Top Seven Things to Bring with You on a Road Trip

Arriving at your destination is only part of the fun of road trips. The key to staying on schedule, having fun and not getting lost is to be prepared. There are a few nonnegotiable tangible items you must pack. Should you blindly rely only on technology to get you to your destination?

GPS

There are many great GPS navigation systems out on the market. Whatever brand you select, be certain sure that it is up-datable. Many brands automatically update regularly. Some older brands have to connect with a computer or be manually told to update. Of course these update instructions may be lost or inaccessible after you discover that you are lost.

Many GPS systems that do not update can put you in danger of going down roads that should lead to the highway but do not. You may encounter dead ends, or be lead down an access road that is not functioning.

Road Map

Before leaving your home, be sure to obtain the newest map that will lead you to your destination. Think of it as your hard copy insurance. Highways and Toll ways basically stay the same. The problem is the smaller roads that go through cities and towns that lead to the highway may have a detour. You may need to figure out an alternate route. A map may help you with this.

Bathroom

Unless you are traveling on an RV with a bathroom and shower, pay close attention. Always have a roll of toilet paper with you. Do not depend on the rest area at 3 a.m. to cater to the emergency you are having. You may have been alternating between hot coffee and energy drinks to stay awake. Earlier that evening you stopped at a questionable truck stop, and ate the special.

Bring a small bag or fanny pack with toilet paper, small package of flushable wet wipes, and a change of underwear. This is not the time for sexy underwear. Choose comfortable cotton underwear that will be kind to your skin. Select fabrics that allow your skin to breathe.

Cooler

Buy a well insulated cooler. Stock the cooler with larger quart or gallon sized bottles of water on the bottom. Fill the cooler with bottled water, iced teas, juices, energy drinks, iced coffee, and sodas. You can never have too many drinks.

Non Perishable Snacks

In the event you are not able to pull over and dine in at a nice restaurant, always have food in your vehicle. There may be an unexpected traffic jam; that has you sitting for hours. Select snacks that have a long shelf life. Dried fruit and nuts is a great snack for quick energy.

Cell Phone

Have a way to contact the authorities in the event of an emergency. Remember if you are on a cell phone, you may have to give the operator your location. If you do not have a cell phone with current service, that is okay. Charge it and bring it along. In the event of an emergency you can turn it on, it will still call 911.

Alternate Money

Have more than one way to pay for your purchases. If the restaurant you are dining in does not accept credit cards, do you have enough cash to cover the meal? Before leaving, purchase travelers checks, gift cards with Visa, MC, or American Express logo on them. Have some cash on you at all times.

The Unexpected

In the event your air conditioner is not working properly, and you have sweat out your clothes. Have a change of clothes in your vehicle. If you get to the hotel, and your reservations are no where to be found, do not panic. Know what cities you will be stopping in. Have the name and location of more than one alternate hotel available.

Vehicle Problems.

What would you do if your car where stopped working, and you had to stay in town while it was fixed? Know where the nearest hotel is. If you are on a limited budget and a hotel is not an option you can stay at a campground. A space can be purchased for $5 to $ 20 a day. There usually are shower and bath faculties, tables, and activities available; however they usually are not glamorous. In the event, a hotel is out of the question truck stops offer showers for about $ 8 to $ 10.Visit state rest areas and visitors centers for free hot coffee, and free local things to do.

The great thing about road trips is that you will always be able to look back and tell a story. Being prepared ahead of time will help your trip to go smoother. Always think about what you can do, to make the trip better. Snap pictures, and keep a journal to capture the story made on your road trip.