No matter the destination, a road trip can promise freedom and adventure. Whether a road trip lasts a few days or a few weeks, being properly prepared for some time on the road can enhance your enjoyment of the trip. Everybody has their own packing list when they set out on a journey, but there are a few things considered necessities for a road trip.

Destination aids can be high or low tech. Paper maps are always available for just about any region, but a GPS device with turn-by-turn directions can be purchased at a reasonable price. Many cell phone companies offer monthly or daily rates of service for GPS enabled cell phones. Part of the fun of a road trip can be exploring the road less traveled, but if there’s a tight schedule and the trip requires spending quite a bit of time in one region, purchasing a regional guide or ordering free brochures from state or local departments of tourism can help make the most of the trip planning.

Bring along copies of your documents. In case of emergencies, loss, or theft, it’s important to have copies of credit card numbers, passport pages, roadside assistance information, and travel insurance documents in a safe place. Having all the account numbers accessible, will make things easier if credit cards have to be canceled, or a claim has to be made on your travel insurance policy.

Ideally, all road trips will go smoothly and be hassle-free. In the event, that a flat tire or a dead battery threatens to ruin the trip, most automotive stores sell car emergency kits or you can make your own. Flares, a tire jack, tire gauges, a tire inflator, jumper cables and a flashlight are a few of the basics that all cars should carry in their trunks. A blanket, towel, duct tape, and garbage bags are a few miscellaneous essentials that can help out in emergency situations.

A cooler with some ice or an electronic cooler that plugs into the car is a handy thing to have on the trip. Restaurants may not always be available when hunger sets in and a picnic on a beach may seem like a better option. Having the ability to grab a cold drink or make sandwiches along the way can also save some time and money.

Now that essentials have been taken care of, it’s time to consider entertainment. Road trips can be a lot of fun, but music makes it even better. CDs and an MP3 player should find their way into the car. Whether you’ll be camping or spending the night in a hotel, it’s never a bad idea to bring along some games and a good book.

A cell phone is a must-have on any road trip, and a pre-paid TracFone can be purchased cheaply. People who enjoy technology may also want to bring along a laptop computer to keep in touch with friends at home or download pictures from their digital camera. Whether the camera is film or digital, a camera should come on the trip to capture all those memories.

With a little preparation and planning a road trip can be a breeze. Having the right safety and communications equipment, along with entertainment and refreshments, allows you to have a good time with few worries!

The trip that the pilgrims took to get to the New World is possibly one of the most well known in the world. People packed up all their belongings, boarded ships, and sailed across the ocean, taking a trip that took months, just to get to a place where they would be able to live without persecution.
Such a trip takes a lot of planning and, more importantly, a lot of money. Not only did it cost money to be able to board the boat itself, it cost money to stock the ship, pay the sailors and it cost money to set up an entire new settlement on an entirely different continent.

Most of the pilgrims who made the trip were actually Separatist farmers. They were very poor, mostly uneducated, and had little money to invest in a trip all the way across the Atlantic. So how did they manage to finance such a large venture? They signed an agreement with someone who could afford to send them across the ocean to a new world. Since there was no travel insurance back then, they needed extra reassurance.

The group of pilgrims went to a man named Thomas Weston. Weston was a very successful, wealthy iron merchant in London. The pilgrims respected and trusted Weston, who formed a join-stock company to handle the financial matters. He promised the pilgrims that he himself – not a Dutch or Virginia company – would be able to fully fund the trip. The pilgrims agreed to Weston’s proposal and he funded the trip once an agreement was reached.

Negotiations were long and complicated. When Weston and the other members agreed to finance the trip, they would purchase shares so that they could remain in England while the would-be Colonists agreed to contribute their services at a certain flat fee. Basically, they would work as traders or fisherman for seven years, sending back furs, lumber, and other resources so that Weston and the others could profit from it. All of their profits would be placed in a common stock fund and no land would be assigned to anyone. The trip itself was dangerous enough and with no form of cheap travel insurance, some of the pilgrims decided it wasn’t worth it, opting out of the agreement.

