Road Trips: Plan Well For A Smooth Ride
Road trips are a fun way to vacation with friends and family. They can be as short as a day or last for weeks. In any event, a road trip must be well-planned in order to have a fun, comfortable experience. In this article, you will see how important it is to plan well and plan ahead for the perfect road trip.
Start planning for your road trip with your car. Be certain the vehicle you will be driving is in working order, from the engine to the turn signals. A road trip can be ruined when it is interrupted by car troubles. A good idea is to have the vehicle serviced well in advance of your trip. Make sure the tires are in good shape, and everything is in good running order. A good washing can't hurt either!
Be sure you have a spare tire and jack. You can't change a tire without both of these items. It is a good idea to bring along jumper cables and extra water in case the car overheats. Flares are also a good idea in case you need to pull over on a dangerous section of road.
Put together a good first aid kit. Vacations usually include an accident or two. Pack things such as bandages, triple-antibiotic ointment, gauze pads, antihistamines, ibuprofen, burn cream, tweezers, eye wash and anything else you can think of. Being prepared for minor injuries can save trips to the pharmacy, and allow you to treat them while you travel.
If you will be traveling in extreme weather or over mountain passes, bring emergency supplies you may need. Tire chains in case of snow or ice, a shovel, cat litter for traction, a gas can and a flashlight are all things that can make your life easier should something happen.
Plan to stop frequently at rest stops. You will obviously need bathroom breaks, but everyone needs to stretch their legs and walk around a bit to avoid leg problems, such as blood clots. Rest stops are a great place to eat a meal, get some coffee or just rest from driving.
Bring along some good entertainment for kids as well as adults to pass the time. Travel games, cards, crayons and color books, electronic games and books are all great ideas to keep little ones from becoming bored. Even a portable dvd player can work well to pass time.
Be sure to pack lots of snacks. Bring a cooler for perishables and drinks. Some good snack ideas are nuts, dried fruit, string cheese, jerky or any other healthy food. Sugar is a bad idea, as it can make kids overexcited. Bring plenty of water or juice, but try to avoid sugary sodas.
Make a list of your travel plans, and leave it with a trusted friend or relative. List things such as where you will be staying, when you will return home and a cell phone number where you can be reached. It is also a good idea to have someone stay at your home, or make frequent checks while you are gone. If you have pets, you will need to arrange for their care as well.
Don't forget your camera! Vacation pictures are priceless memories, and you don't want to miss anything. Even pictures of dad changing a tire in the pouring rain will make for a good laugh later on! Bring extra batteries, just in case.
As you can see, a road trip can be fun for everybody, as long as you are well-prepared, and think of every circumstance that could arise. You need to be ready for an emergency, but you also need to prepare for the time of your life!
