Here are some ideas for summer road trips… Depending on how far you’re going, you may find some of these items not necessary. Good to think about it though.
- Driving a camper? Make sure your vehicle is secure and your cargo is not overloaded.
- GPS; preferably one you can speak to without touching and that has a built-in Bluetooth (in cases where you must talk while driving).
- a REAL Map (for backup). I’ve heard stories of GPS’ sending people to farms in the middle of no where, 50 miles in the wrong direction!
- Phone Charger & Phone – an extra phone and/or battery never hurt.
- Proof of Insurance and RoadSide Assistance / BCAA Membership. Do you have OnStar? BCAA? ICBC Road Side assistance? Do you know what your membership number is and/or where your member card is?
- Wheel Rotation / Alignment – Check it before you go. Most roads are crowned (higher in the centre to allow rain water to drain; this wears on tires, even if you drive nicely and don’t hit curbs. It is worth checking it once per year or so).
- Drinking Water and Non-Perishable Food – water bottles are good. You can live without food for a while, but you can’t live without water for very long.
- Flashlight (just in case) with fresh batteries – check and make sure it works.
- First Aid Kid – better to be prepared.
- Check for Detours Drive BC
- Car Checkup VERY IMPORTANT! It’s hard to have a fun road trip without a car that works
- Oil & Filter Change
- Sunglasses, SunScreen, Hats
- Games, Toys, MP3, iPOD, Music – for the Kids
- Flares, Jumper Cables, Jack, Spare Tires, Fire Extinguisher
- Extra Car Keys
- Soccer Ball or Frisbee
- Extra Oil
- Duct Tape, Rope, Bug Spray
- Passport / Nexus Card
- Energy Bars, Nuts, Cereal, Trail Mix
- Extra blankets, pillows, sleeping bags
Carmen Cohoe
Carmen became a driving instructor in beautiful North Vancouver at the age of 22 due to some crazy people who agreed to hire her. After that, there was never a dull moment teaching many different folks from many different places how to drive using automatic and standard vehicles and a minivan.
