Determination…
So you’ve made the decision to embark on a much needed vacation, and you’ve now entered preparation phase. In order to ensure a successful departure and return (as well as securing some great memories) it takes planning, planning and more planning! The key to success (or your best chances at it) are in the details. The idea that you can improvise and “plan as you go” is a dangerous road to wander down.
Planning & Routing…
Decide your destination first, and then clear your calendar for the desired dates. Once you have your schedule locked down it’s time to map out your route. Don’t leave this to the last minute, relying on your GPS or mobile phone; it’s best to work out the overall details first.
There are many services you can utilize (either online or with phone apps), perhaps the most popular is Google Maps. Google Maps is a great tool; however I also suggest utilizing MapQuest.com. With MapQuest once your route is created, you’ll have access to many helpful tools and information along the way. Things like hotels, food, shopping, coffee, groceries and gas to name a few. An extra cool thing with the gas stations listed along the route, MapQuest shows the current regular unleaded price per gallon.
And speaking of gas, another great tool is GasBuddy.com. GasBuddy gives you a heads up as to when you’ll need to stop for gas along your route, and estimates your overall fuel cost. You can also receive discounts if you choose to use their free GasBuddy card.
Vehicle Maintenance…
This is a crucial step in the success of your overall vacation! Burning up precious time stranded on the side of the road never equates to having a fun time (especially on a steamy hot afternoon, or worse during a driving rain storm). Obviously unforeseen things can occur, but planning ahead can keep the odds of that happening in the lower ranges. Start out simple, check all the engine, power steering, brake and transmission fluid levels. Don’t forget to fill the windshield washer reservoir (you never know when you’ll hit a massive bug storm!) and check your wiper blades.
Follow this with a visual check of the headlights, turn signals and marker lights, make sure all are operational and replace as necessary. If possible, I highly recommend having your vehicle professionally serviced before heading out. The basic maintenance items are oil & filter change, tire inspection (might be a great time for a balance & rotation), cooling system check, and to assure a comfortable pleasant ride… an air conditioning check.
Here is an area you can put your mind to rest and have the experienced team at Tubbs Brothers handle the task. They are a one-stop car care center providing high quality, convenience, honesty and integrity with all their services. Easily schedule an appointment online to have your vehicle serviced “before” your road trip. Or if worry free, regular maintenance throughout the year is more to your liking, they also offer a great value service called the “Pit Pass”.
Tires…
Another key item to consider is what is between you and the road, the tires! Take the time to inspect them before venturing out on your excursion. Start with the tread depth test. Using a quarter place George Washington’s head down into the groove; if you can see the top of his head, it might be time to replace them. Now look for signs of uneven wear, abnormal sidewall bulges, or surface cracking; all indicators of old, dry rotted rubber needing replacement.
Even if after this visual inspection your tires passed with flying colors, there is one more often overlooked thing to consider… age! Yes, your tires can look perfectly fine (especially if the car and/or trailer spends most of its time garaged, away from harmful UV rays) yet still harbor potential danger. Many manufactures recommend replacing tires anywhere from 6 to 8 years, no matter the mileage or the remaining tread life. All tires are required to have a 4-digit date code on the sidewall. The first two digits represent the week and the second two digits represents the year of manufacture. To find this code on your tires, look for the digits to follow the initials DOT.
This wikiHow link will provide additional tire replacement information. If your inspection results in the need for tire replacement, Tubbs Brothers has you covered. Click on this link to take advantage of their “meet or beat any local competitor prices” tire deal!
Trunk/Glove Box…
Next it’s time to do a little vehicle inventory, see what you have and what you don’t have. Start in the trunk, something you never think of until you need it… your spare tire! Make sure it is inflated to the proper air pressure (as marked on the tire sidewall) and check it for wear and damage. Your spare tire is vital, and often overlooked due to it being “out of sight and out of mind” in most vehicles.
