Wednesday, March 6, 2013

Road Trip Checklist for the 2013 Spring Break

Despite the crazy-icy-cold weather some of us have been experiencing for the past couple of months, the coming of Spring and all things associated with it (parties, sunshine, ice cold beer, concerts, parties, dancing, beaches... and did we mention parties?). It is definitely time to kick back and relax, and engage in what comes naturally to living creatures when this season arrives... renewal and resurgence! I’ll leave your imagination to process that.

Even if you don’t have that big of a budget to spend, there are a ton of places to plan a getaway to, and the best way to do it is via a well-prepared roadtrip to your destination! Wherever it is you have your heart set on to travel to, do take some time in preparing you, your travel buddies, and your vehicle for the journey. We cobbled up a quick and dirty checklist of things that you absolutely must prepare before hitting the road:

The Wheels

This is practically the most important piece of machinery that will make or break your road trip dreams and ambitions. A couple of weeks before the date of your journey, you must make certain that your chariot is in tip-top condition ready to make your most enjoyable trek.

A trip to the auto shop and a full inspection is in order. You may not need a full overhaul, but a tune-up and wheel alignment and balancing, preferably with a new set of tires (and two or more spares, we’re not kidding!), and of course, tools (don’t forget the jack, please). An extra fan belt, some spare oil, brake/transmission fluid, and other auto essentials should always be present in your trunk.

Each automobile has its own capacity, and we suggest you don’t fill it to the brim before setting out. If it has a comfortable seating capacity of six, assemble a 4-person team, for example. Why do I give this advice, you might ask? Well, you never know who might meet along the road, and he or she might be needing a ride...

Information

Nowadays, there should be no excuse for driving without a map. Moreover, with GPS and wireless internet access just about everywhere, there’s no reason for you to miss a party along the route, or to get utterly lost or drive yourself into a ravine, or an airport...


In any case, your glove box should contain the proper conventional maps of the areas you’re planning to visit, get yourself a GPS, and with tablets being so affordable, go ahead and get one so you can access online maps and other apps that will help you make your travel experience a most entertaining one. Oh, it’ll be much easier to Tweet on it than your smartphone, too (not while driving).

Sundries & Provisions

You’re going to be taking care of your own needs during this entire journey, so don’t expect someone to be picking up after you or reminding you what you have to do. Stock the necessary clothes, personal care items, toiletries, and other essential items that you need so you won’t end up looking like an unkempt hobo by the time you get back from your vacation.

Consider all your needs. Don’t just jam your trunk full of beer, toilet paper, and condoms. Also, you don’t need to bring way too much; there are convenience stores and supermarkets along the way, assuming your destination is within proximity of civilization.

 

Your Sense of Adventure


Spring Break. If those words aren’t enough to inspire you into a frenzy, then you need a few more beers (not while driving). Kick back, relax, have fun, and enjoy the fruits of your labor! Get out there and party!




 

About the Author

Stacey Thompson is a professional writer, marketer, entrepreneur, and a lover of weird little animals. She is based in San Diego, California, and is ready to take a road trip with her gal pals this Spring Break. She is part of the Word Baristas group of bloggers.

No comments:

Post a Comment