every taste.
Once here, be sure to check out the RISD Museum of Art that’s too good to miss! Part of the Islands School of Design is known for its vast collections that are just incredible. From collections of contemporary textiles, ancient Egyptian clothing to 20th-century designers, it’s the kind of place that you can easily spend a few hours exploring.
Afterwards, head across to WaterFire, an iconic Rhode Island sculpture created by Barnaby Evans. With four acres of Riverwalk and Water Place to explore, it’s a perfect place for a stroll on a warm evening. Plus, there are heaps of street vendors that operate seasonally, too.
For a yummy treat, head into Bolt Coffee Co. for one of their fluffy doughnuts (and great coffee). I tell you, you’ll want more than one!
Just beyond Jamestown, Beavertail State Park is a gem to visit along Rhode Island’s impressive shoreline. The whole area is totally stunning though my favourite point has to be Beavertail Lighthouse Museum.
The hikes here are just amazing and the lighthouse is just iconic. In fact, I think it might be my favourite in all of Rhode Island.
6.) Narragansett Bay
Ah, okay, so Narragansett Bay is a total gem to explore whilst in Rhode Island and kinda hard to miss! You see, it takes in some big spots like Newport, Providence and Warwick which all line its shore.
In the summer, make sure to head for Narragansett Town Beach. It’s a stunner of shoreline and there’s a heap of little foodie stalls and ice cream stops all along the coast.
Plus, nearby, it’s The Towers that stand iconically overlooking the town from the 1800s.
Oh, and don’t forget to visit Point Judith Lighthouse which’s totally nearby, too. It’s a stunner of a place for a stroll and to take in the views of the wider Narragansett Bay.
Not too far from the border with Massachusetts, Bristol is a gorgeous little town that’s well worth a gander whilst exploring Rhode Island. Although relatively small, it’s the kind of place that’s great for a day trip (or a chilled out weekend).
After parking up be sure to visit some of the town’s most famous spots. Of course, you’ve got to explore Colt State Park which stretches over one of the most beautiful shorelines in New England.
Not only is a great for a ramble, but there’s also Coggeshall Farm Museum to visit, too.
Feeling like exploring more? Head over to Blithewold Mansion which’s located at 101 Ferry Road. Long ago, well 1908 to be exact, Blithewold was constructed for Augustus Van Wickle. It has a similar design to a 17th-century English country manor and is totally gorgeous to see.
With a whopping 45 rooms which were furnished with the family’s art collections, it’s the kind of spot that’s lovely to visit. Plus, the grounds are just stunning.
For some tasty local grub, head to Bristol Oyster Bar. Their oysters and grilled Atlantic salmon are so tasty.
Right on the fringes of New York state and Connecticut, Napatree is a great place to visit if you’re craving the great outdoors. With an unspoilt and protected spit of land, Napatree has a beach line walk that’s too good to miss.
The whole dunes area and the beach are just totally unspoilt and well worth visiting for a few hours stroll.
Plus, you can easily stop off at the nearby Olympia Tea Room that’s been around for over 100 years. They do a mean clam roast that you can’t miss.
Right on the shoreline, overlooking Providence River, Pomham Rocks Lighthouse has stood in Rhode Island for over 150 years!
To make your viewing easier, head over to this point that’ll give you some stunning vistas of the bay area.
Best of all, you can take tours of the lighthouse (around 2-hours in length) and learn much more about its history. Plus, the lantern room is pretty cool!
10.) Ocean Drive
Technically still part of Newport, Ocean Drive is a cosy little route that runs the rugged shore of the island itself. Although the drive won’t take you long at all, it’s one of the best things to do in Rhode Island if you haven’t had your fill of mansions yet.
If you are interested in moseying around some more, simply follow through Bellevue Avenue up to the end at Coggeshall Avenue. You can then continue on the left to go along the shore past Bailey’s Beach (that’s equally lovely). If you continue the next ten miles should take you to Gilded Age cottages. Though, they’re anything but traditional cottages!
As you continue, you will come to Brenton Point State Park which is a perfect scenic spot on a calm sunny day.
The cost of the average car insurance policy last month was 20.3% higher than a year before, according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics. According to Bloomberg, it’s the highest one-year increase in insurance costs since 1976.
The average 6-month policy started in December cost Americans $780.28.
Auto insurance showed a higher increase than any other element of the Consumer Price Index – the government’s primary measure of inflation. The index showed overall inflation of 3.4% over the same period.
Car insurance rates differ wildly by state, as state laws control liability in accidents.
