Wednesday, July 11, 2018

Six Summer Road Trip Packing Essentials by Josie Riviera


Are you planning a road trip this summer? My husband and I love traveling, and I compiled this idea list to get you started.






First, everyone should bring their own backpack, which they can fill with their favorite snacks and activities.

Second, wear loose, comfortable clothes, preferably dark-colored to hide wrinkles and stains.

Third, remember to pack an umbrella!

Fourth, pack your own favorite foods, which are considerably less expensive than snacks in convenience store gas stations. Don’t forget wet wipes for easy clean-up!

Fifth, if you love to listen to music, create your playlist and carry earbuds.

Sixth, although my husband insists he doesn’t need it (Hah!), be sure to have dependable navigation.

And, remember safety! Pack an emergency roadside assistance kit for your car.


Do you enjoy road trips? Please share your comments below and feel free to add to this list.


 
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Josie Riviera is a USA TODAY bestselling author of contemporary, inspirational, and historical sweet romances that read like Hallmark movies. She lives in the Charlotte, NC, area with her wonderfully supportive husband. They share their home with an adorable shih tzu, who constantly needs grooming, and live in an old house forever needing renovations. 



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19 comments:

  1. Great list. I always have a small cooler with drinks - water, juice boxes, pop. Also have sandwich for lunch, cheese sticks, hard boiled eggs, mini carrots, grapes (fruit). I freeze water bottles so they serve as keeping cooler cold for a day. I always have an umbrella in the glove box. Also carry a tablecloth for roadside parks and a blanket, plus beach towel and plastic bags to use for upset tummies, etc. While travel with kids or dogs - never failed to have one get car sick because of being excited or something not agreeing with them.

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    1. Such great ideas! I love them all--especially freezing water bottles. Thanks!

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  2. Road trips have always been one of our favorite things to do. Depending on where we are going we always take an ice chest, umbrellas, insect repellent, Lysol wipes and spray. You can get travel size items for most of these items. Downy wrinkle release is always a must, especially when you have to pack tight and don’t have access to an iron. Water is always first on the list. Flashlights and small tool kit. And everyone has to bring something to share and something for free time, book, music games...... I could keep on going, but I think you get the picture. lol

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    1. Really good tips,Kathy. I forgot to add Downy wrinkle release. I use that product all the time. Thanks!

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  3. All good advice after being on the road with my family.

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  4. I love road trips. Preparing to take lots of pictures and having plenty of storage space is one thing that I always make sure of.

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    1. I mean storage space on my phone or camera!

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    2. Cindy, that's such a good point. I always run out of storage on my phone when I'm on vacation!

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  5. Thank you for the list, Josie. Safe travels to all!

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  6. I always take toilet seat covers and sanitizer on trips. I’m a bit of a germaphobe so the thought of going to road side rest areas to use the facilities creeps me out. Also I pack extra hand towels and a regular towel in case of water spills in the car. I have back up flashlights, napkins, and plastic utensils in my glove box as well as batteries and solar charger for my phone just in case. They come in handy at the beach when I’m listening to music all day too. ��

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    1. Stephanie, These are all such good tips! Hand sanitizer is a must, as well as flashlights and batteries.

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  7. Great list we also packed a cooler for water and other snack foods and bought ice every few days..we looked for hotels with breakfast to save on meals too . We took extra yogurt and fruit from the hotel. So just had to buy dinner. Plan where you would like to go and read up on the places near by. Ask if anything is happening in the place you are visiting. We found an awesome big balloon festival in Albeque New Mexico and old town that was part if the old Route 66.

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    1. Rory, such good ideas! We usually always pack a cooler, and great idea about researching what is happening in the area you are visiting. Thanks!

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  8. What a great list of suggestions! I'm currently in Savannah. Not a road trip, but some of your things on your list will still come in handy.

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