And while you’re in the trunk, I suggest putting together travel kit. Include such items as a flashlight (with new batteries), a pair of gloves, some old towels, a simple first aid kit, a compressed can of tire sealant (or small 12 volt air compressor), jumper cables, hazard triangle or flares and a roll of toilet paper (no explanation necessary for that last item). All of which you hope you never have to use, but those items will come in handy if an incident arises (or you stop to assist another stranded vacationer along the road).
Now let’s focus on your glove box, time to clean it out, get organized and discard all the stuff that tends to get crammed in there. With that done, check your documents such as the vehicle registration and proof-of-insurance… are they current and up-to-date? It’s not a bad idea to put a tire pressure gauge in there (even if you have the fancy PSI readout on your dash) and I carry a multi-bit screwdriver as well. I also like to have a small container of baby wipes in my glove box; you never know when they will come in handy! Last but not least, an old school “state map” is not a bad idea, just in case you are in the “middle of nowhere” and your electronic devices fail you.
Vehicle Preparation…
I’m a “Type A Personality” with regards to my vehicle, so for me I typically make it a priority to thoroughly wash it inside and out before leaving on vacation. It gives a good feeling to pull out of the driveway with a clean car and a windshield I can see out of. There is no right or wrong routine in this area, just a personal preference.
If we’re on the same wave length here, but there is no time in your busy schedule, Tubbs Brothers has your covered. They offer a variety of professional auto cleaning/detailing services that will make your vehicle look like new again! Click this link for additional information and scheduling. And depending on how badly your vehicle becomes trashed during the road trip, it might be a great idea to give to it the detailing team at Tubbs Brothers “after” you return home as well!
Packing…
I will not suggest attire or gear to put in your suitcase; there are so many variables based on your trip destination, your entertainment plans and the time of the year. However there are basic items I recommend should always taken along. I’m a “make-a-list-pack-early” kind of guy, but everyone has their preferred method. Obvious but worth mentioning, make sure you have your driver’s license and/or passport. Nothing worse than being a couple hours down the road and discovering you don’t have proper identification documents!
Other common items included camera, sun glasses, sun screen, lip balm, hand sanitizer, bug spray (EpiPen if necessary), all medications you currently need, and a stash of extra cash (just in case). Make sure you have the chargers & cords for all the electronics that will be going along for the ride. I highly recommend taking a spare set of car keys, as well as keys to any other locking devices you have.
For the driver, I highly recommend packing some audio books; personally they really help me stay awake and provide a more pleasurable journey. If you have little ones, decide what items will best entertain them during the long haul (but also travel friendly). Keeping them busy and amused will help provide a stress free driving experience for you!
Another important item that needs careful planning… snacks! From a safety standpoint (along with taking regular breaks to refresh and stretch your legs) having some snacks can make the journey more bearable and help you stay alert while driving. I recommend keeping the snacks as healthy as possible (fruits & veggies), and preferably those that are easy to transport & not messy (especially if children are in the picture!). Cleaning up a back seat full of crushed potato chips is not on my list of “fun” vacation memories.
Leaving…
If you will be leaving your home for an extended period of time, it’s a good idea to properly close it up. Below is the list I leave by my back door so I can review it just before heading out. Everyone has a different set of criteria to focus on, but here are a few of my items…
- Withdraw trip cash from bank
- Go to USPS.com to schedule hold mail
- Make arrangements for pets
- Inform family & neighbors leaving/returning dates
- Close all windows and lock them
- Lock all doors (garage & shed)
- Take garbage out
- Close blinds/curtains
- Set timer for lights
- Turn off water
- Unplug water softener
- Unplug scented oil warmers and night lights
- Turn down or turn off AC/ heat
- Make sure all lights are turned off
- Set security alarm
With careful planning, coordination and critical decisions made in advance, you stand a much better chance of experiencing a restful, enjoyable and memorable vacation. Don’t’ lose sight of the reason you are on this road trip, remember to relax and enjoy yourself. If you have done your homework, it should go smoothly… but also try to be flexible if things stray off course.
Additional Helpful Travel Tip Links…
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Digital Marketing Manager at Tubbs Brothers, Inc.