A Year of Exploring|Car Edition Guide

A Year of Exploring|Car Edition Guide

 

Ever since I was young I LOVED traveling.
My Mom and Dad use to take my sisters and I on road trips to Canada, Florida, Boston, Atlanta and Nyack annually. With that and moving several times, made me have a heart for discovering new places and that has not stopped.  Life is a journey, traveling is a journey thus I’ve enjoyed the “getting to” along with the “being there”.

This year I’ve decided to do more driving and part of that plan is having planned or impromptu road trips at least once a month (2016 goals). So for the month of January, I did an impromptu New Jersey trip and a planned one to Windsor, CT. January and February are the months of snow storms here in the north and it snowed during my trip. It first started in NYC than gradually found its way north to us in Connecticut. So my plans of site seeing were limited, however I did get a chance to see the local library, shopping center and some beautiful architecture of colonial buildings.

Here is a list of tips you should know before going on a road trip.

Road Trip Guide for Beginners

  1. Rent a car if you can– renting a car has its perks especially if you don’t have your own vehicle. Rental cars are usually in good shape, therefore the chances of it breaking down on you are low. Trust me I have a Maryland story of that happening but we will not go into that now.
  2. Use your own car– If you are going to use your own car, get it inspected from your mechanic to ensure everything is working as it should especially if its the winter. Let your mechanic know that you plan on taking a road trip. Remember this is their profession and they know more about cars then you.
    1. Oil check
    2. Tire pressure
    3. Windshield wipers (speaking of I need to get mine checked)
    4.  Heat, just to name a few
  3. Check your glove compartment — Make sure all your paper work is up to date (license, registration and insurance)
  4. Emergency Kit– Winter
    1. Emergency/travel Fund in CA$H!
    2. Lock defroster-Helps when your key can’t fit into your door lock because there is ice in it. My uncle purchased mine for me and the key is to keep it in your purse. It is of no use to you if its in the car….when you need to get in the car.
    3. FULL tank of gas
    4. Flashlight
    5. Mini first aid kit.
    6. Map (Old school) or GPS with charger
    7. Few bottles of water
    8. Toiletry bag
  5. Tunes– I have learned that driving long distances your favorite radio stations changes. I personally love talk radio so; if you are ever on a road trip with me I’ll find a radio station that is talking and join the conversation. Tip: its keep you alert on the road.
  6. And good company

March is next month…. lets see where I go next.

 

 

9 Comments

  • Reply kemkem March 7, 2016 at 4:45 pm

    Very helpful advice, especially the e-kit. You just never know and it is always better safe than sorry. I always make sure and double check everything before setting out in the car.

  • Reply chasing Joy March 7, 2016 at 5:56 pm

    These are really gret tips. I have never heard of the key defroster thing. I’ll have to look for one of those.

  • Reply MJ (@FABHauteMama) March 8, 2016 at 10:36 am

    Your tips are perfect for travel and also for every day in and out of the car. I have all of the above plus necessities for my kids in emergency car kit. So important.

  • Reply Reginia Cordell March 8, 2016 at 11:52 am

    Many people love road trips, especially in the warmer months. I’m trying to convince my mom to take a road trip this summer. I want to head into Austin.

  • Reply Alisha March 8, 2016 at 4:34 pm

    I LOVE going on road trips! My mom moved to Florida last year so we visited several spots and I enjoy finding stuff off the beaten path too! Thank goodness for Google and other blogs to find out about these places.

  • Reply Toya March 8, 2016 at 7:14 pm

    I like renting a car bc you can drive it a little harder, and not be concerned about wear and tear on your own vehicle. Also great idea for the mini emergency kit.

  • Reply mimicutelips March 9, 2016 at 7:35 am

    Great tips, like you growing up we took more road trips then anything else. My sister and I loved to pack our favorite toys an activities to do while on the road.

    To this day my mother never travels without her safety kit. Although we are adults she still checks to make sure we have one as well.

  • Reply Jo March 10, 2016 at 11:45 am

    I love road trips! Going on one this weekend, but I’m not driving. These are great tips. I want to get my own car soon, but just need to save up a little more before getting my put put. lol

  • Reply Kirstin N. Fuller (@thetravelindiva) March 10, 2016 at 8:12 pm

    Great tips! I add everyone’s favorite snacks to my road trip kit. They’ll be a lot cheaper if you buy them at home at big box stores like Walmart instead on the road.

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