Whether you're traveling alone or packing up with the whole family, road trips are both exciting and nerve wracking. You're worried about having enough gas, potentially getting lost, leaving something behind, and a lot of other pressing thoughts like trying to leave on time. Generally, I prefer traveling at night for several reasons - it's cooler, there's less traffic, radio reception is better, and time seems to pass much faster. In the midst of everything going on, sometimes it's difficult to also make sure that you plan out all the little details of your road trip and believe it or not, a seven hour trip can turn into two days very quickly.
1. GIVE YOUR CAR A CHECKUP!
An oil change isn't enough to prepare your car for a long drive. Get away from the packing, phone calls, and cleaning for a minute to double check that everything works on the car.
- All the lights and windshield wipers
- Tire pressure (make sure to check for lumps too!)
- Fluid Levels
- Have a good spare tire
- Have a good spare tire
It would also be in your best interest to have some emergency equipment, for instance jumper cables, extra oil, and coolant (radiator).
2. FIRST AID KIT
3. KEEP A JACKET/SWEATER AT HAND
I was traveling to Florida, and had my jackets packed away. I didn't take into consideration the possibility of being stuck in the middle of nowhere in the middle of the night, with the temperature set to freezing cold.
4. HAVE YOUR ROUTE/DIRECTIONS AVAILABLE
If you don't have a GPS, make sure you have a copy of the directions where you'll be heading. The second you have them printed out, place them in the glove compartment so you don't forget it at home. Even if you have a GPS, you should still have a printed copy in the car.
5. CAR CHARGERS FOR YOUR PHONE
6. DRINKS AND SNACKS (IN A COOLER)
7. A CHANGE OF CLOTHING IN AN EASY TO REACH LOCATION
While you're on the road you never know what problems you might run into. They could involve you getting soaked, dirty, or you may even be in a situation where your clothes gets ripped or stained. Keep a complete change of clothing (including underwear) close by.
8. NAPKINS / TOILET PAPER - PAPER TOWELS
9. HAND SANITIZER
10. CHANGE
11. SUNGLASSES
12. ROAD MAP
13. FLASHLIGHT
Read More:
-Extensive details on preparing for a road trip, including car inspection and evaluating your expectations
-How to make a road trip with your family as exciting and interactive as possible
-Great ideas for things you can do to keep yourself entertained when going solo on a road trip
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