Today’s increasingly high-tech cars often have expensive sensors in vulnerable places. The radar and lidar sensors that govern a smart cruise control system, for instance, need to sit on the exterior of a car to work properly. That leaves them susceptible to damage in even low-speed accidents.
Hurricane-prone Florida is the ultimate example. At least one prominent insurer – Farmers Insurance – recently elected to abandon the state entirely.
EVs More Expensive to Repair
Electric vehicles (EVs) are a small but growing percentage of the cars on American roads. Kelley Blue Book parent company Cox Automotive reports that 7.6% of the new cars Americans bought last year were electric – up from 5.8% in 2022 and 3.2% in 2021.
The 812 GTS stands as Ferrari’s ultimate naturally aspirated, front-engined V12 grand tourer, with only 500 units ever produced. Unveiled in September 2019, the Ferrari 812 GTS is the open-top variant of the 812 Superfast, allowing enthusiasts unrestricted access to the symphony produced by its massive V12 engine.
Boasting one of Ferrari’s finest modern engines, the 6.5-liter naturally aspirated unit delivers an impressive 789 hp and 530 lb-ft of torque. Power is efficiently transmitted to the rear wheels through a seven-speed dual-clutch automatic transmission.
Launching a potent rear-wheel-drive supercar like the 812 GTS off the line can be challenging. However, with precision, it achieves a 0-60 mph sprint in just 2.8 seconds. The quarter-mile is conquered in 10.4 seconds, reaching a remarkable speed of 138 mph. These performance figures, coupled with a top speed of 211 mph, firmly establish the 812 GTS at the pinnacle of its class.
The 812 GTS has been designed from an aerodynamics standpoint to reduce as much unwanted noise as possible. This means you should be able to drive, hear the V12 scream, and smile all day long.
In the past 10 years, I’ve traveled to 187 countries and territories using my Philippines passport. By now, you all know that not all passports grant the same level of access to the world’s wonders; it takes a lot of time, money, and paperwork. But, If you can devise a strategic plan, you can embark on an adventure just like I did.
In this article, learn about the possibilities of traveling the world using a Philippines passport and how SafetyWing’s Project Plumia is here to make it even more accessible and seamless.
Other articles you can read:
The Power of a Philippines Passport
Strategic Planning: The key to unlocking the potential of a Philippines passport is meticulous planning. Start by researching countries that offer visa-free or visa-on-arrival access to Philippine citizens. Southeast Asian neighbors like Thailand, Malaysia, and Indonesia often top the list. As you build your travel itinerary, mix in countries that are more accessible to maximize your experiences.
Visa Applications: For destinations that require visas for Filipino travelers, be proactive in applying well in advance. Consult the embassy or consulate websites for each country’s visa requirements, fees, and processing times. Planning ahead can save you time and hassle
Now, let’s talk about the game-changer for all travelers, including those with a Philippines passport: SafetyWing’s Project Plumia. SafetyWing is renowned for revolutionizing travel insurance, and Project Plumia is their latest innovation aimed at expanding the horizons for travelers from countries with limited visa-free access.
What Is Project Plumia?
Project Plumia is a bold initiative by SafetyWing that addresses the challenges faced by travelers from countries like the Philippines. It’s designed to create a pathway to borderless travel by providing a digital nomad visa and health insurance bundle that covers not just health emergencies but also visa-related expenses.
Key Benefits of Project Plumia:
Nomad Border Pass: The Nomad Border Pass is a new global mobility tool designed to facilitate digital nomad travel. The program allows nomad users to apply for a single visa and receive pre-approved access to multiple participating countries for up to 90 days of remote work per visit.
Nomad Insurance: Nomad Insurance provides coverage for unexpected illness or injury, including eligible expenses for hospital, doctor or prescription drugs. Its most popular features include emergency travel-related benefits, such as emergency medical evacuation, bedside visits, travel delays, and lost checked luggage.
Community: Beyond just insurance, Project Plumia connects you with a community of like-minded travelers who share your passion for exploration and adventure.
Final Thoughts
Traveling the world with a Philippines passport is not just a dream; it’s an achievable reality. You can embark on a global adventure like never before by strategically planning your trips, staying informed about visa requirements, and leveraging innovative solutions like SafetyWing’s Project Plumia.
So, pack your bags, gather your documents, and get ready to explore the world. With the right mindset and resources at your disposal, the world is your oyster, and your Philippines passport is your ticket to a lifetime of unforgettable experiences. Happy travels, my fellow explorers!
Ninety-eight percent of retailers plan to invest in generative AI in the next 18 months, according to a new survey conducted by NVIDIA.
