Planning a Fall Road Trip
Fall is a great time of year to take a road trip. It's not too hot or too cold and the scenery is beautiful. It can also make a more affordable vacation than traveling abroad. There are so many places to go within the U.S. There are a lot of road trip finder websites that can give you destination ideas and help you choose the best routes to take.
A road trip can be done with any type of vehicle but SUVs are one of the most comfortable types for road travel. Make sure your vehicle is in good enough condition. Give it a basic inspection, check the tires, top up the fluids, look under the hood, etc. If you want to take a road trip but your vehicle isn't cut out for it, consider renting a more reliable car. If you have a big family you may also want to consider renting an RV. They are available in different sizes and price ranges.
There are many beautiful national parks and forests to choose from if you are wanting to see fall foliage and nature. Part of the fun of a road trip is that you can choose whichever places interest you most and you can change your mind along the way. Some people choose to have a theme, such as visiting as many roadside attractions as possible. Any way you do it, it's about getting out of the house and having some fun!
Some people prefer to have a plan and budget figured out ahead of time. To plan your budget, make a list of all of the expenses that will be involved, such as gas, food, lodgings and possible excursions. Find out what hotels are available in your desired destinations, or campsites if you prefer. Camping is a great way to stay low budget. If you want something better than just a paper map, there are many great navigation tools such as GPS navigation systems. If your vehicle doesn't have a built in GPS system, you could buy a portable unit.
Road trips are a good opportunity to spend quality time with your family. If your bringing your kids, make sure you they will have things to do so that they don't get bored and restless while on the road. keep them busy with things like music, games, magazines and snacks. It's also a good idea to make regular rest stops every couple of hours. Make sure you are well stocked with everything that you need for the whole family. Bring a cooler with a variety of beverages and snacks. Have a first-aid kit and emergency kit in the trunk. It's also good to have some emergency cash tucked away somewhere safe.
If you want to bring your pet with you on your trip, there are many hotels chains that have pet friendly locations. It's safer to have your pet in a comfortable carrier rather than loose in the car. If you don't want to keep your pet in a carrier then keep a collar with ID on them at all times. In addition to food, water and toys, you should also have their vet papers in case you are crossing a border or in case of an emergency.
If your going to be traveling solo, it's a good idea to let a family member or friend know your plans and when you expect to return.
Published on Monday, October 13, 2008 - Email to a friend
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