Ready to load the car and hit the road? Whether you’re heading off to college or taking a trip with the kids, it takes some planning. So before you get behind the wheel, make a checklist of everything you need. And while you’re at it, discover a few hacks along the way. Here are 14 hacks to make your road trip go smoothly.
14 Hacks To Organize A Smooth Road Trip
A road trip is the best trip in your entire life. If you do not plan out a smooth road trip, the full enjoyment will be destroyed. For planning out a smooth road trip, you will need good robust route planning along with the essential emergency medical supplies.
Here are 14 hacks to organize a smooth road trip.
#1. Pack Your Cooler With Dry Ice
Pack a cooler with refreshments for your road trip and make sure they stay ice cold for days — with dry ice! While it seems intimidating at first, dry ice is relatively easy to use once you understand how to handle it safely.
Plus, it will keep your food and drinks as cold as possible. Learn how to use dry ice in a cooler and discover hard coolers rugged and durable enough to transport to a campsite or be rolled to the beach.
#2. Bring An Emergency Kit
Carry an emergency kit that includes necessary items such as a battery charger, a first aid kit, extra drinking water, and jumper cables. Another versatile piece of emergency equipment is a flashlight, which can be used to hail down passing cars or roadside service vehicles in an emergency.
Learn how to use all these emergency items effectively and safely — especially the jumper cables! — and you can be back on the road trip in no time.
#3. Prepare Your Vehicle For The Journey
Before you put on hundreds of miles or so in your vehicle, make sure it’s up to scratch. Take it to a reliable mechanic such as those at auto repair in Lakewood CO, to have it serviced at least a week in advance. At the very least, get an oil change and check the tire pressure.
While you’re on a road trip, make sure the spare tire is in good working order, too. Check the tread on the tire and the pressure in case you need it as a backup for a flat tire. Also, make sure you know how to change your own tire with a jack and lug wrench.
#4. Get A Rooftop Cargo Box
A rooftop cargo box can free up interior space for passengers and provide a bit of elbow room. Fill it with compressible items and gear such as sleeping bags, backpacks, and luggage.
#5. Use Travel Apps to Find Amenities and Attractions
Countless travel apps are available to help you find everything from hotels to gas stations, from Trip Advisor to iExit. You can even use Roadtrippers to find unique roadside attractions and sights along the way.
All you have to do is put in your route, and you’ll find everything you need. You can even collaborate to find the perfect itinerary for a road trip.
#6. Bring A Refillable Water Bottle
Say no to single-use plastic and carry your own water bottle. Even better — choose a thermos or stainless steel container that can serve as both a coffee mug and water bottle.
Then, after your morning joe, just give it a quick rinse, and you’re good to go. Keeping hydrated is extremely important on the road and can even help you stay alert during a road trip.
#7. Pack Strategically
When packing for a road trip, don’t overdo it! Instead, think minimally and pack strategically. For example, when packing clothes, consider using an overnight backpack instead of hauling all your luggage into the hotel room every night.
Also, when it comes to loading up the car, add the nonessential items that you will only need once you arrive at your final destination, keeping essential gear and items like cameras and personal items on you.
You want to carry men bags that are capable enough to store all your essentials. At the same time, you do not want to be lugging around too much. This would simply derail your travel experience. You want something that is functional as well as stylish. Smaller items like smartphones, passports, medicines, cologne, etc, should fit in the same.
#8. Keep The Car Tidy And Yourself Clean
Keep your car tidy with a small trash bag, along with some wet wipes, hand sanitizer, and paper towels. That way, you can throw away granola bars and candy wrappers, wipe your hands clean, and anywhere else that might get crumbs or smears. A few extra road trip tips: Hang the trash bag on the back of a seat and compile everything in a container for accessibility.
#9. Check Your Pit Stop Ratings
Speaking of clean, when it comes to bathroom breaks at pit stops, it can be hit or miss. But fear not! With apps like the Bathroom Scout app or Flush, you can locate a sparkling clean restroom on your journey.
#10. Bring Plenty Of Change For Parking Meters
Long gone are the days when you needed to worry about toll booths. Now, many tolls have an automated electronic system that is cashless. The same goes for parking meters, too.
However, don’t be caught without some spare change. There are still many road trips to small towns across America that use coin-operated parking meters.
#11. Use Apps To Locate Foodie Hot Spots
Ever wish you could visit that diner or restaurant featured on Diners, Drive-Ins, and Dives or that Netflix culinary series? Now you can find all the foodie hotspots with apps and sites such as Roadfood.com and TVFoodMaps. Were you looking for a taste of the local flavor? Be sure to explore the Agricultural Marketing Service website to find schedules for local farmer’s markets in the area of a road trip.