That makes retail one of the industries racing fastest to adopt generative AI to ramp up productivity, transform customer experiences and improve efficiency.
Early deployments in the retail industry include personalized shopping advisors and adaptive advertising, with retailers initially testing off-the-shelf models like GPT-4 from OpenAI.
But many are now realizing the value in developing custom models trained on their proprietary data to achieve brand-appropriate tone and personalized results in a scalable, cost-effective way.
Before building them, companies must first consider a variety of questions: whether to opt for an open-source, closed-source or enterprise model; how they plan to train and deploy the models; how to host them; and, most importantly, how to ensure future innovations and new products can be easily incorporated into them.
New offerings like NVIDIA AI Foundations, a curated collection of optimized, enterprise-grade foundation models from NVIDIA and leading open-source pretrained models, are giving retail companies the building blocks they need to construct their custom models. With NVIDIA NeMo, an end-to-end platform for large language model development, retailers can customize and deploy their models at scale using the latest state-of-the-art techniques.
Generative AI Use Cases
Multimodal models are leading the new frontier in the generative AI landscape. They’re capable of processing, understanding and generating content and images from multiple sources such as text, image, video and 3D rendered assets.
This allows retailers to create eye-catching images or videos for a brand’s marketing and advertising campaign using only a few lines of text prompts. Or they can be used to deliver personalized shopping experiences with in-situ and try-on product image results. Yet another use case is in product description generation, where generative AI can intelligently generate detailed e-commerce product descriptions that include product attributes, using meta-tags to greatly improve SEO.
Many retailers are testing the generative AI waters first with internal deployments. For example, some are boosting the productivity of their engineering teams with AI-powered computer code generators that can write optimized lines of code for indicated outcomes. Others are using custom models to generate marketing copy and promotions for various audience segments, increasing click-to-conversion rates. Meanwhile, chatbots and translators are helping employees accomplish their day-to-day tasks.
To enhance customer experiences, retailers are deploying generative AI-powered shopping advisors that can offer personalized product recommendations in customer-tailored conversation styles and display images of products being recommended. It can even display those products if shoppers want to see the recommended product, for example, in their home by uploading a picture of a room. Another use case is a customer service multilingual chatbot capable of answering simple customer inquiries and routing complex ones to human agents for improved, more efficient service.
NVIDIA at NRF
To learn more about how generative AI is shaping the future of retail, connect with the NVIDIA team at NRF: Retail’s Big Show, the world’s largest retail expo, taking place Jan. 14-16 at the Jacob K. Javits Convention Center in New York.
Attend the Big Ideas session on Jan. 14 at 2 p.m. ET to hear from Azita Martin, NVIDIA’s vice president of AI for retail, consumer packaged goods and quick-service restaurants, and others on how Target and Canadian Tire are using generative AI to deliver personalized shopping experiences and drive revenue and productivity.
Visit Dell’s booth on level three (4957) to meet with NVIDIA AI experts and experience NVIDIA’s generative AI demos.
Jeremy Allen fronts Calvin Klein’s Spring 2024 underwear campaign
As the world recovers from the salacious images of Jeremy Allen White’s now famous Calvin Klein Spring 2024 underwear campaign, LUXUO takes a moment to delve into the marketing magic (and madness) behind the hype. Calvin Klein had all the ingredients for a successful campaign. Firstly, in accurately casting the fresh-faced 32-year-old lead actor from the hit television show, The Bear who balances non-threatening masculinity with an effortless, nuanced sexuality. Secondly, rather than the signature black and white studio visuals fans have become accustomed to seeing, this campaign features Allen White reclining on a red sofa (which was recently announced to be available for free on Facebook Marketplace before the listing was subsequently closed due to an avalanche of bids) in a public rooftop setting against the New York City skyline. The proof is in the numbers. According to Launchmetrics, the campaign to date has generated approximately USD 12.7 million in media exposure for the brand within its first 48 hours. Calvin Klein’s post on Instagram has already reached 1.4 million likes.
Beauty is in the Eye of the Imagination
Jeremy Allen White in Calvin Klein’s Spring 2024 underwear campaign
As one of the leading figures in fashion, the late Diana Vreeland once said “the eye has to travel”. While Vreeland was referring to “the eye of the reader travelling across the pages of a magazine and into a journey of the imagination”, her statement holds true — campaigns are about creating a fantasy and capturing the imagination.
