Sunday, August 10, 2008

Tips For Planning Your Next Road Trip


Are you the type of person that throws caution to the wind and jumps in their car, truck, RV or motorcycle and heads off into the sunset on some unknown adventure? Or you the type that plans every detail of a trip out including the number of socks needed, where each stop will be made and exactly how much gas money is needed to get from point A to point B? Whatever your personality is, there are some perks and perhaps some aversions to disaster to planning a trip ahead of time.

Vehicle Maintenance

Breaking down alongside the road may put a damper on the spontaneity of any spur of the moment trip. So before you hop into that car, think about whether or not your car is up-to-date on maintenance. If you are handy with a wrench then you can check the tires, brakes, oil and windshield wiper fluid yourself. If not, then take it to an auto shop to have routine maintenance done while you pack.

Check Your Wallet

A few bucks aren’t going to get you anywhere nowadays. So make sure you have enough cash for gas, food, sleeping accommodations, souvenirs and emergencies. A credit card for those unexpected emergencies is also a good idea.

Be Sure and Pack the Essentials and Then Some

Of course, you could just go with the clothes on your back but after a few days people might not want to be around you much. So pack some clothes, toiletries, medications, and bathing suit or snowsuit depending on where you are headed.

Have a Map on Hand

Even if you have no real itinerary, it’s important to at least know where you are and how to get back home. So take a map with you or have your GPS system handy.

Keep the Communication Open

Although you are trying to get a way from it all, it is important for certain people to be able to reach you if there is an emergency. So make sure you let someone know where you will be going, a phone number they can reach you and when you will be returning.

Traveling With Kids

If you have kids then you probably know that a spontaneous trip is almost impossible. You can’t leave home without the diapers or the playpen. It seems like you have to pack every thing but the kitchen sink! So a well thought out travel plan is probably a better solution. Also pack some snacks for the kids and bring along some other things to amuse such as:

• Games to play along the way

• Toys and books

• DVD player with movies

• Pillows and blankets to encourage napping

Items to Keep Handy in Your Car

Make sure you have an emergency safety kit handy in your car for your road trip for those unexpected bee stings and scraps. It is also a good idea make sure you have jumper cables, a spare tire, and tool kit in your truck in case you do break down. Hopefully you won’t need any of these things on your trip but it is better to be safe than sorry.

About the Author:Levi Quinn-Have a fun and safe time on the road, and visit us to find the best deal on the auto insurance coverage you need. Get money-saving tips, compare auto insurance quotes and helpful car insurance advice at www.AutoInsuranceRatesDirect.com today.

Source: http://www.isnare.com/

Permanent Link: http://www.isnare.com/?aid=278432&ca=Travel

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