Spring break is here, and a road trip may be in your immediate future. A change of scenery and some time to recharge—hopefully outdoors—is in order. Although the weather is unpredictable and the roads are crowded, you can still have a great time along the way, whether you are traveling with friends, family, or going solo for some much-needed downtime.
Making a checklist is always important to ensure you won’t leave home without some basic necessities. You won’t have to stop as often if you are prepared, unless you happen to come across a cute little antique shop, an out-of-the-way bookstore, a boutique, or a coffee shop. It feels good to treat yourself, knowing you have most everything covered.
Here are a few ideas to help you get started and make your trip more enjoyable. We’ve also posted a Reel of the San Antonio Living segment to our Instagram account.
Pack the Basics
Water and plenty of it. Staying alert requires you to be properly hydrated, even when you may think you are not thirsty. Carry a cup you can refill, and have plenty of extra bottles of water available which will carry you throughout your trip, or until you get to the next stop.
Other essentials:
- Phone Mount
- Sunscreen – Lips and Body
- Car Charger(s)
- Portable Power Bank
- Favorite Snacks
- Grocery Bags or Disposable Bags
- Paper Towels
- Hand Wipes
- Toilet Paper
- Mini First Aid Kit
- Bug Spray
Coffee in a Bag
If you are a lover of caffeine and appreciate the ease of a little tea bag, you will love the little to-go coffee bags that can be used like tea. Just add hot water and you are ready for the day (and can skip the expensive coffee shop).
Check Your Spare
Make sure you have a quality spare tire and jack, even if you would prefer to use roadside assistance. You never know when you will need to change the tire yourself. By the way, even if you don’t plan to, know how to change a tire if absolutely necessary.
Bring an Extra Car Key
Another road trip tip is to hide it someplace in case you need it, and don’t attach it to your regular set of keys. It would be a double disaster to lose your original and the spare key. Hopefully you won’t need it, but peace of mind goes a long way!
Insurance Card and Car Manual
If you are stopped for any reason, you want to know exactly where to find your identification without rifling through small compartments in your car. If you are anything like me, I can easily touch something on my dash and turn something on or off, without knowing what I activated. Your car manual will be a quick and easy guide to undo what you accidentally pressed by mistake.
A Small Flashlight
You never know when you will need a light, and it’s better to be safe than sorry when faced with an emergency. I am good at dropping something down the side of my seat and an extra light, not my cell, is helpful. A small, slim flashlight is easier to maneuver than my larger sized cell phone when trying to peer down a small, narrow space.
A Cozy Blanket and Slippers
A small blanket will keep you cozy if others in the car want to the temp to be cooler than your comfortable 71 degrees. You might also consider cozy socks, flip-flops, or slippers to wear during the drive. Tennis shoes are functional but can start to feel tight and confining on a long trip.
Eyewear
Don’t leave home without plenty of extra contacts, an extra pair of reading glasses, or sunglasses. If you have two, bring them because it’s easy to misplace or lose your prescription glasses and you will need a backup if one gets broken or lost.
Cash and Credit Card
Alert your credit card company that you will be traveling through multiple towns so they don’t flag your card as being stolen. Not every retailer takes credit cards, surprisingly, and carrying enough cash is important.
You may also like Travel Etiquette: How to Pack Smart.
For more information about working with Diane, America’s “Go To” social and professional etiquette authority, please visit The Protocol School of Texas.
See what Diane is up to by following her on Instagram and Facebook and find etiquette inspiration on her Pinterest account. For more of Diane’s etiquette tips, refer to her posts on Inc. and HuffPost.
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