There are various stages of planning when it comes to executing the perfect road trip. The sooner you start the planning, the more likely you will have a successful trip.
3 Months Before You Go
- Start daydreaming about where you like to go.
- Get roadside attraction apps, park guides.
- Research parks, monuments, and attractions before you go.
- Define the purpose of your trip (visit, attractions, roaming).
- Use Google Maps to calculate the driving distances.
- Arrange annual vacation time, or leave of absence from work.
- Renew the passport if you have less than six months remaining.
- Get another credit card, from another vendor as a backup.
- Scan important documents into your computer.
1 Month Before You Go
- Check your insurance coverage and make sure that it meets your coverage needs; see if roadside assistance is included.
- Create a budget for this trip.
- Purchase special event tickets.
- Decide on which towns you’ll be exploring.
- Notify the day care, school, etc., of away time.
- Go to the dentist for checkup and cleaning.
- Get an international driver’s license if required.
2 to 4 Weeks Before You Go
- Set up automatic bill payments if you have not already.
- Buy collapsible bowls and eating utensils.
- Buy food coolers.
- Get travel and medical insurance.
- Set up a post office box
- Buy a postal mail redirect to the box.
1 Week Before You Go
- Do a visual inspection of the car tires and engine.
- Fix any windshield chips or cracks.
- Get the routine car maintenance done.
- Enter important phone numbers into mobile.
- Put valuables in safety deposit box.
- Tell your financial institution about your trip.
- Enter medial info into cell phone notes.
- Put valuables in safety deposit box.
- Get spare home keys made.
- Plan your final itinerary for time limited vacations.
- Put regular deliveries (newspaper, grocery, etc.) on hold.
- Place utilities on hold (water, internet) for long trips.
1 to 2 Days Before You Go
- Take out at least $200 in cash from an ATM.
- Check bank account balances and transfer funds
- Clean out the car interior of non-essentials.
- Load the “stay in the car” items including car chargers.
- Check for the spare tire, jack and essential tools.
- Get gas and top up the window washing fluid.
- Buy snacks and food for the day and next morning.
- Prepare music playlists, and eBooks or podcasts to listen to.
- Charge up the cell phone and all electronics.
- Start packing by organizing stuff into piles.
The Day Before You GO
- Pack your overnight bag. Check out this Rolling Duffle Bag.
- Pack the non-perishable storage cooler.
- Turn off the clock radio.
- Pack the toiletries into a zippered container. This 13 piece travel bottle set is perfect for the road.
- Turn off any electric heaters.
- Turn off furnace, water heater, fireplace, pilot lights.
- Water and feed all the plants.
Just Before You Go
- Get changed into comfortable driving attire.
- Listen for traffic closures or construction.
- Do one final inspection of your car.
- Fill up jugs and bottles.
- Empty, clean put away water filter.
- Pack the main cooler around the ice packs.
- Check that all doors and windows are locked.
- Take digital photos of your home.
- Set the home security system.
Have Fun!