by J. P.
Member since:
June 23, 2007

Trip Tips

August 27, 2007 03:19 AM EDT
views: 1409 | rating: 10/10 (51 votes) | comments: 70

Please share some tips here.  I start:

Don't forget to bring alot of cool/cold drinking water when you visit Arches and or Canyonland National Park, Utah.

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Comments: 70

Brenda (square peg in a round hole) H. Aug 27, 2007, 3:23am EDT
I'm guessing you learned that one the hard way.lol. I would say bring a roll of toliet paper with you. You never now when you will need it.lol And yes, I learned that the hard way.lol
Tory H. Aug 27, 2007, 3:28am EDT
Sunscreen and bugspray can be priceless!
Teresa W. Aug 27, 2007, 3:45am EDT
Better have some NON-sugar snacks, any sort of nuts, pretzels, jar of peanut butter and loaf of bread, cheese sticks, maybe some trail mix. But food is important.
Teresa W. Aug 27, 2007, 4:09am EDT
It's always a good idea to take tylenol, bandaids, wet wipes, Imodium or Pepto Bismol, crackers, maybe some sugar free soda in a big ice chest with lots of ice!
Corina Carrasco Aug 27, 2007, 4:14am EDT
have lots of things to keep everyone occupied...kid games with nothing but their minds and the road
Corina Carrasco Aug 27, 2007, 4:14am EDT
lots of music or books on tape/cd
Debra H. Aug 27, 2007, 4:43am EDT
snake bite kits
Otelia S. Aug 27, 2007, 6:54am EDT
Don't assume you're always in a 45mph zone. Keep track of the speed limit. It changes so often on the road. Wouldn't want to have to send a ticket fine back to Texas from Calif.
And YES, I learned that the hard way.
And travel with people who are willing to take turns driving.
Debby O. Aug 27, 2007, 10:57am EDT
That goes for anywhere this very hot summer!
☀ Aunt Shanny Aug 27, 2007, 1:37pm EDT
Yup, gotta have the skeeter spray!
Janna O'Donnell Aug 27, 2007, 1:52pm EDT
Don't forget the car charger for your cell phone in case of emergencies.
Kelly M. Aug 27, 2007, 2:08pm EDT
Make a list of eveything you need to pack. Check off as you pack.
Wilma M. Aug 27, 2007, 3:49pm EDT
I always pack light as far as clothes go. I took my 3 kids to Europe years ago and only had 3 smallish suitcases and one over the shoulder bag. We washed out clothes in our rooms. Took the small packs of laundry detergent that you could get at laundromats (in the olden days.)

It's such a luxury to travel by car as you can take everything along with the kitchen sink! A couple years ago, we went camping on the Oregon coast and my son's girlfriend brought her microwave! I thought that was pretty hilarious but we did have an electric outlet and she used it!
Donald M. Aug 27, 2007, 4:02pm EDT
If you plan to rent a room. I have found that some of the less expensive Motels have refrigrators, microwaves. Coffee pots, and blow dryers in the room. If you pack an ice chest, with mayo,mus.lunch meats,drinks, YOu would be surprised how cheap you can llive for a week , saving money to enjoy other events or functions near by. I ate out once every day or two at a buffet. Carry out only stored leftovers in frige and microwaved them for lunch the next day.
Dan (Cowboy Up) V. Aug 27, 2007, 6:45pm EDT
Roll your clothes up in the suitcase rather than fold. Actually has less wrinkles & takes up less space!
Sammie B. Aug 27, 2007, 7:15pm EDT
Don't travel with people that annoy you to death because murder /is/ illegal in every state and most countries...and yes, chances are you /will/ get caught throwing someone out of a car or off a cliff or something.
violentine n. Aug 27, 2007, 7:49pm EDT
BABY WIPES!
Sarah (I want points) Aug 28, 2007, 12:10pm EDT
I agree with the books on tape or cd... they can be a lifesaver when you have a long boring trip ahead of you!
Jay M. Aug 28, 2007, 1:19pm EDT
Leave an intenairy (?) with someone, and keep in contact.
Skip Bleecker Aug 28, 2007, 3:04pm EDT
My biggest tip is to ALWAYS PACK LIGHT!

The less you have to drag around the more fun you will have.

I have lived out of a backpack on my back for 8-10 days in the woods, as well as 8 months in Europe.

