Originally posted on June 17, 2016 @ 10:42 am
Going traveling? Make a checklist of the things that you need before you hit the road. And not a mental checklist. A real, physical, paper one. That you can look at and mark on. Because if you don’t do that, you’re going to forget things, and then you’re going to have to buy them, irritably, after you’ve already departed for your destination.
And some common things that everyone needs before taking off? Your classic journey luggage – sunglasses, water, travel snacks, phone charging packs and cables, and your traveling music playlist. Forget any of these things, and you’ll be sorry!
Sunglasses
The classic traveling sunglasses are going to fit in a few different categories. You have your $5 7-Eleven pairs. You can buy some aviators for that ‘just don’t care anymore’ look. You can get the big bug-eyed West Coast versions. Clip-ons will even do the job if you already wear glasses. But the point is, there’s nothing worse than traveling with the sun’s glare in your eyes. Take care to purchase your shades before you even leave your garage.
Water
What’s the best liquid to have while traveling. Water. Water water water. Not coffee. Not energy drinks. Not juice. Buy a case of water and keep it in your vehicle. If you like cold water, buy a travel cooler. This is one of the best ways to stay happy and hydrated and focused on your trip – simply keep a bunch in your car. Plus, it makes you have to go to the bathroom more often, which means rest stops will keep you from getting restless if you try to stay on the road for too long.
Travel Snacks
And you don’t want to end up hangry. Yes, hungry and angry together. As a driver or a passenger, this is not a place you want to be when you’re traveling from one location to another. So keep some healthy snacks at the ready in your vehicle. Prep them, put them in a cooler, and check that box off of your list.
Phone Charging Packs and Cables
When traveling, you don’t want to run out of power for your phone or other devices. And sometimes you only have one option for running a power cable to a device from your car battery. So, buy some portable battery sticks and have them with you at all times, and recharge them when you get to where you’re going.
Your Traveling Playlist
Music is the answer to most ills and frustrations. So before you head out, buy, or at least organize, all of your favorite tunes. Make separate playlists for different segments of your journey (day and night, for instance) if you want some more personalization as well.