#12. Pick Up A Multi-Outlet Adapter
Keep all your passengers plugged in with a multi-outlet adapter. This is especially true if you drive an older model car. Make sure it has enough USBs to charge all kinds of devices, from cell phones to tablets and more.
Alternatively, you could also bring a solar power charger that can rest on the dashboard.
#13. Swap The Car Air Freshener With Dryer Sheets
Car air fresheners can be strong, especially in a compact space like a car. So instead, swap them out with something more subtle like a dryer sheet or use an essential oil spray deodorizer.
Besides, keeping items off your rearview mirror and your sightlines visible and unobstructed is simply safe driving practice for your road trip.
#14. Take Frequent Breaks
Don’t set unrealistic expectations and try to drive for several hours straight. Be sure to take frequent breaks each day to stretch your legs or take shifts in the driver’s seat.
Plan accordingly and take your road trip slow enough that you have time to stop for meals and take snapshots and make memories at nearby attractions. When you take shifts, get comfortable and take a nap. Hint: Neck pillows aren’t just for flights.
Conclusion:
These 14 tips are always effective in planning a successful road trip. When you are planning for a road trip, do not forget to check the whole route map. The best solutions are here. Then, follow these strategies and plan a successful road trip for your next vacation.
Abdul Aziz Mondol is a professional blogger who is having a colossal interest in writing blogs and other jones of calligraphies. In terms of his professional commitments, he loves to share content related to business, finance, technology, and the gaming niche.
Temperatures are heating up across the Valley of the Sun and soon it will be summertime! If you are looking to explore the Phoenix area this summer, make sure you know exactly what to expect.
Triple-Digit Heat:
Expect triple-digit temperatures just about every single day through the summer season. Some days you may get lucky and enjoy a breeze to cool you off a bit, but be prepared for extreme heat.
Don’t let the heat stop you from doing things you enjoy outdoors, just make sure to be smart about it.
The best time to go hiking is during the early morning hours before it really starts to heat up. It can be dangerous to hike in extreme temperatures, so avoid hiking when it is in the triple digits. Also, drink plenty of water and wear your sunscreen.
When it is the hottest time of day, between 3om and 5pm, use a swimming pool to cool off. Again, just make sure you are staying hydrated and wearing your sunscreen.
In the evening is the best time to take a stroll through your neighborhood. The sun will be going down and the temperature will be a little cooler.
As long as you are smart and safe, you can still do the things you love outdoors in the summer months.
Wind and Rain:
On top of extreme heat be prepared for monsoons, which will bring dust storms, thunderstorms, and potential flooding. Each year is different when it comes to these storms, so make sure to check the local weather to know what is heading your way. You never want to be caught out in a dust storm or heavy rain, which usually hits in the late afternoon and into the evening. The best idea is to stay safely indoors and enjoy the storms from your home at Sky Crossing.
Special Events:
Another great thing about Phoenix is there are many awesome special events to enjoy during the summer months.
Baseball is in full swing in the summer, so be sure to check out an Arizona Diamondback ballgame. The stadium comes with a retractable roof, so you won’t be sweating in your seats!
For an educational experience, check out the Desert Botanical Garden Flashlight Tour. The Desert Botanical Garden is a gorgeous place to visit in the heart of Phoenix. During the warm summer months, they offer nightly flashlight tours so your whole family can safely explore the desert after dark.
It might get hot in Phoenix, but if you are prepared and do things safely, you can still enjoy all Phoenix has to offer during the summer months.
Read Also:
How To Prepare Yourself For The Perfect Vacation: Top 7 Tips
Top 12 Amazing Sahara Desert Animals You Need To See
10 Travel Tips For Singles At This Valentine’s Day : T AND TB
Spring is an epic time to be in Pigeon Forge. From soaring above the Smoky Mountains on a zip line to admiring the stars from your cabin's patio, you can't beat the scenic beauty of this mountain town. And what if you bump into your favorite celebrity on the Parkway? Now that's dreamy.
Moreover, Pigeon Forge is perfect for a spring getaway. It has everything you're looking for, from waterfalls cascading down riverbeds to inviting hiking trails and thrilling adventures.
But if you're still inconclusive about whether you should visit Pigeon Forge this spring, here are some convincing reasons.
Eight Prime Reasons To Spend Your Spring Vacation In Pigeon Forge
1. Perfect Weather for Outdoor Fun
Spring vacations aren't complete without some outdoor fun. But you can easily get your daily dose of Vitamin D in Pigeon Forge. The temperature ranges between 70-80 degrees Fahrenheit, making it ideal for various activities. Whether you want to kayak down the river or stroll in a park on a lovely spring day, Pigeon Forge is the ultimate outdoor paradise.