This was a bit of a raw deal for the pilgrims because the company was able to take complete advantage of them and they weren’t able to profit from their hard work. Yet, the chance to live in a new land was too tempting for most so they signed the agreement and the trip to America was financed.

Planning for a trip is an extremely complicated process. You have to consider all kinds of things like: where you’re going, what you’ll do on the trip, what type of travel insurance you’ll need, how much money it will cost, how you’ll get there, and that’s just the start. It becomes even more complicated when you take trips that aren’t so typical like camping or rafting trips. If you are going on your first rafting trip, it will be quite a challenge to figure out all the things to bring for your trip.

Rafting trips usually involve more than one aspect so packing for them can be hard. Firstly, pack what you’ll need when you actually get to the rafting part of the trip because that’s extremely important such as: a swimsuit or nylon shorts or clothes made specifically to get wet including shoes. Bring sandals that are secure or other shoes that can handle water and possibly lots of it. Bring a long-sleeved cotton shirt for sun protection and sunglasses as well. If possible, bring a wetsuit and wetsuit boots and fleece jackets and socks. It’s also a good idea to bring gloves to wear when you paddle as well. Now, that’s just for the actual rafting part.

You’ll also need to bring your own supplies as well and that’s where things can get complicated. It’s very easy to lose or forget things so make a checklist. When it comes to clothes, you’ll need a change of clothes because you will get wet. However, make sure you bring the right type of clothes. Even if the weather is hot outside, bring at least a light jacket because temperatures always drop at night. For this reason, you will also need jeans and long-sleeved shirts, just to be safe.

Don’t forget your athletic shoes or hiking boots in addition to your sandals so when you need to do some walking, your feet will have proper support. You should also bring lip balm and sun block. The sun will very quickly ravage your skin. Don’t forget the usual traveling things such as: toothpaste and toothbrush, flashlights, etc. It would also be a good idea to obtain some cheap travel insurance; if there’s ever an accident, you would have some protection.

Planning trips is hard enough. You have to decide exactly where you want to go on your trip, a way to get there, where you’re going to stay, how much it will cost, and you have to get a cheap insurance policy. You even have to arrange time off to take the trip in the first place so it means planning how many days your trip will be. One of the biggest challenges people face when they decide to take a trip is figuring out how to pack light for a long trip.

Firstly, lay out everything that you think you need to take on a long trip. Clothes, shoes, cosmetics, CDs, and whatever – just lay it all out so you know how much stuff you’re going to be taking. Next, put two thirds of it away. Try to spin it like this: If you had to physically carry everything you packed on your person, would you really feel like you needed it all? Probably not, so put away everything that would be nice to have but isn’t necessary.

It’s most important to pack the right clothes. They take up the most room and people tend to bring clothes that they don’t really need more than anything else. For instance, unless you’re going to a party where you’re actually going to need them, packing a pair of high heels for a long trip just isn’t practical. Learn to pack clothes that are comfortable, durable, and most importantly, all-purpose. Choose substance over style.

Although it may not seem to be a priority, especially if you have space issues, you should always carry copies of important documents like travel insurance policy or passport if you’re going out of the country. If something happens, you will need those documents badly and it’s better to have them on hand just to make sure things go smoothly.

It may seem like a lot of extra work or next to impossible, but you really can live without the majority of the stuff you own. In essence, you’ll really only need a relatively short list of things to be comfortable on a trip so it’s important not to over pack. Learning how to pack light for a long trip may seem complicated, but it’s really not that difficult.

The reasons for taking a trip across the country may have changed since the days of covered wagons and Horace Greeley’s directive to “Go West”, but the promise of adventure is the same. Whether traveling the interstate or following the two lane highways that make up parts of the old Route 66, a cross-country trip provides great opportunities to explore areas of history and natural beauty, experience the cultural offerings of a new city or region, and see places of kitschy amusement. Once you’ve packed your bags, filled the tank, and purchased some single trip travel insurance – it’s time to hit the road!

