A major factor of road trips is packing. Making sure you remember and pack all the right things is important, but at the same time, you don’t want to over-pack or bring the wrong things.
The next time you go on a road trip, you should keep the following packing tips in mind:
Write Out a List
Everybody knows how it feels to leave on a road trip, but then a couple of hours later remember something that you forgot at home. To avoid this, the best idea is to make a list. Prior to leaving on your trip, start making a list of things that you need to bring. If you start on your list a couple of days before you leave, you can make sure that you think of everything. Then, as you gather and pack the items, simply check them off the list.
Plan Ahead For Your Destination
It important that you think ahead about what you will be doing on your trip. Where are you going? Are you going to the mountains to hike, or are you going to visit and stay with your family? If you’re going to go on a “wilderness adventure” then, of course, you’ll have to be sure to pack all of the equipment that you need. If you’re going to stay with friends or family or stay in a hotel, then you obviously won’t have to bring the same things with you.
Also, think about the climate. Is it going to be hot or cold? Be sure to bring enough layers if there is a possibility of snow or storms so you can stay warm. After all, if your car broke down, you’d need to be able to stay warm.
Pack Lightly
Packing lightly can make the road trip easier for everybody. Even if you’re going on a longer than normal trip, you can still pack lightly. Bring only the clothes that you know you are going to wear and keep food contained to a single cooler and/or a bag. If you are traveling with children, then be sure that they understand they shouldn’t bring their entire room with them. Instead of bringing their whole stuffed animal collection or most of their toys or games, have them bring only the ones that they enjoy the most. That way, they can still stay entertained on the road, but they will be packing much less.
You will also find that packing lightly is especially nice when it comes to checking in and out of hotels. The fewer suitcases and bags that you have to carry back and forth, the better.
Additionally, traveling in your car will be more enjoyable if you don’t have the entire vehicle filled with your belongings.
Pack For Emergencies
Last but not least, you should pack emergency car tools and other things that you might need if a problem came about during your trip. You should check to make sure you have the right tools to change your tire and whether or not your spare tire is in good condition as well. Bring a first aid kit in case anybody gets hurt, and be sure that you have the phone numbers for tow truck companies saved in your cell phone.
Packing the right things can make your road trip more enjoyable and less worrisome for everyone!