As a professional speaker and author, I log a lot of road miles. I try to avoid hotel stays whenever possible, though. This means I regularly spend as much as ten hours a day behind the wheel.
Often when we are taking short trips, we don’t think about essentials for the journey. Whether we are a thousand miles from home or only a hundred, we should always carry a few key items in our vehicle. Here are some travel tips:
Bottled water. It’s easy to grow dehydrated on road trips, even in the winter. Water can also be used for emergencies or an overheated radiator.
Caffeine or energy drinks. Driving is very tiring. We may be sleepy in the morning or weary in the evening. Even the afternoon sun beating on our vehicle can induce fatigue.
Cash and credit cards. Cash spends everywhere and is suitable for small purchases. Credit cards are safer than a debit card and necessary for emergencies.
Extra jacket and blanket. The weather is often unpredictable! Sometimes car engines are unreliable as well.
Cell phone and phone numbers. Most people don’t forget their cell phone, but we should bring the number of our destination(s), too. If we are running late, someone needs to be informed.
GPS and map. Many cars now come with a GPS, but they are not always 100% reliable. Travel with a road map or printout from MapQuest.
Simple and healthy snacks. Food bars, apples, carrots, etc. are healthier and easier on our digestive systems than fast food and far easier to eat on the road. Accidents and delays could also force us to miss a meal if we’re not prepared.
First aid kit, air compressor, and rags. For minor accidents, flat tires, and foggy windows.
Bath items. Road conditions could force us to stop for the night. Moreover, it’s nice to freshen before our arrival!
Other considerations include the state of your vehicle. Being stranded is the worst feeling in the world! We need to consider the last time we had the oil, battery, and washer fluid checked and if possible, fill our car with enough gas for a round trip.
All of these things will ensure a much more pleasant experience on the road, even if the weather and other vehicles don’t cooperate.
Which leads me to one final travel tip – never use washer fluid with your windows down! (Unless you really need a bath.)
Find SpunkyGal L. Diane Wolfe, a professional speaker & author, at Spunk on a Stick, The Circle of Friends and The Circle of Friends Books.
Thanks for offering such great advice to our readers. You sure spend a lot of time on the road.
Thanks for inviting me to visit today!
Great tips, Diane, especially the last one. As a fellow author and speaker, another thing I do to avoid the expense and boredom of staying at a cheap hotel is to accept any and all invitations to stay with people who live in the area where I’m going. I’ve had lots of memorable experiences–all to the good.
These are GREAT tips, Diane! We’re so glad to have you here!
For a flat tire, having a can of Fix a Flat (http://www.fixaflat.com/) can really save the day… A lot of cars don’t come with a spare anymore, or one of those mostly pointless emergency ones…
I concur with Jack! That stuff is great and comes in handy. I’ve used it twice on trips and always keep a can in my car.
Great tips Diane! Our favourite snack for travelling is a big bowl of seedless grapes – so handy
One of the best things I carry in my glove box is an adapter that allows me to charge anything electric off my lighter outlet. It costs about $30, but it lets me charge my cellphone and laptop, run a hairdryer, etc. It turns the lighter outlet into a 3-prong electrical outlet. I use it all the time on long roadtrips. I also keep a small magnalite flashlight in the glovebox.
Jack and Michelle, those are great ideas! (Knew I wouldn’t think of everything.)
I also recommend CDs and/or XM Radio, too. Keeps one awake and there’s no searching for a radio station.
Michelle – I SO agree w/ the adapter that basically provides you with a standard electrical outlet in the car. We have one in each car – Stanley and Black & Decker make them.
music (ipod), travel games, books on cd, lots of snacks, and a sense of adventure!!
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Thanks again, everyone! I’m blown away by all the comments and suggestions.
Excellent advice. When traveling, it is always handy when you can benefit from the experiences of others. Thanks
I really liked your blog article.Much thanks again. Will read on…