Jacob Elordi’s Calvin Klein Spring 2021 campaign
Part of the success behind the Calvin Klein campaigns is not necessarily because of the star power or the caliber of the actor, but rather the actor’s “burgeoning” appeal. The recent Calvin Klein campaign follows suit in previous campaigns that had their fair share of social media success (featuring the likes of Noah Centineo, Jacob Elordi and Shawn Mendes). Elordi, Centineo and Allen White are actors who are still on the rise and therefore much is to be known about them as opposed to seasoned celebrities. Take for instance the likes of David Beckham or Justin Bieber who may both deliver successful campaigns, there is little room to play in terms of the visual narrative aside from looking at them as purely sexual beings. However, Jeremy Allen White was precisely the right person to front the campaign because a lot is still to be known about Allen White and so the mystery and ambiguity of his hidden offscreen persona works in his favour.
Shawn Mendes’s #MyCalvins Spring 2019 campaign reached 8 million likes and over 450,000 comments
When it comes to casting the correct face, the mystery and anonymity allows viewers to mould who we see on-screen to fit the (perhaps subconscious) sexual narrative we have in our minds. This is what brands want consumers to buy into — something that goes well beyond the cotton brief and branded waistband. In 2013, it was reported that David Beckham was nearly featured in a Calvin Klein campaign alongside Natalia Vodianova. However, according to Calvin Klein, Beckham’s people said “you can’t have the UK because he’s too popular” resulting in the campaign proceeding with footballer Freddie Ljungberg instead — exemplifying how the star power of a celebrity can either hinder or help a campaign.
Freddie Ljungberg and Natalia Vodianova for Calvin Klein
In the case of Beckham, his team didn’t approve while if one recalls Justin Bieber’s 2015 campaign alongside Lara Stone, Bieber used it as an opportunity to launch his new “mature” image. Bieber’s campaign was however met with mixed reviews as rumours of the photos being digitally enhanced (bulge and muscle definition) overshadowed the potential positive press he was perhaps hoping for. Bieber’s Calvin Klein campaign was so infamous it was parodied by Kate McKinnon on SNL (Saturday Night Live).
Justin Bieber’s Calvin Klein Spring 2015 underwear campaign
Despite the conservative climate in most Asian countries, regional personalities are also tapped to front Calvin Klein campaigns. Brands like Calvin Klein understand that celebrities the likes of Bright Vachirawit, BTS’ Jungkook, Tae Jun, Gemini, Sung Jin Park and Tarzzan Lee (to name a few) come with a legion of loyal followers who not only showcase their love with likes and follows but with their wallets as well. In an interview with The Drum, Calvin Klein’s global chief marketing officer Jonathon Bottomley spoke on the brand’s marketing strategy — stating he aimed to create entertaining campaigns that “cut through” users scrolling through their phones by using cultural brand ambassadors. He also explained using this engagement to drive full-funnel marketing before ultimately delivering a “precise” targeting strategy aimed at directing customers to a purchase.
Thai actor, singer, and model Bright Vachirawit for Calvin Klein’s Fall 2023 underwear campaign in Asia
With regard to BTS’ Jung Kook as global brand ambassador of Calvin Klein, global chief marketing officer Jonathan Bottomley said, “We pride ourselves on identifying globally relevant talent whose cultural impact and values align with our own. Jung Kook is one of the world’s most popular artists, he possesses a rare ability to connect with international audiences through both his music and his style. We’re fortunate and excited to have him join the Calvin Klein team.” As Bottomley states, its part of the strategy in using prominent Korean and Thai celebrities is to engage with international audiences and tap into their large fanbase.
Jung Kook for Calvin KleinGemini for Calvin Klein
The Male Vs Female Gaze
It is clear that sexual liberation and empowerment works differently for men and women. Seeing Jeremy Allen White in his underwear is more likely to elicit the reaction that “men want to be him, women want to be with him” and the lack of similar sentiments for a female-led campaign speaks to how this rule does not necessarily apply to women. Case in point FKA Twigs’ Calvin Klein campaign was banned in the United Kingdom by the Advertising Standards Authority under the grounds that the artist is depicted as a “stereotypical sexual object”. In response, Twigs took to Instagram calling out the industry’s “double standards” saying “I do not see the ‘stereotypical sexual object’ that they have labelled me. I see a beautiful strong woman of colour whose incredible body has overcome more pain than you can imagine”.
