While we’re half-way through summer break now, but summer vacations are still in full swing. More travelers this year are opting our of air travel and taking road trip adventures instead. However, this year’s summer vacations pose a little bit more hassle and things that one must consider given all that is going on around us (protests in different areas of the country, Covid -19 local mandates, et cetera) before taking to the road. We decided that it might be helpful to include a checklist of things to prepare for summer road trip this year. So without further ado…
- Get your vehicle checked out by a trusted mechanic a week or two before the trip is to take place. This will make it less stressful than trying to do it a few days ahead of time. Plus, if there are service or repairs needed, it will allow time for the mechanic shop to complete the work.
- Pack a Covid-19 toolkit for each person over the age of 10. This kit should include a mask (or a few masks), hand sanitizer, disinfecting wipes, and some disposable gloves. While you may not need everything in the kit, it is always better to be prepared.
- You should research the Covid-19 regulations affecting your destination area so that you can be prepared. Some states have mandatory 14-day quarantine mandates that you will want to be aware of, et cetera. You can check with the health department’s online website in the area you will be staying to learn more about local mandates and health initiatives in that area.
- Before taking off, call ahead to your hotel or AirBNB to ensure everything is still good to go. It wouldn’t hurt to contact the places that you had planned to attend while on vacation to determine if they are open as well and what their facility Covid-19 requirements are as well.
- Pack a cooler with drinks (at least some water) and snacks for the road trip so that you have less reason to stop and go into places. If the trip is one with several friends, ask each friend to bring a favorite treat to share with on the trip. That way everyone has at least 1 snack that they know they will enjoy even if they aren’t fans of some of the other options provided.
- Make sure to bring along a toolkit with some basic tools needed for roadside emergencies, along with a first aid kit. We suggest a universal wrench, flathead screwdriver, phillips screwdriver, and jumper cables be included in your toolkit (at the minimum).
- Check your spare tire before you head out. There is nothing more infuriating then being stuck on the side of the road with a flat and no way to change it.
- Speaking of being stuck on the side of the road, call your insurance agent before you head out and see if you have roadside assistance on your policy. Again, this is something you will want to know before you find yourself in need of roadside assistance.
- Put a few charging banks in the vehicle so that everyone can keep their phones charging as needed throughout the trip. This will be especially helpful if your vehicle is limited on USB hookups.
- Don’t forget documentation items such as your driver’s license & insurance paperwork (health insurance cards, auto insurance card, et cetera).
Following these 10 items will definitely help you get to your destination with as little hassle as possible. While you may not need to use some of these items, you’ll appreciate the forethought to bring them along in the event you have an emergency.