It only takes a bit of planning to pack items that get double or triple duty, and compare the weight of several things. Little changes add up to a big difference.
Nicole M. Aug 28, 2007, 7:29pm EDT
Don't forget a spare tire & jack.
queen.susan . Aug 29, 2007, 8:25am EDT
Be sure to carry your
cell phone and make
sure it's always
charged!!
Photo Sharing and Video Hosting at Photobucket
Bundy P Aug 29, 2007, 3:24pm EDT
Fill a wide mouth container (such as Rubbermaid gallon jug) with ice, and you'll have cold water to drink all day.
Kristie S. Aug 30, 2007, 9:55am EDT
LOL Otelia......my sister learned that in TX too, she said there are crazy speed limit changes!

If you're driving, bring an atlas. Google the area you're going to beforehand to find things to do.
Missy Cline Aug 30, 2007, 6:07pm EDT
baby powder is great for soothing hot skin and getting sand off of you
Missy Cline Aug 30, 2007, 6:09pm EDT
keep your meds with you at all times...never know when you are gonna be separated from your luggage
Jerri H. Aug 30, 2007, 9:20pm EDT
LOL!!! I bet!!
Birdee F. Aug 31, 2007, 5:17am EDT
Wear good shoes :o)
Christopher K. Aug 31, 2007, 11:08am EDT
how about if a long trip bring food,all types
sandwiches,drinks,etc...
and cups and silverware for when one brings potato salad or whathaveyou.
thats what we do: )
Janice Mitchell Aug 31, 2007, 11:19am EDT
I always take several sized Ziplock bags (spend the extra pennies on the brand names, they're worth it). That way I can keep things compartmentalized (like jewelry and meds) easy, and you have extra for that half-eaten cookie and such. Makes a great bookmark, too.
Good idea; thanks for the article!
Alainia~ Tha one n only~ a. Sep 1, 2007, 10:28am EDT
If you are traveling with kids, try driving at nights. We did this when we drove to Virgina~ We had 8 "are we there yet" free hours!
M C. Sep 1, 2007, 3:55pm EDT
Great tips..thanks! 10
Brenda's first tip about toilet paper is soooooo true!

water, granola bars, bug spray, a blanket to sit on anywhere, sunglasses, hats, sweatshirts 'cause someone will be cold, and sunscreen.
Roberta A. Sep 2, 2007, 5:06pm EDT
To keep the ice from melting in your cooler and making a soggy mess of everthing. Prepare ahead by filling empty milk and juice containtaners(small single size containtainers are great for this). with water and freeze them. There is your ice. Neatly wrapped in leak-proof containers.
William M. Sep 2, 2007, 11:58pm EDT
The most important is to drive carefully.
Donald M. Sep 3, 2007, 3:30pm EDT
The last trip I took I turned to radio on to my favorite music and turned the cell phone off. I only turned it on when I wanted to report in. The trip was a lot more enjoyable, and actually had conversation with each other, not everyone else .
We had sandwiches in ice chest and cold drinks,saving money stopping for take out or fast food. Enjoyed the scenery.
M. Bradley McCauley McCauley Sep 6, 2007, 7:04am EDT
Fantastic tips from everyone. As a long time seasoned traveler, I thought I was pretty saveyy but I learned a few things here. Glad you posted this.
Jamie ~grant me the serenity..~ G. Sep 6, 2007, 11:08am EDT
ALWAYS pee before you leave!
Kylee **Queen of Karaoke** S. Sep 6, 2007, 9:26pm EDT
Snacks, drinks, pee before you leave, and try to figure out where all of the bathroom stops are
JoAnne D. Sep 7, 2007, 1:17am EDT
Pretty much have it covered, did anyone say tissues and wet towlettes.
Day Tripper Diva Sep 7, 2007, 8:24am EDT
Would love you have you post this on DaytripperUSA.gather.com! Thanks, DTD
Gina Robinson Sep 10, 2007, 11:42am EDT
Don't forget to cancel the paper and hold the mail before you leave. And shut the water off. We came home from our vacation to find one of our hoses had burst. The water ran full blast for about 8 hours. Fortunately, one of our neighbors saw it and shut it off. Still cost us quite a bit on our water bill, but it could have been worse.