FKA Twigs for Calvin Klein
This calls into question who exactly holds the power with regard to the sexual gaze. With male models, viewers are clued in to a secret life where the man’s sexual prowess is on display. However when it is a female model, the gaze is “happening” upon her, almost nonconsensually where she isn’t the master of her own sexuality but rather she is caught in the moment of a private or shameful act. While Allen White’s campaign is met with rave reviews, FKA Twigs’ is banned, highlighting the contrast and further showcasing the agency women have over their own bodies and how it is perceived visually. This is evidenced in then 23-year-old Danish model Klara Kristin’s 2016 Calvin Klein “I flash in #mycalvins” campaign featuring Kristin in a controversial upskirt shot. Despite the heated climate we live in, in a world of inclusion beyond the one-sided depiction of beauty as seen on the likes of the Victoria Secret Fashion Show for instance, female sexuality still has a hard time balancing desire with objectification. Or perhaps we as a society are more accepting of the objectification of men?
Klara Kristin for Calvin Klein
The Se”X” Factor
In 1981, a young Brooke Sheilds said “nothing gets between me and my Calvins”, alluding to the idea that she was not wearing any underwear. But sex aside, what exactly is Calvin Klein’s secret formula? Versace, Tom Ford, Dsquared2 and Moschino have all unveiled their own underwear lines, each their own level of acclaim but they don’t reach the same salacious notoriety as Calvin Klein. While bum cleavage is a rare thrilling moment on the runway, it is not a strong-enough narrative for a brand. The internet is already saturated with gorgeous faces in their underwear.
Tom Ford men’s Fall 2018 ready-to-wear collection
What cuts through the noise is the brand. Solid branding goes a long way in selling the desire while also simultaneously being able to hone in on selecting faces who are at the forefront of the cultural zeitgeist. Timing is key. Calvin Klein understands the power of capturing celebrities while they are at a pinnacle point in their career, be it the precipice of stardom or the start of a new chapter showcasing the brand’s understanding of “the now”. They are known to have the midas touch when selecting pop culture figures for their ambassadors since the brand’s inception in 1968 and this is the secret formula that will see them be the purveyor of underwear branding in the years to come.
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Ready for an epic road trip driving in Costa Rica? Renting a car is the best way to experience this beautiful country. But there are a few things you should know before you go.
So you’ve been wanting to visit for years, and are finally planning your own epic road trip to drive around Costa Rica!
For such a small country, Costa Rica is surprisingly mountainous with winding dirt roads and occasional river crossings, so my first time driving there was quite an adventure! Since then, I’ve visited the country many times, always preferring to rent a car.
Renting a car and self-driving Costa Rica on your own is the best way to experience this stunning country, as it truly gives you the freedom to stop at every waterfall, volcano, beach, and national park along the way.
Here are some important tips I learned about driving Costa Rica, so you’re ready to hit the road and explore the Rich Coast on a vacation you’ll never forget.
Hi, I’m Matthew Karsten
I’ve been traveling the world for 10+ years as a professional photographer & writer. I hope you enjoy my Costa Rica driving tips! If you find them useful, using my affiliate links will give me a small commission, at no extra cost to you. Thanks!
Driving In Costa Rica Guide (2024)
1. Should You Drive In Costa Rica?
Get Off the Beaten Path!
Hey, if you love those big group bus tours, by all means, go book one. It’s a decent way to see Costa Rica if you don’t have a lot of time.
No planning, no driving, just sit back and let someone else do all the work!
But if you’re like me, you prefer the adventure of independent travel.
No set schedule or timetable — driving around Costa Rica with the freedom to stop anyplace cool you find along the way.
If that’s the kind of traveler you are, renting a car in Costa Rica is the way to go!
Yes, there is a public bus system in Costa Rica too, but it’s really only good for getting from one big town to another, and often the bus stops are located just outside of town, so you’ll also end up having to take a taxi. Not to mention that traveling by public bus is just a slower way to get around the country.
Just keep in mind that some of the back roads in Costa Rica can be very rough & muddy, and some local drivers don’t follow their own laws. With some practice though, you’ll gain confidence driving here!
Another nice thing we enjoyed about having a car was the ability to store things in the trunk, stopping off in Costa Rican towns with small travel backpacks rather than hauling luggage everywhere.
2. Where To Rent Your Car In Costa Rica
Driving in Costa Rica
Some common car rental companies in Costa Rica include Enterprise, Sixt, Hertz, a local one called Adobe Rent-a-Car, and many more.
But the best site to book your car is Discover Cars. They search both local and international car rental companies to help you find the best possible price. This is the easiest way to rent a car in Costa Rica.
We rented our car from San Jose Airport in Alajuela, and began our Costa Rican road trip from there.
San Jose Airport: Plan to pick up your car about 60 minutes after your flight arrives. When departing, try to be at the airport at least 3 1/2 hours before your flight leaves. Because returning your rental car and catching a shuttle back to the airport can take up to 30 minutes.
