How to Plan the Perfect Road Trip

How to Plan the Perfect Road Trip

Summer was made for road trips. The warm late-night air, the spontaneity that comes with never really knowing the day of the week — it’s these little things that make for a perfect vacation on the road to nowhere. Even if summertime doesn’t necessarily get you some predetermined time off (a.k.a. you work a typical 9-to-5 desk job), there’s something about the warm weather that makes it so much easier to take the weekend trip somewhere unknown.

 

But before you spontaneously hop on Route 66, there’s a few things you should do to make sure your drive is safe and enjoyable instead of disastrously unprepared-for. Use this checklist to make sure everything is A-Okay before you take the wheel.

 

What to Do

  • Stock up on music or podcasts — you’re sure to hit an area without service somewhere.
  • Let your car insurance know you’ll be traveling.
  • Have your oil, tires and battery checked.
  • Create a loose plan.
  • Let a friend or family member know where you’re headed, and be sure to update them along the way if you make any changes.
  • Do some basic research on the areas in which you’re stopping.

 

What to Pack

  • Car jack
  • Spare tire
  • Cash
  • Roadside emergency kit
  • Extra set of keys
  • Duct tape
  • Flashlight
  • Dry snacks
  • Phone charger
  • Maps (don’t rely on internet data!)
  • Garbage bag
  • Water
  • First Aid kit
  • Insect repellent
  • Sunscreen
  • Medications
  • Copies of official documents
  • Extra blankets (it’s summer, but you never know)
  • Sunglasses
  • Travel mug and cup (let’s avoid the daily plastic soda cups, yeah?)
  • Hand sanitizer
  • Anti-inflammatory medication
  • Reusable shopping bag
  • Flip flops (for those quick trips from the motel room or tent to the car)
  • Hairbrush and hair ties
  • Toothbrush and toothpaste
  • Other toiletries
  • Clothes that are easy to layer

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