Health and Safety Tips for Fall Travel

Fall brings the change in weather, the different colors in the leaves, people decorating for the festivals and so on. The biggest thing though the Fall season brings is the traveling that will occur during this time. Most people are trying to get in that last weekend road trip before the weather gets bad, so they can take in the beautiful scenery throughout the United States. Now, if you are not prepared for your Fall traveling, then lets talk about some tips on how you can stay healthy and safe while you are away from home and on the road.

Tip 1 - Medications
If you are taking any type of medications, and you are about to leave for the weekend (or week if time allows) then make sure you have your prescriptions filled before you leave, or you have enough pills before you do go. You do not want to be caught out in the middle of the country without your medicine.

If you are not on any type of medication, but prone to allergies, then I suggest stocking up on a couple of your necessity allergy medications that will help you survive the changes in the air you will have.

If you are traveling with children, my best advise here is to make sure you have some Tylenol or Motrin on hand. Kids tend to get sick when traveling and I know from past experiences that when I didn't travel with my sons over the counter medicines for coughs, fever, and such that he ended up getting sick down the road. It is better to be safe then sorry.

Pack all these in a bag, the night before and put them by your purse or wallet so when you get up on the day you are going to leave, you will remember to grab them!

Tip 2 - Insurances
Never and I mean never leave the house without your insurance cards. This includes your car insurance and health insurance cards. If you are in need of medical service then you will have the insurance numbers handy for records.

I know they say never to leave your insurance card in your car, however when I am traveling I put it in the zip lock part of my visor just in case I am in an accident or, we come across a road block.

Tip 3 - Car Needs
Before you leave that driveway, make sure your car tires are balanced and rotated. You had an oil change, even if the date has not come up yet, and your windshield wipers are working properly. Also check out each light to ensure they are coming on. It has been known that police will pull you over if you have a tail light out or a headlight out! Of course they may only give you a warning, however it is better to not get that warning at all.\

Oh yes, and before I forget, make sure your spare tire is inflated, and you have all the tools to change a flat tire if need be!

Tip 4 - Gas
I know when I am traveling I always plan out enough money for gas, however while I am miles away from home that gas money sometimes ends up being souvenir money and then I am resorting to credit cards to make my purchases on gas. This is never a good thing, so what I started doing was buying prepaid gas cards in amounts of 20 dollars. I usually will allow 100 dollars for gas, so I will get 5 gas cards when I am filling up the day I leave. This way I know I will have enough gas money to get me where I am going and home again, and I won't use them on items we don't need.

Another key tip when it comes to gas is carry a small gas can with you in the car in case you run out of gas in search of the nearest gas station. Do not fill this gas can up prior to leaving because the fumes will fill the car. Just place it in your trunk and if by chance you end up on the side of the road with no gas, you can simply grab your can and walk to the nearest station. Do not get into the car with a stranger, just simply ask them, if they decide to pull up, where the nearest station is and keep your body at least a foot away from their car while doing so.

Tip 5 - Map
Most of us do not have the luxury of a GPS system, and that is fine. What did our parents do 20 years ago? That is right, the good old trusty map. Make sure you map out your destination Fall travel plan before you leave your house. Mark it on the map so when you are out on the road you will know exactly where you are. Never go off the beaten path. I know this may be tempting at times, but you never know what lies behind that old dirt road. I can tell you this, probably no cell phone coverage!

Tip 6 - Cell Phone
Most of us, well pretty much all of us, do have a cell phone. Make sure your phone is completely charged the day you are leaving and do not forget to pack your charger so when you stop that night you can charge it up.

Tip 7 - Let Someone Know
Tell at least two to three people when you are leaving and where you are going. Tell them that you will call them at a certain time during the day. If they don't receive your phone call, then they will call you no later then 30 minutes after the time you said you would call. If more then an hour has passed and you have not called them, let them know it will be OK to contact the local authorities in the surrounding area because something must of happened!

With these few simple tips you can surely enjoy your Fall traveling experience. Have fun, and just remember to use common sense and be safe!