The first travelers to make cross-country trips went by horses and covered wagons. Their trails, homes, and the artifacts they left behind can still be found along the various trails to the West. For the history buff, the stopping points along the Oregon Trail are just a few of the historical locations that can still be visited. Civil War battle sites and ante-bellum homes dot the South and many stations on the Underground Railroad can still be seen in the North. Native American dwellings and drawings are still preserved or replicated to show what life was like before the pioneers’ arrival. Forts, mansions, and battlefields are evidence of human history across the country, but caves and fossil hunting opportunities are also available for those with an interest in natural history.

The United States has different regions – farmlands, forests, mountains, rivers, deserts, and swamps can all be seen. The National and State Parks should not be ignored. The National Park System offers a National Parks Pass that allows unlimited visits to any parks in the United States. This makes it a must for a cross-country trip. The Grand Canyon in Arizona is considered one of the major natural wonders of the world and Old Faithful, at Yellowstone National Park, in Wyoming amazes thousands of visitors each year. That (travel insurance) may come in handy when going down Pike’s Peak tests your car’s breaks, but the view at the top is well worth the trouble. Each state also has its own state park system, which is often extremely impressive and little visited. For example, Nevada’s Valley of Fire State Park has red rock canyons full of 3,000-year-old Native American petroglyphs, yet most people don’t realize it’s only a 40-minute drive from Las Vegas.

While nature and scenic vistas will be an enjoyable part of the trip, the cities along the way have plenty of attractions, too. An easy Internet search or a sign by the side of the road will point you to a city’s chamber of commerce or a tourism bureau. These offices provide information about museums, dining, shopping, places to stay, and activities in the area. Places like Chicago’s Art Institute and Bourbon Street in New Orleans are world famous and should not be missed, but a tourist information office can suggest that great steak place in Kansas City, Missouri, or the unique Dinosaur Museum in Blanding, Utah.

The quirky and unusual can easily be found in the roadside attractions that sprang up on the legendary Route 66, but any cross-country route chosen will offer some memorable oddities. The Stonehenge of cars, Carhenge in Nebraska vies with the Cadillac Ranch of Texas for visitors’ interests. A fishing museum housed in a giant fiberglass Muskellunge can be found in Hayward, Wisconsin. Tourists can marvel at the gravity defying feats taking place in the Mystery House of Gold Hill, Oregon. Road signs and billboards will often lead the way to these treasures and places like Mitchell’s Corn Palace in North Dakota.

No matter the direction or the route, a cross-country trip has something for everyone.  With a wealth of history, beauty, culture, and kitschy draws to choose from, such a trip is guaranteed to create a host of memories.

Road trips can be complicated so it’s best to plan thoroughly. It starts when you pick out a location that you want to visit. Then, you go into more specific plans covering the places where you want to stay along the way, the kind of places you will want to see on the trip, the things to pack, and even the activities that may interest you.

A very big part of planning for any road trip is planning out a budget. You have to know how much you’ll spend on hotel rooms, souvenirs, travel insurance, food, and most importantly, how much you’ll end up having to spend on gas alone. The latter is so important because gas is expensive and it is often the largest expense on a road trip, especially on a long trip.

It can be hard to calculate what a car or truck will get on a road trip for those who are unfamiliar with their vehicles. Most people only have a vague idea of how many miles to a gallon their vehicle gets, especially if they don’t drive far very often. Before you go on a trip, you need to know to see how that plays into a budget that will include lodging and a travel insurance policy.

By far, the easiest way to calculate a car’s gas mileage is to look at the manufacturer’s book. The car company has already provided you with this information. They will know exactly how many miles a car gets on a gallon either when they’re driving in town or when it’s on the highway. This is important because some people don’t realize that a car gets more miles per gallon on a highway than they do driving a car around towns.

Now, the problem may be more complex if you don’t have that book anymore. Well, there are multiple ways that you can find this out. It just takes a little more time and a little bit more attention. All you have to do is pay attention to the odometer in the car.