Liberia Airport: Plan to pick up your car about 30 minutes after your flight arrives. When departing, try to be at the airport at least 2 1/2 hours before your flight leaves. Again, because of the shuttle.
Rent A Car In Costa Rica
Search both local and international car rental companies to help you find a good deal.
3. Car Rental Insurance In Costa Rica
Some of the rumors about driving in Costa Rica are true, and the roads are VERY rough in some areas. Especially the back roads outside Costa Rica’s smaller towns. Don’t worry, I’ll share some tips for dealing with them below.
This is why I highly recommend getting full insurance coverage.
Typically, rental cars in Costa Rica come with a basic Collision Damage Waiver (CDW), but this isn’t exactly insurance, and only covers the car for up to $1000-3000 USD worth of damage.
This is the amount they hold on your credit card until you return the car in one piece. CDW typically does not include tire, cracked windshield, or undercarriage damage either.
While you can often save money booking your car with a good travel credit card that includes car rental insurance, you REALLY must read the fine print, because many people wrongly assume their card covers them in Costa Rica.
If you get in a wreck driving in Costa Rica, declined full coverage, and you suddenly learn your credit card doesn’t actually cover the damage — you’re screwed. I can’t tell you how many travel horror stories I’ve heard like this…
It’s why I usually pre-book full coverage online. It’s cheaper than at the counter — and then you won’t have to worry about accidents at all!
4. How Much Does In Cost To Rent A Car In Costa Rica?
Renting a car in Costa Rica is going to cost you around $25-$40 USD a day, depending on the type of car you get. Our 4-door sedan was about $25 per day. A four-wheel drive SUV will cost you more like $40-$70 USD per day.
A 4X4 campervan, or truck with a tent attached, is going to cost over $100 USD per day (however you can sleep in it too!)
I recommend renting a car with an actual trunk (no hatchbacks) to hide your luggage from prying eyes. It helps to prevent break-ins if thieves can’t see your stuff.
Gas Prices
Currently, gas costs about $4.75 USD per gallon ($1.25 per liter) in Costa Rica. Diesel cars will often save you some money on gas, and diesel fuel costs about $4.20 per gallon. It’s much more expensive than in the gas in the United States!
Automatic vs Manual
Automatic cars are more expensive to rent than manual cars (but manuals are more common in Costa Rica), and you must specify what type you want when booking. If you’ve never driven a manual car before, don’t start in Costa Rica! It’s safer to get an automatic.
One-Way Rentals
There’s an additional fee for one-way car rentals in Costa Rica, which can vary by company. For example, if you want to drop off the car in a different city than where you started from. But because the country is so small, you probably won’t need to do this.
5. Age Requirements For Renting A Car
The minimum age for driving in Costa Rica is between 21-25 years old, depending on the company you book a car with. They also might charge an additional fee (usually $10 a day) if you’re under 25 years old.
6. Things To Remember While Driving In Costa Rica
River Crossing
Driving laws in Costa Rica are similar to driving laws in any other country. However local drivers don’t always follow them. For example, drivers may not use turn signals or will run red lights if they think they can get away with it.
Speed Limits In Costa Rica
Speed limits in Costa Rica are quoted in kilometers per hour. The maximum speed on most highways is 120 km/h (about 74 miles per hour). On secondary roads, the limit is usually 60km/h (37 miles per hour), and around towns & cities it is 40km/h (25 miles per hour).
If you happen to get a speeding ticket, please let your car rental company know right away, as you’ll have to pay for it when you drop off the car at the end of your trip.
Road Signs In Costa Rica
The road signs in Costa Rica should be pretty self-explanatory, as they look similar to US road signs, just in Spanish. You can browse some common Costa Rican road signs here.
Road Conditions
Costa Rica’s highways are paved and in good condition, however the country is also covered in back roads. Lots of dirt roads, and many are not in great shape. Muddy, potholes, etc. If you plan on driving off the beaten path in Costa Rica, I highly recommend renting a four-wheel drive SUV. Some bridges are only single lane, requiring one car to wait for the other to cross before proceeding.
River Crossings
You can road trip around Costa Rica without ever having to cross a river, but there are also some back roads that pass through rivers. Especially during the wet/rainy season, and in the Nicoya Peninsula, Drake Bay and Osa Peninsula areas. If you’ve never crossed a river before, please watch someone else go first!
Put your vehicle into 4X4 mode, go slow, and pay attention to the route. Some rivers aren’t crossed directly, but require you to drive up or down stream before exiting. This can be due to hidden obstacles, depth, or simply the best entry/exit points.
