Road Trip Prep: 60 Days Out

Two Goals, It's Not Just the Mechanics of Prepping for a Trip

The first few years my husband and I wintered in the south, we had too much going on from all fronts (and still do). Most of my energy back then was vested in finding and getting to our warm weather rental. I had no idea of how to manage the countdown to departure and didn't have experience prepping for our road trip. Thankfully a lot has changed since then. No longer do we wait until it's almost time to depart before trying to cram it all in. Instead, we have created itemized lists for each person to handle in the weeks and months before we lock up and leave. Prepping for the road trip at least 60 days in advance helps avoid travel catastrophes such as an expired driver's license or license plate.  

Over the years I have asked my snowbird friends if they stop to see any attractions along the way or just go directly to and from their destination. Shocked is how I felt when nearly everyone said they go full blast to get there and back. No stopping other than necessities. This is a huge missed opportunity to immerse in the large and small curiosities as well as the history of the areas one is traveling through. At the very least, if you at least research what is in the area, even if you don't visit anything, you'll have the facts of what there is to see at some point. It took several years of convincing my husband that touring on the way to/from is worthwhile, but now we build it into our road trip. In fact, he now proactively makes sure we have the exit number to stop at Peach Park in Clanton, Alabama. Yes, it's definitely a great find and beloved new tradition. What makes it so enticing? Simple things such as fresh peaches in season, hot brisket sandwiches, peach ice cream cones, jars of peach preserves and peach butter, loaves of peach bread and usually local live entertainment on the expansive covered patio. 

There's two goals, two purposes. First and most important is to get your vehicle, pet/s and yourselves ready for the trip. Second -- and the most memorable goal -- is to at a minimum check out what there is along the way that might be of interest. Even if you never stop the first few years or at all, you'll know what there is. Even better is to actually visit and create new memories. It doesn't have to be monumental, it can be as simple as stopping to get photos of a cotton field or visiting a roadside stand to buy boiled peanuts and fresh peaches. After all, it's essential to have a vehicle that transports you to your destination, but it's not just the mechanics of prepping for your trip. I don't dream about getting the oil changed and booking our hotel, it's the small things along the way that I look forward to and enjoy the most.

60+ Day Countdown Checklist

Practical Considerations

VEHICLE

Plan your route or research a new one

Purchase or restock a road atlas and printed driving directions  to keep in your vehicle

Consider purchasing or renewing a AAA membership

Schedule your vehicle to be professionally inspected and tuned up: tires, fluids, brakes, taillights, headlights, turn signals and more

Schedule and execute an oil change

Renew each person's driver's license if applicable

Renew your license plate

Obtain and/or replenish toll passes

Replenish cash and coins in the console

HOUSING/LODGING

Select your preferred area for overnights, then select lodging accommodations and dates

Book your lodging reservations

Compile gate codes, garage door openers and entry codes for your warm weather home, then store them in your vehicle

MONEY, ELECTRONICS, STORAGE

Inspect your organizational storage containers for your food, water and other road trip items. Replace as needed.

Check your suitcases, travel bags, etc. and repair or replace as needed. Ensure they will fit into your vehicle.

Notify your banks of your intended travel dates so credit cards are not locked/frozen while you are in transit

Check all travel chargers for your electronics and replace as necessary

PETS

Review and test your pet's travel needs and traveling crates, restraints, travel beds, etc, for the road trip.

Order a supply of your pet/s travel sedatives and other items they need specifically for the road trip

Take a few practice road trips before the big one, especially if your pet is unsure or inexperienced travelling in a vehicle

60+ Day Countdown Checklist

Points of Interest Along the Way

Take time in advance to research areas and points of interest along your route

If there's attractions you want to visit or places to drive by, go further to determine hours and days of operation, cost, parking and more

Determine what, if any, accommodations for your pet will be needed and how it will all play out

Create an itinerary that you and your spouse both agree to avoid conflicts on the road

Review your plans and make adjustments as needed

If you use a third party app, such as Waze, program your stops into the app in advance

[Snowbird Packing and Prep Four Week Timeline]

[How to Pack for a Weeklong Getaway in a Beach Bag] 

[How to Pack Your Vehicle]

[Pet Prep Countdown]