Chasing the Horizon | Prep & Pack for the Open Road
Your Home & Lifestyle Magazine
“We have nothing to lose and a world to see,” says author Rainie Navarro. Travel, and the myriad experiences that come with it, is often at the top of a bucket list; but with work and family schedules, it’s easy to put it off until next month or next year. Put delaying travel in the rearview mirror and jump in the car for a memorable road trip.
We love the flexibility that comes along with road trips. They are easy to plan last minute and can be as short or as long as you have time for. If you have a motor home or a travel trailer, you can bring along all the comforts of home, too. There are plenty of miles/kilometers of road to cover across the US and Canada, making your itinerary options practically endless.
Don’t forget to pack some essentials: first-aid kit, GPS, cash, bedding, snacks, toiletries, entertainment, and more. Turn to Pinterest for a variety of packing checklists.
Get your car serviced and stocked with some travel essentials beyond clothing. Check the weather and be mindful of where you’re headed and how inclement weather could impact your travel plans—which is especially important when on the road. If your personal vehicle is having any concerning issues, consider renting a car and save some money by booking at the weekly rate. Save even more by scouting gas prices. The app GasBuddy allows you to enter your location and preview upcoming station names and gas prices so you can pick the best option for you.
Know your travel style and your triggers—or at least start to observe them. Do you have a maximum amount of time you can drive or be a passenger in a single day? How often do you need to eat or stop and stretch your legs? Do you prefer to have a hotel or camping spot booked, or would you rather have adventure days with a loose plan of where to stop? Discussing and/or identifying these preferences with your travel partner will help make the trip more comfortable and enjoyable for everyone.
Mapping Your Adventure
Studies show that anticipating a vacation alone boosts happiness; so, get started early with planning. Pick up some paper maps to get a better lay of the land and identify the towns or attractions enroute to your destination(s). Apps like Roadside Attractions Guide and Roadtrippers will help you identify roadside oddities along your drive, while travel bloggers showcase the most picture-perfect spots and experiences. (Search social media for specific locations or hashtags for more.)
When mapping your route, build in time for relaxation and the unexpected. Some stretches of the drive will be purely to cover ground, while other scenic routes may take substantially more travel time than your map app indicates. Consider this when building your itinerary so it doesn’t feel like a rush to the finish line.
If you plan to cross international borders—or even travel near them—ensure you have proper paperwork for your vehicle (and that it’s allowed if rented) and passports for everyone who is along for the ride.
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YHL Written By Maresa Giovannini
Photography provided by SimonSkafar/iStock/Getty Images.