7. International Driver’s License
No, you do not need an international driver’s license to drive in Costa Rica or rent a car there. Just bring your passport, credit card, and your driver’s license from your home country. So yes, you can drive in Costa Rica with a US driver’s license.
8. Extra Advice For Renting A Car & Driving In Costa Rica
Lock your doors while driving in Costa Rica, and never leave valuables visible in your car.
Pedestrians don’t really have right-of-way in Costa Rica. Meaning if you politely stop in the road to let someone cross, they’ll be confused, and the car behind you won’t expect it — which could cause an accident! This is similar in Mexico and other parts of Central America.
Don’t book a car without reading the company reviews. You’ll find plenty of bad reviews for every company (people love to complain online), but try to pick one with the LEAST bad reviews.
You may not always get the make/model/type of car you booked. If they give you a smaller car, or a manual when you asked for an automatic, be pushy and ask for an upgrade.
Inspect your car thoroughly and record video on your smartphone pointing out damage before you leave. This is a backup if they attempt to charge you for damage that was already there. This is a common car rental scam in Costa Rica….
Pay attention to if your Costa Rica rental car takes regular gas or diesel fuel, so you fill up with the correct type at gas stations.
In an emergency, you can dial the Costa Rican Emergency Phone Number which is 911, just like in the United States. They have an English speaking line too.
However if your car simply breaks down, and no one is injured, its probably better to call your Costa Rican car rental company’s own emergency roadside assistance number located on the rental agreement.
Enjoy Your Costa Rica Road Trip!
Exploring the small villages, pristine beaches, jungle mountains, and national parks of Costa Rica in a rental car was definitely the right choice for us.
Self-drive road trips allow you to get off the beaten track to see things most people miss! ★
Rent A Car In Costa Rica
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READ MORE COSTA RICA TRAVEL TIPS
I hope you enjoyed my guide for driving in Costa Rica! Hopefully you found it useful. Here are a few more wanderlust-inducing articles that I recommend you read next:
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Report-card grades are derived from a consensus of test-driver evaluations. All grades are versus other vehicles in the same class. Value grade is for specific trim level evaluated, and may not reflect Consumer Guide’s impressions of the entire model lineup.
Big & Tall Comfort
Big Guy
A-
Tall Guy
B
Big & Tall comfort ratings are for front seats only. “Big” rating based on male tester weighing approximately 350 pounds, “Tall” rating based on 6’6″-tall male tester.
Base price: $83,580 (not including $1795 destination charge)
Options on test vehicle: Lux Package ($3050), Raptor Graphic ($1075), keyless-entry keypad ($110), 17-inch black Beadlock wheels ($1995), Code Orange seat belts ($395), Interior Carbon Fiber Pack ($1725), leather and suede seats ($2995)
Price as tested: $96,720
Quick Hits
The great: Dollar value, fun to drive
The good: Roomy cabin, standard AWD
The not so good: Budget-grade cabin materials
Tom Appel:
What price extreme? How much are you willing to give up—in terms of money and personal comfort—in order to take things further than most folks are willing to go? We’re not talking about eating jalapeños or playing Royal Match until dawn here, we’re talking about your ride. What are the challenges of driving something completely over the top?
2023 Ford Bronco Raptor
We asked ourselves that question shortly after taking delivery of a 2023 Ford Bronco Raptor equipped with more than $11,000 in options. Ford’s ultimate off-roader (unless you count the F-150 Raptor) looks extreme standing still, and also looks like an ownership handful. Certainly, a vehicle this obviously caffeinated asks much of its caretakers.
For those not in the know, the Raptor caps a comprehensive line of rugged Bronco midsize SUVs, all of which are designed to steer off-road enthusiasts (and rugged-minded “soft roaders”) away from Jeep’s popular Wrangler SUV. And, about that mission: In 2023, Ford sold 117,000 Broncos, and Jeep 157,000 Wranglers. While Jeep has the sales edge, it’s worth noting that Bronco sales were up almost ten percent on the year, while Wrangler sales slipped about 13 percent. We promise you; this sales battle has only just begun.
The Bronco lineup ascends though the base Big Bend (about $41,000), Black Diamond ($44,000), Outer Banks ($49,000), retro-themed Heritage ($50,000), off-road-ready Bad Lands ($51,000), Everglades ($57,000), off-road/desert-runner Wildtrak ($63,000), luxury-oriented/retro-themed Heritage Limited Edition, and extreme off-road Raptor ($91,000).