My Fantasy Spy
Glenn T. Sep 10, 2007, 10:13pm EDT
Bring a blank journal to write notes or sketch some drawings.
James s F. Sep 11, 2007, 1:13am EDT
Update all of your maps. That route might not go there anymore!
Tanya P. Sep 11, 2007, 2:34pm EDT
Interesting tips. Since we're talking about traveling in hot weather, probably sunny, wear light colored clothing that will reflect the sun's light back off of you instead of absorbing it and increasing your body heat.
violentine n. Sep 11, 2007, 8:07pm EDT
did someone say band aids? extra band aids are a must. for any blisters or accidents.
Vladie L. Sep 15, 2007, 2:15am EDT
Take a bottle of good brandy (cognac) and a large bar (better three, depends for how long is your trip) of a very dark chocolate (no "Hershy", real good quality). You (and your companion) will appreciate having these gooddies at a right time:)
J. P. Sep 16, 2007, 6:57pm EDT
Lol Vladie, we are not drinker, and I told my hubby if he got drunk I'm gonna get a cat.

Thanks for all great tips everyone.

I want to throw more:

Bring small change and be aware some merchants/restaurants dont accept all kind of credit card.
Nurse Nancy S. Sep 17, 2007, 6:07am EDT
Always keep Emergency Contact information on your person and in your car. It can help you if you are unable to speak for yourself.
anna vee Sep 17, 2007, 12:28pm EDT
good trash bags are worth the money, especially if you have a child whose first morning word in the car is RALPH!
Erica M. Sep 20, 2007, 11:44pm EDT
Be sure to wear sunscreen even in the car. Especially on the backs of your hand and left arm if you are driving.
d g. Sep 24, 2007, 6:45am EDT
I was amazed at how much water was required to make the hike to the confluence of the Colorado and the Green rivers. But I did pack it all, and drank it all. About a half mile from the end of the trail I ran out of water. The only thing that kept me from panicking was that I could see my truck from that distance!

When birding at the Aransas Pass Wildlife Refuge along the coast in Texas, make sure that you have a free hand to constantly spray yourself down with mosquito spray.

And, bring along a garbage bag and extra clothes so that when your done you canstrip down and dump the offensive clothes in the bag and put them in the trunk.

(You can always end up wearing a bathing suit and heading for a car wash in Refugio to spray everyone down.)
J. P. Sep 26, 2007, 1:47am EDT
Lotsa good tips! Thanks to everyone who already share....and waiting for more cool tips :^)
Thea D. Oct 1, 2007, 5:12pm EDT
I like to keep language tapes or CD's in my car when Im traveling (Both French and Spanish) that way while driving on any type of trip I can reinforce what I have learned! :)
j - Frugal Mom - r. Oct 3, 2007, 8:09am EDT
I don't have any tips, but I sure learned a lot.
Lucky Stars Oct 15, 2007, 6:29pm EDT
Dan is right about rolling clothes instead of folding them.

I always bring a flashlight. If we are staying at a hotle/motel. I bring a night light for those middle of the night bathroom journeys in a strange room.
Jerri H. Oct 16, 2007, 8:54pm EDT
Always carry band-aids in your purse when you have a little one with you.
Norma B. Nov 5, 2007, 2:10am EST
A pillow an a blanket, for relaxing in the car,and will be handy if ya get stranded somewhere.....lol,,,,,I know from experiance
anna vee Dec 1, 2007, 11:34pm EST
I use to bring large plastic trash bags. (for tall kitchen trash)
We used them for trash.
Sometimes the kids yacked in them.
Margaret C. Dec 4, 2007, 8:00am EST
be happy and have fun , life is short xxx
Ron (in complete sheeple overload) W. Dec 7, 2007, 7:53am EST
Ten unsolicited points from the world's worst connection, Merry whatever you celebrate.
Christina F. Dec 18, 2007, 12:58am EST
Really great tips. I like the roll of toilet paper. :)
Jan R. Jan 16, 2008, 12:25am EST
Everybody had some great tips. One tip I would add would be to have some extra money separate from your purse/wallet or suitcase. Example, hide the "stash" in the spare tire well. Or if that's not an option, under the driver side seat, where the springs are. That way if your purse/wallet is stolen, you have some money as a back-up.
Just my 2 cents.
Lisa Keating Feb 14, 2008, 4:25pm EST
Great tips!
tina s. Apr 5, 2008, 5:34am EDT
If you're planning a trip to NZ, be sure to check out Marlborough. It's the perfect place for vineyard exploration. Marlborough is the ideal place for outdoor adventure. http://100percentpure.wordpress.com/

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