Packing for the Road
Don't forget the essentials!
Kisha Ritter
With the holidays coming up soon,plenty of people will be traveling. Whether you are traveling alone or with children, you will need to plan ahead for what you will need.
When traveling alone, the longer you are in the car the more chance you have of falling asleep behind the wheel. Whether it's just from being tired or from highway hypnosis, anything that you can do to make your trip shorter will help keep this from happening.
Make sure you fill up with gas when you leave town and take your food and drinks with you in order to prevent lengthy and unnecessary stops.
When you do have to stop, keep it short but take the time to stretch your muscles and get some fresh air to help keep yourself awake. Listen to upbeat music that you like, and try not to keep the car really warm. Being in warmer temperatures will make you tired and more likely to fall asleep.
If you are traveling with young children, always remember that children will get bored quickly on a car trip. Carrying items for entertainment will keep children occupied and prevent adults from letting their attention stray from the road. Travel games, children's music and a small television with movies are good items to entertain small kids. If possible bring a friend along to entertain the kids.
For older kids a music player with headphones is good entertainment that will also make adults happy.
Road safety is always an issue, especially during winter holidays when snow, ice and cold weather are probable.
When preparing for a trip, you should always make sure that your oil has been changed recently, that you have a spare quart of oil and that you are carrying extra coolant/anti-freeze. Also, make sure the spare tire and jack are in good condition.
You should carry a first aid kit and jumper cables in the car as well. During colder winter months, a blanket is a good idea in case you have to wait on a tow-truck because you will not have access to heat if the vehicle is not running.
In case of night-time stops, having flares or reflective markers to place behind the car warns oncoming vehicles and should be carried with your emergency supplies.
Extra warm clothing for both the traveling adults and children should be packed for emergencies, and when traveling with small children, make sure the diaper bag has more than what is expected to be used for the trip.
Holiday travel is a time for fun and excitement but by taking precautions and planning ahead will make the your traveling smoother, and be more fun for the entire family.
What to pack:
Snacks Cooler with drinks Music when traveling where stations will change Jacket Books or Magazines if you are a passenger Map in case of detours Sunglasses Handiwipes Umbrella Cellular Phone and charger Headache medicine Dramamine Bag to collect all trash inFor Safety and Emergencies:
Overnight kit in case you must stop
A first aid kit
Extra Blanket in cold weather
Flares
Always check oil before you leave
Water for radiator
Check spare tire and jack before you leave
Make sure your insurance card is in the car and current
Flashlight
Jumper cables
Taillight repair kit
Work gloves
Shop towels
Sand or Cat litter in case your car gets stuck in snow or ice
When traveling with children:
Toys and Entertainment
Travel Games
Plenty of Diapers
Changes of clothing
Blankets and pillows
Walkman for older children
Handheld electronic games
Carry all medicine with you during trips
TV that runs off of cigarette lighter
Movies
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