Road Trip Tips

Let's say the company you work for decides to shift you to another town. The way things stand, this other town is not too far off and you have already fixed a date for the packers and movers to shift your entire household kit. This usually leaves us with the strange space of having to figure out exactly when should you travel and how much should you take along with you. Actually, how much you take along with you will depend on what you leave out of the truck from the packers and movers and how much luggage you can carry. So okay, you have got the household kit organized, and you have an idea of what will fit into the three bags that you need to survive anywhere and in whatever circumstances. That leaves the car.

At this point, the imagination drifts a little spark down certain neural passages in your brain and you get the bright idea of putting your bags in the car and driving down. However, just like you have a life insurance policy as a backup plan for your family’s future, you need to plan for all contingencies for the road trip.

Designated Driver Duties

Just Kidding: If you are going to take the car, then keep in mind that for the duration of the journey, your car becomes your mobile habitat. Remember how dirty train compartments get with the temporary inhabitants they suffer? Well, a day's driving and you can be equally callous to your earlier standards of cleanliness. Keep this in mind if you have kids and seriously consider how to childproof your car for the trip.

Tune-up: Take the car in for a check-up before taking it out on the highway. Tires, brakes, lights, horn, battery, air conditioner, oils and fluids, coolant and drive belts, get them all checked by a good mechanic.

Sleep Well: No jokes. Avoid the farewell party on the night before and get a full night’s rest. There really is no fun in driving hours on end on a hangover and your mouth feeling like shoe leather. Don't forget, drowsy drivers eventually die by their own hand.

Emergency kits: Pack a blanket, flashlight, jumper cables for starting the car in case of a dead battery, tire changing or repair kit, spare parts such as fuses, bulbs, and other sundry things that might strike you as useful. Don't forget to include a first aid and medical kit.

Do remember to carry all your documents safely with you, including driver’s license, passport, life insurance policy, birth certificate and school records.