“It’s better to have it and not need it, than need it and not have it.”
Words of wisdom I like to keep in mind every time I take a day trip in my car. Here are some things you should have for your next day trip:
1 – Visit the ATM before you leave – Cash is still king in many small towns and roadside stops. My wife and I tried to attend a community fair on a trip 2 months ago. There was a cash-only entrance fee and no available ATM’s. Many stores, gas stations, and food outlets have minimum amounts for credit or debit card charges. A few bucks in your pocket will be very helpful in times like this.
2 – Get an E-ZPass for your car – I know some people feel they don’t travel enough or go through toll booths enough to justify an E-ZPass. They forget that convenience has a value and stress has a cost. I love being able to zoom by the toll booth in the E-ZPass lane! Without the E-ZPass, I would go crazy if I had to wait behind a long line of cars at each toll booth. To me, a less stressful vacation is worth the small cost for the E-ZPass. Note: Here’s a list of other toll collection services.
3 – Join the American Automobile Association (AAA) – The benefits are enormous; travel information, travel discounts and travel insurance. They’ve even added identity theft monitoring as an option. The main reason to join … roadside assistance! I locked my keys in my car on one trip and had my car break down on another. In both cases, all I had to do was make one call.
4 – Store a small first aid kit in your car – There are many first aid kits available for car use. Buy one! “Better safe than sorry!”
5 – If it’s warm, buy bug spray (or check the expiration date) before you leave – You never know when you will need this. I’ve been attacked while pumping gas! Flying critters are always on the lookout. Don’t be their next victim! I always have a can or some wipes in my trunk during road trips.
6 – Give your car a quick checkup – Here are 7 easy car maintenance checks for traveling motorists from AAA:
- Check Brake Fluid Level and Color
- Check Engine Air Filter
- Check Windshield Washer Fluid
- Check Windshield Wiper Blades
- Check Tire Pressure
- Check Tire Tread
- Check Battery
7 – If you need a partner for the road trip – Read my post on this, “Find Travel Buddies.”
I hope this helps! Vacations are about building memories. These tips will help make them good memories. What tips would you add?
Thanks for reading CAPM and More!
CAPM and More 