Safe and Prepared Travel aka Road Trip
As we mentioned in a recent post, we are just back from our trip to Nevada to visit family and friends for the Thanksgiving holiday. We had everything planned out, who to be with for the holiday and who to visit next. Our plate was full and scheduled out perfectly. The drive was uneventful and we arrived when expected. Our first stop was Lake Havasu City, Arizona. Next stop Reno, Nevada. Then the unexpected happened, we both caught a bug, it was a head cold but with sinus pain that was crippling. We were in bed and unable to function as expected. Ugh! We decided to pack it up and head back to Arkansas. We cancelled our plans to visit so as not to expose anyone else. We were so disappointed and had been looking forward to visiting for months. Careful planning doesn’t always turn out. We headed home and took our time, traveling when sick is no fun and I don’t recommend it. We considered waiting it out, however, we have responsibilities in Arkansas, so couldn’t extend our time beyond what was scheduled. We are home and recovering well. One and done! Happy Holidays everyone!
We also traveled to Texas recently to pick up our lift. We cannot stress enough how important it is to be prepared when on the road. This picture is worth a 1,000 words, or no words necessary. It can happen anywhere, anytime. Never leave home without the following essentials!
Preparing for a road trip involves considering various factors, including the duration of the trip, the destination, and the weather conditions. Here’s a general checklist to help you plan for a road trip:
Essentials:
Driver’s License and Vehicle Documents (registration and insurance information):
Vehicle Maintenance:
Check the oil, brake fluid, and other essential fluids before you leave.
Inspect tires, including the spare, and ensure they are properly inflated.
Check brakes, lights, and windshield wipers.
Emergency Kit:
First aid kit.
Jumper cables.
Flashlight with extra batteries.
Basic tools (screwdriver, pliers, etc.).
Tire repair kit or spare tire.
Navigation:
GPS device or smartphone with navigation apps.
Physical map as a backup.
Communication:
Fully charged mobile phone.
Car charger or power bank.
Comfort and Safety:
Comfort Items:
Snacks and water.
Travel pillow and blanket.
Sunglasses.
Clothing:
Dress appropriately for the weather.
Pack extra layers for varying conditions.
Entertainment:
Music playlists or podcasts.
Audiobooks.
Games for passengers.
Personal Items:
Personal Identification:
Passport or ID (if traveling across borders).
Insurance cards.
Medications:
Bring any necessary prescription medications.
Don’t forget basic medications like aspirin and cold medicine, you never know when you might need it!
Toiletries:
Toothbrush, toothpaste, and other personal care items.
Money and Documents:
Cash and Cards:
Carry some cash for tolls and emergencies.
Credit/debit cards.
Reservation Confirmations:
Print or save electronic copies of hotel reservations.
Optional Items:
Camera: memories of what you saw
Binoculars: sightseeing
Cooler: For keeping drinks and snacks cold
Travel Guides:
Books or apps for information about your destinations.
Multipurpose Tool:
Can come in handy for various situations.
Remember to customize this list based on your specific needs and the nature of your road trip. Safety should always be a priority, so make sure your vehicle is in good condition and that you’re well-prepared for unexpected situations. It is also a good idea to let family and friends know where you are headed and when you expect to arrive. Keep them informed.
Safe travels!!!