So it’s only going to be an overnight trip, but I am so excited to be going to California tomorrow. A friend and I are headed to Santa Monica, Los Angeles area. We’ve got a hotel for a night and the beach is calling our name.
I take every opportunity I can to travel, by car or plane. Can’t say that I have taken too many trains, but I’ve been on a few. I have road tripped in solo, with family and with groups. There is a different vibe for each one, but here are some of the essentials that don’t seem to change. Not in any particular order but things I’ve learned.
Hands down, comfy clothes. Being in the car for hours, you don’t want to be uncomfortable. Wear the leggings or the baggy t-shirt, basketball shorts and tanks etc. You don’t need to look like you are going to a photoshoot because after hours and sleeping, you will look like a hot mess either way. So be comfy.
Tunes or audios. Solo, I listen to podcasts and some music when the long stretches get tough. With friends, you know I am rocking it to the last 4 decades of music from boy bands to rap to country. Live it up, bounce off the walls, and sing off key. You need the hype.
Cross-country driving. I have traveled this way many times and have always known certain parts of the drive you aren’t going to have that cell phone service you rely on for gps. Take an atlas or a road map. Major highways will run into towns. But when you somehow get turned around on a two lane road somewhere in south Utah having that map to see its 10 miles to an actual highway stops your brain from thinking “and they were never heard from again”.
Snacks. Not just because you want that can of Pringles or that bag of sour skittles. But because you never know if you will get stuck somewhere, in a traffic accident or bad weather and you are on or off the road. Mainly, it’s for survival. You never want to be without food or water. But personally, I grab a Kind Bar, flaming hot cheetos, and a Dr. Pepper.
Water and drinks. There is a fine balance here because you drink too much and you will need a bathroom and that could be hours away. But I have braved the side of the road before, lol. I always take 12 or 24 pk of water for a trip, short or long. Of course, for drinking but also good in emergencies or if your car, for some reason, is out of coolant. Water can be issued in a pinch only if necessary.
Cash. They say cash is king. And some places still only work in cash (very few). You should have some on you in case you need help for any reason. As a back up. For food, shelter, gas, etc. You don’t want to take the chance.
Basic knowledge about your vehicle. You aren’t a mechanic, I know, but knowing about your car is important. I always check my tires, fill my tank, and make sure I have oil in my car before going more than 400 miles out of town. You need to listen to your car, be aware of the normal sounds of your engine, and if something doesn’t sound right, listen.
Dad always taught me to listen to my car. If he didn’t, I would be dead in a ditch. Long story short, I got off the freeway in a small town in Colorado, and when I did, I noticed a strange click. I went to get it checked out and wouldn’t leave until the mechanic found the sound. Turns out my lug nuts on my rear tire were over tightened and snapped the bolts on 3 of 5, causing the tire to wobble, and it would have come off. At the time, I had everything I owned in the Durango. It would have rolled for sure.
Those are a few things to bring along. It’s not meant to scare or deter you from going. It’s meant to help prepare. You should always be prepared for where the road leads and what it brings you. I hope you get out there to see if for yourself. Tomorrow’s post will be from the beach ⛱️ That’s where the road is taking me!
S
The Distracted Damsel 