Every year we try to take a vacation and no matter how well planned it is, we always forget something. You may spend weeks or months planning but it’s usually the last minute things can easily be forgotten due to the stress or excitement. Planning and preparation are key to any well-organized vacation. So to help make your journey a little less stress full and maybe a little more enjoyable, here is a list of the top 10 travel essential forget me not’s:
1. Car Condition.
One of the most important things to do before starting a road trip is having your car completely checked out by a reputable mechanic before you leave to be sure that you won’t break down on the road. Don’t forget to check your spare tire to be sure that it is in good condition and that you have the tools to change a tire if the need arises. Also make sure that you have changed your oil and your wind shield wiper fluid is full!
2. Maps and Directions.
Many cars today have global positioning systems (GPS,) but if your car does not have one, you may want to buy one, as GPS have become one of the most used road trip essentials. If you prefer, you can still rely on paper maps or using your cell phone or tablet to find a good route to follow. With so much road repair being done, you may also want to check out local traffic web sites to avoid potential traffic delays due to repairs or accidents.
3. Travel Applications.
There are many free applications online that you can download onto your phone, tablet or laptop that will help you find places to eat, visit or stay. You may also want to consider a weather application so that you can check local weather forecasts to avoid driving through dangerous storms.
4. Electricity Power Backup.
Chances are that you will have a DVD or laptop with you on your road trip so be sure to bring along an electricity power inverter that can be plugged into your car’s electric socket so that your electronic devices do not run out of power. Having an option to charge your phone through your car will ensure that your phone never goes dead in an emergency situation.
5. Entertainment.
Music is definitely one of the most important road trip essentials as music helps to pass the time and make the trip more enjoyable for everyone. It’s best to have an iPod or a collections of CDs as radio signals can fade in and out while you are driving. Playing a musical road trip game is doubly fun. Having a DVD player can also help your children pass the time quicker.
6. Snacks.
Bringing along snacks will not only save you time and money, but will allow you to make healthier choices. Make sure you have a cooler large enough that can store your food and ice packs.
7. Beverages.
Bringing along a cooler filled with beverages and water will also save you time and money because you will not have to spend more time at rest stops in food lines but can just use the rest rooms and be on your way.
8. Other Amenities.
Other items that are road trip essentials are: paper towels, hand sanitizer or wipes, tissues and even a roll of toilet paper as some rest stops may be out. A basic first aid kit should also be stored in your car as you never know when a cut or bug bite may occur.
9. Comfortable Attire.
A true road trip essential is wearing comfortable clothes and shoes. There is nothing more annoying on a trip than tight fitting clothes or uncomfortable footwear. Don’t forget to bring a pillow!
10. A Camera.
You can rely on your cell phone to take your road trip photos, but you may miss out on capturing what makes the sites you see special. If you want to be sure to capture all of the beauty of the places that you visit, be sure to bring along a camera.