Imagup General Magazine 2024
Going on a long-distance drive is always an exciting thing to do. After staying home for a long time, perhaps you’re eager to enjoy the freedom of the open road. But before all that fun and excitement kicks in, you have to prepare the essentials to make the journey a smooth one.
This article would discuss the things you need for a long-distance drive, so your trip can go smoothly.
1. Driver’s License And Car Registration
Before you get yourself busy with all the must-bring items for your road trip, never forget your driver’s license and car registration. You should be compliant with never leaving home without them. Many car owners will have those ready in the glove compartment.
If you’re switching cars, however, be sure to double-check just so you don’t make the mistake of believing you have the documents ready when you don’t. For those of you who are also on the hunt for the perfect long-distance car for your needs, whichcar.com.au and others may present you with good options to choose from.
Along this line, it’s a plus to also bring a copy of your car’s insurance policy. Accidents can strike at any time of the day, and it’s best to be prepared. In this way, you’d be assured that you’re complying in case something happens.
2. Packed Food And Beverages
There’s nothing that can ruin the happy mood of everyone in the car than hunger. Especially when you have kids on the trip, you’ll need to pack a lot of food, snacks, and beverages. It doesn’t matter if you’re bringing more than you need as long as the food and snacks you’re going to bring can last a few days without spoilage.
When you have packed food and beverages with you, you may also save on the expense of buying on stopovers. It also enables you to stay on schedule as you won’t have to worry about stopping frequently when, every half hour or so, you’ve got a passenger needing a snack or a drink.
3. Navigation App
Gone are the days when you have to rely on an ordinary map to find your way. Today, technology is there to your advantage. There’s an app for almost everything, navigation included.
If you don’t have one on your phone yet, be sure to have at least two. That way, you always have a spare in the event the other app doesn’t function without a Wi-Fi or cellular data connection. If you take the time to search thoroughly, you’re going to come across navigation apps with good offline features. Also, make sure the apps are updated so you can maximize their features.
4. Spare Tire
You may have your spare tire with you in your car, but you haven’t touched nor used it in a long time. Are you certain it’s still in good condition? Give that tire a check before your trip. By doing so, you’re sure it’s in good shape and you won’t have a hard time changing when the need arises.
5. Roadside Emergency Kit
Along with your spare tire, it’s helpful also to have a roadside emergency kit in place. In an ideal world, you’re going to find help and a vulcanizing shop nearby. But not all road trip situations are ideal, especially when you’re off to a remote location. Your roadside emergency kit allows you to do a remedy on your car while waiting for help or looking for the nearest repair shop.
The roadside emergency kit can include the following:
• Flares
• Battery booster cables
• Window breaker
• Light sticks
• Tire pressure gauge
6. Tissue Paper, Wet Wipes, Or Small Face Towels
Especially when you’re going on a long-distance drive with kids, you have to be prepared for a lot of spills, messes, and surfaces to wipe. You’d never know too where you’ll have to stop for a short bathroom or meal break. You have to stay sanitary to avoid anyone falling sick during the trip.
This is why it’s important to have a lot of tissue paper and wet wipes with you. If you want to be more environment-friendly, you can also choose to bring small face towels or washcloths.
7. Spare Cash
It’s a common practice by many travelers today to use their credit or debit cards when going on a holiday. But it doesn’t hurt to bring spare cash, too. You just never know whether you happen to be in an establishment that doesn’t accept credit card payments. Also, make sure that you have smaller bills as some establishments don’t have change for bigger bills.
8. Notebook And Pen
Yes, your phone has its own Notes app, but technology isn’t perfect and it may crash when you least expect it to. Having a small notebook or pad of paper and a pen with you is a good practice. First, perhaps there are forms you have to fill out along the way or across borders. Surely, you wouldn’t want to have to buy a pen at the last minute or borrow one from other travelers.
9. Moisturizer
Staying for long hours in an airconditioned vehicle can easily dry out your skin and lips. This is more than just a vanity thing. Dealing with dry skin can be uncomfortable especially for those who may already have such a condition to begin with. It can be itchy, to say the least. If you want to remain comfortable throughout your trip, bring a moisturizer with you in your bag.
Conclusion
This list isn’t meant to be exhaustive. As you start your packing and preparation, you’ll come across many other things you’ll need to bring. But this list can give you a good start just so you know how to get your road trip into motion.
When you start packing, don’t forget about the personal items you’ll also need that other individuals going on a long-distance drive may not. Remember, to keep your trip successful and smooth, it’s better to be overpacked and well-prepared. Consider the ideas mentioned here as you prepare.
