| Road Trip Planning Tips |
A month before you go:
·
If you plan to drive your own car,
schedule a full checkup with a mechanic. Check on the condition of your tires,
and make sure you have a copy of the owner’s manual in the glove compartment.
·
Check
your auto supplies and repair kit and fill in any gaps. Make sure you have an
extra set of car keys, incase you lock your keys in the car. Duh!?
·
Obtain and study maps and guide
books.
·
If you have a cell phone, switch to
a roaming plan. Get an adaptor so that you can charge the phone in you car. If
you don’t have a cell phone, consider renting or buying one for your road
trip. Use it wisely
·
If you’re considering renting a
vehicle, look into the options well ahead of time. Find out, if your car
insurance covers rentals and what supplements may be needed. Also, ask the car
rental company what kind of vehicles it rents.
Aside from the standards, some outlets rent minivan, convertibles and
ultra-cool car sports, or a geo metro ha ha!!. Take the one that will save you
on gas.
·
Most
rental car companies offer unlimited mileage and some will permit you to drive
one way for a modest drop off charge.
·
If you are thinking renting a
recreational vehicle, make a reservation well in advance.
·
Consider where you’d like to stay
and make lodging reservation as necessary. Find a good cheap affordable hotel or
Motel and restaurants nearby, for your stomach won’t growl or you get cranky.
·
If you have a pet and are not taking
it with you, make arrangements for its care while you’re away. If you bringing
your pet schedule a checkup at the vet and review your pet travel gear. And make
sure hotels along the way will welcome Dog or Cat. No wild animals like snake or
Tarantulas they may get loose and you may not get a room.
·
Arrange for plant care and a mail
and newspaper delivery hiatus if necessary. Consider a house sitter to take care
of your house, do not let teenagers house sit your house, they might throw a
party; consider an older mature person to take care of your house.
A Week Before You Go
·
Prepare navigation materials
·
Thoroughly clean your car.
·
Stock up on food and drink, along
with music, games and in car diversion for kids and parents alike, that means
your kids don’t have to say “Are
we their yet?” or “Are we lost yet?”
·
Decide on a driving schedule, who
gets to drive. For teenagers make sure they have a legal driver’s license or
another adult.
·
Check weather and construction
reports for your route. Delays can
happen on the road.
Here are the links