The next time you fill up your car, make a note of where the odometer is at or, better yet, reset it entirely so that it’s at zero. Also mark how many gallons you bought. Drive the car until it’s time to fill it up again. Then, when it’s time to refill it, divide the original number of gallons that you bought by the current number on the odometer. In other words, take the amount of miles you drove and divide that number by gallons of gas you bought to get your miles per gallon. After that, divide the total distance of your trip by that number and you will know how many gallons you need. Then, multiply by the price per gallon and you will get your answer.

Whether you are traveling close to home or across the ocean, it is important to know what to bring when going out of town. If you’re like most people, you probably always have that feeling that you might’ve left something behind. Before you head out on your next trip, follow these simple guidelines so you can remember what to bring.

First, create a short list of basic essentials you will need for your trip. This should include the proper number of pairs of socks and undergarments, shampoo, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste, and prescription medications. If you will be heading somewhere tropical, do not forget to include a bathing suit. It is always a good idea to bring two bathing suits if possible so you always have a clean extra one. Comfortable shoes are also a must. If the trip is a business related excursion, do not forget important items like a business suit and formal dining clothing. Your laptop computer or PDA is also essential for a business trip. Do not forget important paperwork such as: a passport, driver’s license, and your travel insurance policy. Keep paperwork in a waterproof container such as a zip top bag, and bring them in your carry-on baggage.

Other items to bring on your trip include your camera. You don’t want to miss those magical moments while out of town, so the camera is a must bring item. Video cameras are also a lot of fun to bring along so you can document your vacation. If you’ve purchased traveler’s checks of any kind, or single trip travel insurance, be sure to bring the appropriate paperwork for these items as well. If the kids are coming along, do not forget a favorite toy and a few games so they will be entertained while you’re on the road or in the air. A light snack is a great idea for long train or plane rides. If you are heading out on your trip by car, bring a cooler filled with sodas, bottled water, and snacks. For the pet owners who are bringing their dog(s) along, do not forget their medicine, toys, and other necessities as well. Once you’ve created your list, you can always go back and add other items later.

Starting a list of what to bring in advance will help to ensure that you don’t end up heading to your destination and then realizing you accidentally left something very important behind.

For people who are planning to go on a motorcycle trip, the obvious temptation is to jump on the bike and just take off. While this devil-may-care attitude may be appealing, it’s not advisable. You may remember that the two legendary motorcycle riders, Wyatt and Billy in Easy Rider did bring their stuff and you will be surprised that even the most free-spirited motorcyclists carry a travel insurance policy in their wallets, just in case anything bad happens to them.

Wherever you may plan to go and however long you may want to stay on the road, there will always be the possibility that your motorcycle will need some fixing up. For this reason, you will need a furnished toolbox to keep your bike going at least until the next motorcycle shop. The least you could do is carry a tire patch and some CO2 cartridges wherever you go. Most motorcycle brands come with a small tool pouch equipped with the most basic tools for motorcycle repair so make sure you bring it along.

A bike lock is also a must for any motorcycle trip, whether you plan to stay in a motel or camp out for the night. Disc locks are a good choice because they are small and sturdy, but they wouldn’t really do you any good if somebody just decides to haul off your motorcycle. That’s why many still prefer the bulky chain or cable locks to attach their bikes to something stable.

If you’re going to be riding under the bare hot sun, then, by all means, bring a waterproof, fast-drying sunscreen to protect yourself. Bring also a good lip balm to prevent chapped lips, which can be painful when exposed to the wind. Surely, you will not forget your riding gear such as: a high-quality leather jacket with lining, a cooling bandanna, fingerless, and full-fingered gloves, sunglasses, a face mask to protect you from the rain, a rain suit, a few shirts, a few pair of jeans, and underwear.

Camping gear is a must if you plan on doing some camping. These are often the most difficult things to pack because they are bulky, so make sure you bring a small tent and a good sleeping bag.

In this age, there are modern essentials you cannot live without, not anywhere or anytime. Your cell phone should always be with you, along with a cell phone charger that can be hooked to your motorcycle. Don’t forget to bring cash and credit cards and your travel medical insurance to cover any health expenses you may incur on the road.