Pack comfortable clothes. I usually
travel in a jeans, tennis shoes, t shirts and hoodies. It's a
utilitarian uniform that these days blends into most backgrounds.
Bring your comfiest pajamas, hotels are pretty difficult to sleep in.
Makeup and hair stuff if needed, any medical stuff. No toiletries,
the hotel will have those. I've slept with earplugs in practically
every night since I was 18 so I make sure to pack those, but to each
their own.
If you're at the point where you need
your oil changed, do it before you depart and go to a place that will
top off fluids and check for basic issues. The last time I traveled
they found that I had a dry, cracked serpentine belt. I was able to
get replaced before I departed, thankfully or else I probably would
have been stranded in very rugged country. Take care of your car, it
will take care of you.
AAA memberships are literally built
with the road tripper in mind. In addition to the discounts, it's
good to have in your back pocket in case something happens. Even
though I know perfectly well how to change out a flat tire by myself,
the machines that put the bolts on tires anymore screw them on so
tightly that I just do not have the brute strength to get them off.
For travel snacks, it's easy to just
munch on gas station food but do yourself a favor throw some fruits
and vegetables. A steady diet of processed gas station food will
leave you feeling very sluggish. Sodas, while vital to staying
awake, are also bladder irritants. Plan accordingly.
Good sunglasses are essential for
driving in the west, especially if you're in any open prairie or
desert situation. The sun is just brighter at higher elevations than
at sea level. One thing I've noticed is that sunglasses
with a brownish tint will make the landscape pop, especially if
you're in the red rock country of New Mexico, Arizona or Utah.
A paper road atlas of the United States
is ESSENTIAL, as well as knowing how to use it. GPS's and smart
phones will work on most, if not all, interstate highways via one of
the major carriers and have data coverage. However, in some parts of
the west the second you leave the interstate system you devices may
either cease to work or be operating on a sparse local cell phone
network sans data that may rack up roaming charges should you chose
to avail yourself of it. Save yourself the hassle, frustration, and
ultimate cost and invest in a simple United States road atlas,
available at most travel center gas stations for less than $15.
Now, I'm about to contradict myself.
One function of smartphones that I love for travel is the road
condition apps. Most states' Departments of Transportation release
free apps for smartphones that will show real time road conditions
(ie, Dry, wet, icy, snowpack, closed, accident, etc). I've made a
habit of downloading these apps before I leave for every state I
intend to travel through and check them when I'm in a populated area
with cell phone signal. This is relevant for all seasons in the west
as the threat of wildfires and rock slides in the summer is very real
and will close roads. Speaking of apps, TripAdvisor makes a free one
that's great for finding restaurants, lodging and attractions.
Other than that, take an open mind.
Safe travels!
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