Road Trip Checklist and Survival Tips for Travelers

Road trips and traveling can be loads of fun and adventurous but require careful consideration and preparation. It is much better to be prepared for the worse than it is to expect the best. Reference this checklist and survival tips before venturing out on your next road trip!

Car maintenance: The most important road trip survival tip to follow! Don't be stranded roadside at the mercy of strangers.

Spare tire: Check to make sure you have everything you will need in case you need to change a flat or blown-out tire.

Monitor the Gas Gauge: Depending on the destination of your road trips, the next gas station could be a great distance away. Don't take the risk of not fueling up and getting stranded!

First Aid Kit: For ultimate survival, be sure to have at least a basic first aid kit in car and/or backpack.

Toilet paper, paper towels and tissues: Especially important to women that do not care for air drying or wiping with leaves; pack at least one roll of toilet paper in your car.

Meals Ready to Eat (aka MRE's): No matter what happens, don't run the risk of dying of starvation! Simple MRE traveler choices: Lance crackers, Kashi bars, beef jerky, peanut butter, crackers, goldfish crackers, canned beans, sardines.

Case of Water: If you are stranded, you won't go thirsty if you remember this important travel and survival tip.

Gun: Pack a gun if you the type that travels alone, hike or camp in desolate areas. This survival tip should only be followed if you have a gun permit and abide by the gun laws.

Passport: Laws changed in the past few years due to the Western Hemisphere Travel Initiative (WHTI). A passport is required for traveling outside of the United States. A PASS card or enhanced driver's license is acceptable for Mexico travel.

Camping tips: When camping if you don't store food in car, be sure to hang food in garbage bag from high tree branch.

Blankets and Extra warm clothes: We are spoiled today with technology that works in most parts of the world. However, this survival tip could save your life if you are stranded in a location without cell phone service on a cold night.

Shovel: In the winter months, you should never travel without a shovel in your car.

Sources:

My own travel experiences

Where is a Passport Required for Travel, About.com