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"To get away from one's working environment is, in a sense, to get away from one's self; and this is often the chief advantage of travel and change." - Charles Horton Cooley.
What comes to mind when I say "Road Trip"? Some of you may think of the road trips you had when you were a child: bouncing in the back of your parents station wagon, eating lots of ham sandwiches, and making several pit stops on the side of the road. Some may think of a romantic time spent with someone special: driving in a secluded yet romantic area, all alone. I personally think of times with my sister. We'd pack up all of our things into my '97 Ford Thunderbird, roll the windows down, crank up the music, and set sail on the open road!
Road trips are a great way to break out of the monotony of everyday life. It gives you a chance to breathe fresh air, be with nature, and bond with family and/or friends. So if you're looking to take a road trip, our guide will help you find all the things you need to make your next road trip memorable and hassle-free!
There are some things you just have to have if you want to have a successful road trip.
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Although half the adventure is in getting lost, don't get too lost. However, if you do, GPS Systems are great for answering that age-old question, "Where are we?" |
When going on a road trip, you have to pack light, and even then, there can still be too much luggage. Buy a car topper for your bags so you'll have more space in your car to relax and spread out. |
You can't forget this little guy! You never know what might happen out on the open road. You may hit a deer, your car might break down, you may run out of gas. Whatever happens, it's a good idea to always have your cell phone in case of any emergencies. |
Speaking of emergencies, don't forget to pack an Emergency and First Aid Kit. You'll need medical supplies, car tools, and extra blankets and food in case you get stranded. |
Ok ok, so maybe music isn't essential, but you can't deny the importance of a good road trip soundtrack. Make a playlist on your MP3 player or on a CD and have it as your background music over the course of the trip. Popular road trip songs include: "Born to Be Wild |
Some things for the really adventurous road-tripper.
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Tents are perfect for sleeping, playing cards, and telling ghost stories. BOO! |
Sleeping underneath the stars is fantastic, and even more so when you have something fantastically comfortable underneath you. |
Well, there's not much to say about this item except that, well, um, it starts fires. Perfect for campers who don't feel like rubbing sticks together. |
Don't forget the toilet paper, cause you don't want to be caught with your pants down, literally! |
Pots & pans are a campers best friend: after a long day of traveling the best thing to do is relax and enjoy a good meal. |
These are some things you should bring along, just in case.
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Even if you don't know much about cars, you should know that oil is extremely important. Don't forget to bring plenty along in case you have to have an impromptu oil change. Also, make sure you're educated on how to check the level, etc. |
Making sure your tire pressure is correct is also very important. Too much or too little air can lead to a flat tire. So, to avoid potential mishaps, bring a tire gauge along and check the pressure every now and again. |
Ok, I'm going to stop saying "and this is also important" because everything in your car is important. Each piece is a part of a puzzle that must fit together, or it won't work. As per usual, engine coolant is very important. Bring an extra jug along. |
In case your car battery dies, you'll need some jumper cables to get it going again. Don't forget to throw a set of these in your trunk. You might need 'em. |
Make sure that you've got a spare tire and some tools (jack, wrench) in your trunk. Most cars come with these things, but you've got to make sure or you may find yourself in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire. That wouldn't be very much fun, now would it? |
Here are some GPS devices
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This portable device is priced under $100, so get your hands on it quick. The nuvi 765T takes navigation to the next level with lane assist, so you know exactly what to do at approaching exits. |
The 1470 includes Magellan's premier features, starting with a OneTouch favorites menu, QuickSpell with SmartCity search, and an extra-large 4.7" touch screen display. |
With all of the features you need in a portable automotive GPS system, the TomTom ONE includes maps of the US, Canada, and Mexico. |
This high-end GPS unit comes with premium features including 3D building view, photo navigation, faster screen redraws, route planning, emergency car locator and much more. |
Bring some or all of these items along to ensure memory keepsake and entertainment.
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Don't forget a diary! Make an entry every night of what you did during the day. A perfect way to preserve memories. |
A camera also a wonderful way to preserve memories. Get a digital camera so you can upload images to your computer for mass sharing via email, social networking sites, etc. |
Don't forget to bring something along for the car ride. A couple of magazines and a book are varied enough to keep you occupied when you don't feel like chatting with other passengers. |
Unless you're going to a nudist colony, then you know that you'll need clothes. But which clothes? How many? Well, all of your questions can be answered by clicking here. |
These little guys (PSP, Gameboy, iPod, and more) are a great way to stay entertained if reading makes you queasy. Buy games for problem solving and brain stretching to give your a mind a good workout. |
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