Careful Planning-Don't Leave Home Without It!
Jul 20 '00 (Updated Jul 22 '00)
I’m relieved to say we have already completed our two long road trips for the summer. We logged thousands of miles and I’m glad we don’t have to do that again soon, at least until next year.
One good thing is that each trip goes more smoothly than the last thanks to careful planning. We seem to be becoming experts on that. I remember one trip in particular-one of our first long trips-where everything seemed to go wrong. We were driving to Northern Michigan which is approximately a 20 hour trip for us. There were torrential downpours forcing us to pull over several times. It would have been nice to be able to stop and get a hotel, but every single one in that area was booked up for a big convention in town. We tried to drive through the rain and made it about 14 hours and considered driving straight through. Heavy road construction made it an even longer trip. We ended up attempting to all sleep in our van for an hour or so. It was horrible and nobody got any sleep. To top it off, my husband ended up getting sick. We’ve come a long way since then!
Once we discovered all the planning that can be done on the internet, things got a lot easier. We also learned a lot about making lists, planning and getting things accomplished.
One Week Prior to Trip- Make Lists!
At least a week in advance, we make a list of things to bring and write out things to do on our dry-erase board. For things to do, add things like stopping paper delivery, asking someone to feed your pets and collect mail, emptying out your fridge, shopping for snacks etc. For things to bring, I write it all out on paper with a space next to each item to check off. I add which of the kid’s toys I want to bring, jackets, sunscreen, and all the little items I’d hate to forget. One important item we forgot to list before our trip to Florida was theme park tickets! If our neighbor did not go into our house and get them to send to us, we would have been out of luck.
Several Days Prior-Plan out Your Route
A couple of years ago, we purchased some trip planning software. One of the best we discovered, though, was available free on the internet at <http://www.mapquest.com. >
These programs let you type in your departure and arrival locations and print out a detailed map of directions. Even though we go to the same location each year, roads sometimes change, so we print new ones each time. It also tells details about any road construction to avoid, nearby restaurants and hotels where you plan to stop along the way.
We always find a hotel ahead of time now and book it online. The details and prices of the hotel are all right there on the program. Just in case it turns out to be a dive, you could always come up with a backup hotel nearby. You can just check for availability and not book it. It’s handy to know if your favorite restaurants are nearby, or at least somewhere decent to eat. With these programs, you can add in the estimated number and duration of your breaks and it will account for them in your itinerary. These even work for very obscure locations, small towns and isolated areas. They don’t always know all the shortcuts, though, because they are so literal. We don’t always follow them to the letter if we know of an easier road to take. For our latest trip we used Microsoft Streets & Trips 2001.
2 Days Prior-Prepare Your Vehicle
At least two days before our trip, we prepare our van. For some reason, my husband always insists on washing it inside and out even though the splattered bugs along the way end up trashing all his work. It makes him feel better, I guess. He even washes the cargo bubble. He attaches it to the car roof and we begin to pack it with things we won’t immediately need. Cargo bubbles do put a drag on the vehicle and decrease gas mileage, but we really need the extra storage. He also removes and stores one of our van seats to create more open spaces. Since we log so many miles, he changes the oil and any needed plugs or filters. Be sure the air conditioner (or heat) is working properly so you won’t be miserable. Keep in mind that constantly running the air conditioner will also decrease gas mileage. Fill the wiper fluid to wash away the bugs between gas station stops. If the wipers are not working well, fix them now! They are imperative on long trips. Check the headlights and turn signals. Be sure the tires are the right pressure. Low tire pressure or poor alignment burn more gas by creating a drag. Doing these things could keep you from being one of those poor unfortunate people we all see by the side of the road with car trouble. Remember that driving on open highway burns less gas than lots of stop and start city traffic.
Some Things to Bring
We get out our cooler which operates on a cigarette lighter, the portable t.v. and videos we plan to bring. We also keep a very well stocked medical kit. Ours contain things for serious accidents, but at the very least bring Tylenol, bandages and other minor first aid items. Always get plenty of cash to take along. You may need it for gas if the credit card machine is down. You’ll also need it for food and tolls. We spend a fortune in tolls, so before our trip we start collecting change and small bills to take with us. We keep it all in a container in the front of the van where it’s easily accessible. Keep tissues and a bag for trash on hand. Go on a shopping trip specifically for your snacks and drinks for the trip. Don’t forget a magazine or two. It’s good to bring your favorite music if you don’t want to be at the mercy of small town radio stations for long periods. If you have a baby or toddler, you can't forget several bottles or sippy cups to drink, and diapers! Cell phones can be a lifesaver. Just don’t be one of those people who try talking while driving, swerving all over in the process. One more thing that may prove to be helpful is emergency car repair items in case something does go wrong.
The Night Before
After packing the car, put in your pillows and blankets and the toys the kids want to bring. Place an extra outfit for each family member in a bag and be sure your toiletries can be easily reached if you plan to stay in a hotel along the way. Weather can change a lot when going to another region, so be sure to have jackets or cooler clothing available. Don’t forget nightclothes. Hotels can get very cold and you won’t want to sleep in your clothes.
Day of Trip
We like to leave as early as possible. The kids stay in their pajamas asleep (after going out to car) until we are well on the road. They change when we stop for breakfast. This makes the trip several hours shorter for them.
Long road trips are sometimes necessary and not always pleasant. With good planning, though, they don’t have to turn into a nightmare.
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