We’ve arrived at the final segment in our series about how to pack smartly for a road trip. It is work, but it’s worth it because road trips are a wonderful way to bond with loved ones and your favorite friends. Just remember, start planning early if you can. More planning equals less stress. Now, let’s get this finished so you can put the pedal to the metal!
DOCUMENTING
- Camera, video camera, tripod, memory card
- Free disk space on camera-phone, SD card with additional memory
- Journal and pens
- Calling card for meeting friends along the way
TECH
- Wall and car charger for phone
- Laptop, tablet charger
- Backup batteries or portable charger if possible
- Headphones
ENTERTAINMENT
- Books and magazines
- Preloaded Kindle or Ipad
PETS
- Pet sitter if they’re staying behind, leashes, treats, plenty of food and supplies, special instructions
- Medications, veterinarian’s phone number, phone number of pet emergency room near your destination
- Food and water, dishes
- Two leashes in case you lose one
- Crate or bed
- Sweater, snow shoes, for furry friends not acclimated to cold weather
- Shampoo and brush if muddy puddles or skunks are possible
- Tweezers for boo-boos
- Shade source for outdoor protection
- Ground stake for tie down – NEVER leave a pet in a car that is even slightly warm, as glass magnifies heat
MISCELLANEOUS
- Gifts for the people you’re going to see, or plan to give to travel companions
- Binoculars
BEFORE YOU LEAVE
- Check the weather – again!
- Download all content on entertainment devices
- Download all apps and try out to ensure they work
- Make sure you have your glasses if needed
- Call hotel concierge to pre-arrange entertainment plans
- Exhaust all information sources so your trip is a no-brainer
- Program air conditioning and heat settings in your home to avoid unnecessary utility bills
- Double check all locks, windows, doors
- Note that you closed garage door
- Turn off coffee pot
- Load the car the night before to avoid delays and frustration
- Check oil, top off car fluids, check tire pressure, (do this throughout the trip if you’re going to be on the road for an extended period of time)
- Set up “auto photo backup” to a cloud drive so you don’t lose all of your photos if you lose your phone
- Consider micro chipping your pet in case he or she decides to go on a solo adventure
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