Impatient with airport security lines and three-hour check-ins, an increasing number of Americans are steering toward driving vaca-tions. Whether it's a cross-country journey or a simple jaunt to the country, automobile travel seems to be enjoying a renaissance.

"An increasing number of Red Mountain guests are arriving by car," said Deborah Evans, general manager of the Southern Utah adventure spa. "A large number of our guests come from California, and it is not unusual now to see a full parking lot with California license tags on the cars."

With more cars on the roads, the importance of staying awake and alert has never been more vital. In order to arrive safely and in a healthy state of mind, Red Mountain has prepared these timely tips for road warriors to take advantage of.

Asleep At The Wheel?

One of the most common problems facing long-distance motorists is the danger of falling asleep while driving. To help stay awake and alert at the steering wheel, the spa staff at Red Mountain suggests the following safe driving tips:

• Take along a bottle of peppermint, rosemary, wintergreen or spearmint essential oil and periodically, dab one drop under your nose for a quick lift through the olfactory senses. These essential oils act as a stimulant and will aid alertness, used every two to three hours. If you have sensitive skin or choose not to directly apply the essential oil to the skin, you can also mix the oils with water in a spray bottle for an uplifting aroma spray or mix with body lotion. (10-12 drops of essential oil to each ounce of lotion).

• When you feel you are becoming drowsy, pull over on the side of the road and pull out a dry skin brush or loofah and give yourself a dry brush massage. This technique is stimulating, energy giving, exfoliates the skin and is recommended in the morning only or when a quick energy burst is needed. A quick two-minute massage on the arms and legs will help aid alertness, stiffness from long hours of sitting and stimulate blood circulation. On uncovered skin, starting at the ankles and using quick flicks of the brush, move up toward the hips. Continue this movement on the arms, starting with the hands and working up to the shoulders. You are always working toward the heart in the movements. The idea is to use quick brushing strokes to bring a light pink tone to the surface of the skin. You do not want the skin to turn red, because this is over stimulating to the skin. A light pink tone indicates that blood is being brought to the surface of the skin, which is the desirable effect. (CONTINUE...)