All models are available in 4-door configuration, while all but the Outer Banks, Everglades, and Raptor are also offered with 2-doors. Power for most models comes from a 300-horsepower 2.3-liter turbocharged “EcoBoost” 4-cylinder. Standard, and only available on the Wildtrak and Heritage Limited Edition is a 2.7-liter EcoBoost V6 good for 315 horsepower. Exclusive to the Raptor is another EcoBoost mill, a 3.0-liter V6 rated at a substantial 418 horses.
All engines mate to a 10-speed automatic, while a few 4-cylinder models can be had with a 7-speed manual. No surprise, all Broncos come standard with 4WD.
As for what makes a Raptor a Raptor, the list of upgrades is lengthy. Most notable is a chassis designed to provide more than 13 inches of suspension travel, almost two inches more than the Wildtrak. As noted above, the Raptor boasts 103 more horsepower than the Wildtrak, and a more comprehensive suite of drive modes. And while both the Wildtrak and Raptor are shod with 17-inch wheels, the latter’s 37-inch tires are 2-inches larger, and look impressively massive. The Raptor is also fitted with a unique grille, hood, front fenders, and taillight assemblies.
Inside, the Raptor boasts a number of upgrades including unique trim elements, a specific steering wheel, and red/orange seat trim.
Despite the steroid treatment, Consumer Guide found the Raptor to be surprisingly docile in regular use, though the daily commuting experience was not without its compromises. Here’s a rundown of the costs of going extreme:
Comfort:
While the Raptor cabin sits a little higher than that of other Bronco models, it’s not a terrible stretch to get up and into the car. Smaller folks might suggest otherwise. Once inside, there is no penalty for going with the Raptor, as cabin space and general seating comfort are pretty much the same.
Ride quality is another matter. While the Raptor ride is never harsh, it is comprised of significant up-and-down movement, which can grow wearisome on broken and wavy roads. Also, a fair amount of noise makes its way into the cabin, which can make conversation at highway speed a bit of a hassle.
The best part first: The Raptor is very fast. There’s plenty of punch for around-town stop-light drag starts, and ample muscle for passing and merging as well. And as we managed to enjoy the services of the Raptor during a snow event, we’re happy to report the baddest of Broncos makes short work of unplowed streets and drifted-over driveways.
And while the Raptor handles well, generally speaking, the large tires can work against you in cornering, as the uber Bronco plows somewhat in aggressive cornering, which can scrub off speed, and the vehicle’s width limits how much rush-hour traffic slicing and dicing can be performed.
One the plus side, our fuel economy was surprisingly not awful; we averaged 15.3 mpg, not bad for a 400-plus-horsepower off-road machine with full-time 4WD, that spent some time snow slogging. For the record, we saw 18.3 mpg in a test Bronco Wildtrak in somewhat lighter-duty driving.
Price:
At more than $90,000 to start, the Raptor is very expensive. And, for most folks, the very capable Wildtrak will prove to be a more vehicle than they will ever need. That said, if you have the money, and have to own the most-extreme Bronco, there’s little reason not to indulge your baser instincts. While the Raptors can be something of a chore to drive around town, it’s not that much of a hassle, and you won’t be burning very much more gas. Also, the Raptor is fun to drive, and that counts for a lot when you’re shelling out this kind of money.
Note: This evaluation did not include any serious off-road activity, and that activity is core to the Raptor mission. Indeed, if anything justifies the Raptor’s hefty bottom line, it is the truck’s legitimate rock-crawling credentials. The editors of Consumer Guide have enjoyed the services of a Bronco Raptor for the purpose of serious off-road fun, and can vouch for the truck’s bona fides.
Note: This evaluation is of the 2023 Bronco Raptor. The Bronco lineup is little changed for 2024.
Aston Martin has kicked off the teaser campaign for the next-generation Vantage. The new baby Aston make its global debut on February 12, 2024.
Aston Martin hasn’t shared any details of the upcoming model year. However, out of the two teaser videos released by the company so far, the first one provides a glimpse of the exterior, while the recent one talks about the connection between the driver and his car.
According to our sources, the 2025 Aston Martin Vantage could get a redesigned front end with minor tweaks to the rear. That being said, it is likely to get a revamped interior with an improved infotainment system and other upgrades.
Under the hood, the new Vantage will carry forward the AMG-sourced 4.0-liter twin-turbo V8 engine. While the exact details are unknown, we can expect the motor to produce upwards of 600 hp.
The Mercedes-AMG GT is one of the main rivals of the Vantage. It recently received a major update. Similarly, the Porsche 911 is also due for a facelift this year.
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