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Planning and Packing for the Car Trip
Now that summer is in full swing, you’re probably ready to hit the road, whether it’s a family reunion weekend, a trip to the beach, or a road trip in the van with the kids. Here are some checklists to help make your vacation a relaxing and memorable time. By planning ahead, you will avoid the stresses associated with missing or forgotten items.
BEFORE YOU GO - THE HOUSE
- Notify post office that you will be out of town—complete a
Hold Mail form
- Notify newspapers to hold delivery
- Arrange for someone to watch the house, pets and plants
- Notify local police that you will be out of town—many towns
offer a vacation watch service
- Put your house in order, change the bed linens and do the
laundry—you’ll appreciate returning to a clean house and clean
clothes
- Print out driving directions (www.randmcnally.com)
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- Buy snacks and drinks for the road
- Give itinerary to at least one family member and
friend/neighbor
- Place some lights on timers
- Unplug small appliances
- Set air conditioner to higher temp, or turn off
- Make sure freezer door is closed
BEFORE YOU GO - THE CAR
- Take car in for servicing—check fluid levels
- Have oil changed in car
- Check tire pressure, and condition of tires
- Make sure all lights are working properly
- Clean out unnecessary items from trunk
PACKING THE FAMILY
- Clothing (this is another topic for another article!)
- Jacket or sweater for cooler temperatures
- Bathing suits, towels, flip-flops for poolside
- Toiletries—use travel size whenever possible
- Sunscreen!
- Medications—in original pharmacy containers
- Sunglasses, extra pair of prescription glasses
- Alarm clock, watch
- Plastic bags for wet clothing
- Laundry bag
- Recreational gear, such as fishing pole, running shoes
- Deck of cards
- Personal CD players
- Camera and film
- Cellular phone
- Night light
- Ear plugs
- Empty bag or suitcase for souvenirs
- Tote or backpack for day trips
- Rain poncho/umbrella
- Water bottles
- Extra batteries
- Phone numbers of family members or friends watching the
house
- Traveler’s checks and money
- Medical insurance cards
- Driver’s license or other photo identification
PACKING THE CAR
- Extra water for the car only
- Toolkit for roadside emergencies
- Owner’s manual
- Insurance card, vehicle registration, auto club membership
info
- Duct tape
- Jumper cables
- Extra fuses
- Air pressure gauge
- First aid supplies
- Flashlight and batteries
- Fire extinguisher
- Extra keys
- Pillows and blankets
- Travel games
- Plastic bags for refuse
- Pack items you will need during the trip (cooler, games,
snacks, etc.) separately from suitcases
- Snacks and drinks in a cooler
- Moist towelettes for washing hands
- Paper towels or napkins
- Roll of toilet paper
WHEN YOU RETURN HOME
- Turn air conditioner back on, or lower
- Unpack your car
- Sort laundry as you unpack your suitcases and start a load
- Pick up your mail from the post office if it isn’t being
delivered
- Pick up your pets from the boarder
This may seem like a lot to do and remember, but your goal is to have a safe, fun trip. The better prepared you are, the better the chances of having a great time away!
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