Road Trip 101 – Go! Girl Guides Checklist for a Great Road Trip

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The road trip is one of those essential journeys that every traveler should experience. You are completely in control of the itinerary and freedom to do and see what you want.

However, road trips can be draining. At the end of the day, everyone is shattered despite sitting in a car all day.

Why? Unhealthy food, driving stress, and lack of exercise all contribute to road trip exhaustion. But, with effective planning and packing, you can conquer the dark side of road trips and enjoy the open road!

Before you take off:

Service Your Car

Get the oil changed, brakes checked, tires filled, and wipers working.

Nothing is worse than having your road trip interrupted with an expensive visit to auto shop in an unknown town.

If you are taking a road trip in the winter, be sure that your snow tires are not worn down and that you have a snow brush to scrape the frost and snow off your vehicle. The road trip is one of those essential journeys that every traveler should experience. You are completely in control of the itinerary and freedom to do and see what you want.

However, road trips can be draining. At the end of the day, everyone is shattered despite sitting in a car all day.

Why? Unhealthy food, driving stress, and lack of exercise all contribute to road trip exhaustion. With effective planning and packing, you can conquer the dark side of road trips.

Plan Your Route

Before you go, have a general idea of how you will reach your destination.

Spontaneity is great, but sometimes it can cause stress if you find yourself low on gas with no idea where the next station may be. My last road trip was with a GPS system and I loved how accessible and adaptable it was.

If you want to kick it old school with paper maps, make sure they are updated versions. If you don’t want to drive at all and happen to be in Texas, you might also consider renting an Amarillo party bus for your next trip.

Have Your Official Papers Organized

If you plan on crossing a border or two, it is wise to check the driving regulations in each country and buy any necessary car accessories to make your car legal for international roads.

Make sure that your insurance has the proper amount of coverage, pick up some travelers’ insurance, and grab your passport.

Pack Emergency Kits

Bring two, one for passengers and one for the car.

It’s always a good idea to have a well-equipped first aid kit with products such as band-aids, antiseptic wipes, and tensor bandages.

As for the car kit, make sure there are jumper cables, a spare tire, and extra windshield fluid.

About to hit the road:

Make Your Car Cozy

Make sure to pack a couple of pillows and blankets for those long stretches of road to make it comfortable for all your passengers. For those who like to take a midday nap, considering bringing eye masks.

Pack a Healthy Picnic Basket and Cooler

Many people fall into the fast food trap when on a road trip but don’t let this happen to you!

Pack a mini-cooler full of fresh veggies, granola, nuts, fruit, and dark chocolate for easy access in the backseat. Be sure to have a lot of water on hand and some juice boxes for those moments that need a sugar pick-me-up.

In a bigger trunk cooler, have refills available as well as ice packs to keep your food cold and fresh.

Bring Outdoor Equipment and Toys

Be sure to find some time to explore the great outdoors during your road trip. Pack your long boards or Frisbees for some fun in the sun. In the winter, pack your skis, snowboards, and snowshoes for a memorable winter activities.

Don’t Forget the Handy Essentials

Chances are you will encounter sun, rain, snow, and fog on your trip.

Make sure you have sunglasses on hand, rain gear for wet days, and mittens and hats for snow. It’s also wise to have a flashlight, trash bags, and toilet paper kicking around in the car for any situation that may arise.

What other advice can you offer for a successful and safe road trip?

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About Author

After a summer adventure in Alaska at age 17, this little Long Islander knew that there was something bigger out there, and she had every intention of finding it! These days, Lex is busy devouring every experience that comes her way. Her current gig as a writer and content manager for a volunteer travel organization in NY allows her to combine her passion for volunteering, sustainable travel, and writing. Some of her more memorable adventures include kayaking around Spitsbergen in the Norwegian Arctic, camping in Namibia, and a solo-powered jaunt around Berlin. When she's not traveling, you'll likely find her eating tater tots at her favorite Brooklyn bar.

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