Ah, road trips. What’s more exciting than piling into the car with your best friends or family and taking off toward the horizon in search of fun and adventure? Not much, in our book. But a carefree road trip doesn’t need to be (and, ideally, shouldn’t be) an unplanned one. A good mini-odyssey still involves some planning and preparation, even if you’re only going to be away for a day or two. So before you leave the driveway, run through our helpful checklist of things to do and pack before you go.
Designate a team leader
If your trip is going to unfold across several days and will require overnight stays, pick one person to be your go-to guy or girl for managing the organization and planning of all the items and arrangements you’ll need. But don’t overload them! Make it clear that they can delegate tasks to others and spread the work around.
Decide who’s driving
Draw up a driver rotation schedule to keep everyone fresh and alert and ensure that no one gets stuck behind the wheel for too long. If some of your drivers are teenagers, read up on the local laws governing driving rules and curfews.
Plan your route
It may not seem very spur-of-the-moment, but all journeys need a destination. If you’re going to make stops along the way, try to sort them out in advance. Create a CAA TripTik® online, or order one at your local CAA Store to map out the CAA-Approved lodgings and exclusive Member savings opportunities along your route. Also, download the CAA App for GPS-style navigation powered by Google Maps, which displays local businesses, CAA Stores, campgrounds, entertainment and more.
Check and prep your car
This is the most important step, and one that many travellers often overlook. Even if you’re not planning on being on the road for long, it’s still a wise move to make sure your car is in good shape before you head out. Take your car to a CAA Approved Auto Repair Services (AARS) facility for a full car inspection and checkup.
Be sure to check your:
Fluids. Top up your engine oil, as well as power steering, brake, transmission and windshield wiper fluid—and, of course, gas. (Download the CAA Gas Price Monitor to track the best prices in the area.)
Battery. Make sure it’s sufficiently charged. If you need your battery replaced, CAA’s mobile Battery Service will deliver and install a new one—where available—and recycle your old battery at no extra cost. Simply call 1-800-222-4357.
Tires. Check that all of your tires are properly inflated and inspect the tread for uneven wear, bulges and bald patches. Also, it’s a good idea to confirm that someone in your travel group knows how to change a tire.
WHAT TO BRING
Identification and Money
+ Photo ID (driver’s licence, passport, birth certificate)
+ CAA Membership card and contact information
+ Credit cards, traveller’s cheques, cash (including change for tolls)
+ Hotel reservation confirmations and addresses
Car Stuff
+ Proof of insurance
+ Spare tire and jack
Navigation
+ Road maps, guidebooks
+ GPS
+ CAA TripTik® and TourBook®
+ Compass
Health
+ Prescription medications, vitamins, motion-sickness pills, allergy medications
+ Glasses/contact lenses (plus a back-up pair), contact lens solution
+ Disposable razor (and replacement blades)
+ Sunscreen, insect repellent
+ Toilet paper
+ Moist towelettes, antibacterial lotion
Clothing
+ Sunglasses
+ One set of dressy clothes (you never know when you might get to go someplace nice)
+ Season-specific clothing (don’t forget about cooler nights)
+ Raincoat and umbrella
+ Travel sewing kit
+ Bleach pen/stain remover
+ Plastic bags (for wet or dirty clothes)
+ Extra towels and washcloths
Food and Beverages
+ Travel cooler
+ Bottled water
+ Nutritious snacks
+ Resealable plastic containers and baggies
+ Trash bags
Bedding and Linens (if staying with friends and family)
+ Pillow
+ Sheets and blankets
+ Towels (bath and/or beach) and washcloths
Electronics
+ Mix CDs, iPod (plus charger and stereo adapter)
+ Digital camera and charger
+ Cellphone and charger
Safety Gear
+ Flashlight and batteries
+ Pocketknife
+ First-aid kit