Hiking is especially popular in the spring and summer as flora and fauna come to life. There are plenty of trails that provide stunning views of the majestic Smoky Mountains, and you can also explore caves, go fishing, and ride a horse – perfect for the whole family.
However, please note that spring and summer are Pigeon Forge's peak seasons. So, book your tickets and accommodation early.
2. Exciting Dinner Shows
This town also hosts one of the best dinner shows in Pigeon Forge, Dolly Parton's Stampede. It is more than just a dinner show; it's a lively and interactive experience that immerses guests in the heart of friendly competition. As soon as you enter the arena, the atmosphere shifts, and you feel as though you've been transported back in time.
The show is a dazzling spectacle of horsemanship, music, and dancing, with talented performers dressed in authentic costumes. Highlights of the evening are undoubtedly the thrilling horse riding stunts, live animals, musical productions, and celebration of American patriotism. As you watch, you can also enjoy a delicious feast of Southern-style cuisine.
3. The Thrill of Amusement Parks
Dollywood - the star attraction of Pigeon Forge - needs no introduction. It is Tennessee's biggest-ticketed tourist spot that'll leave you humming Dolly Parton's tunes for days. The park has a charming mix of southern hospitality and thrill rides that'll get your heart racing faster than a rodeo bull.
The Wild Eagle roller coaster is a must-ride, a steel beast that sends you soaring through the mountains at 61 mph. And so is the FireChaser Express, which takes you on a wild ride of twists and turns.
If speed isn't your cup of sweet tea, you can ride on the Dollywood Express, a steam engine train that winds through the park's picturesque landscape.
4. Vibrant Festivals and Events
Pigeon Forge is abuzz with excitement as its current events and festivals bring together locals and tourists alike. If you’re planning to explore Pigeon Forge’s blooming springtime, you can’t miss Dollywood Flower and Food Festival. Horticulturists display stunning large flower sculptures that will surely leave you in awe.
Similarly, the Spring Rod Run showcases vintage cars and hot rods, revving up the engines of auto enthusiasts. It'll be car heaven in the city this season. Or, you could visit the Blooms and Tunes at Anakeesta, a spectacular live music event featuring local bands.
5. Breathtaking Views Everywhere You Look
Soothe your eyesight with spectacular views in Pigeon Forge. From the majestic mountaintops to the panoramic overlooks of the Smoky Mountains, there's no shortage of natural beauty in town.
You can also visit Clingmans Dome to get up close and personal with the region's stunning vistas. It's the highest mountain at an hour-long drive from Pigeon Forge. Whether you go up for a romantic sunrise or watch the fiery sunset, it's the perfect spot to take pictures and admire Mother Nature's beauty.
The Great Smoky Mountain Wheel at The Island provides an amazing bird's eye view of the city. The 200-foot-tall Ferris wheel is illuminated with thousands of LED lights, creating a breathtaking spectacle in the night sky.
6. Family-Friendly Activities
Brimming with family-friendly fun, Pigeon Forge is the ideal getaway for families with kids. You can walk the red carpet at the Hollywood Wax Museum or enjoy a meal with live animals in Big Top Arcade & Fun Park.
The city also has some great waterparks and go-kart tracks. Downtown Flavortown is the perfect place to test your skills if you're into bowling.
Ripley's Aquarium is another great option. Stroll through the Shark Lagoon, Turtle Bayou, and other fascinating exhibits as you learn about undersea life. This watery wonderland will keep your kids entertained for hours.
7. Food for Every Palate
The selection of restaurants in Pigeon Forge is second to none. You will surely be well-fed, from traditional Southern specialties to gourmet pizza. Fried chicken and steaming BBQ are two of the best must-try dishes in town. But that's not all. Pigeon Forge restaurants offer mouth-watering steaks, filling burgers, and delicious seafood options.
The city has plenty of international cuisines to savor if you want something more exotic. Some must-visit restaurants in Pigeon Forge include The Old Mill, Log Cabin Pancake House, and Big Daddy's Pizzeria.
For a truly unique culinary experience, head to the Apple Barn & Country Store. Here you can try delicious apple fritters, pies, and ciders. Or how about a cup of their famous apple butter?
8. Pigeon Forge is Pet-Friendly
Some of us have furry travel companions, and Pigeon Forge is a pet-friendly destination.
That means your four-legged friends can join you on vacation – how cool is that? Be sure to check the pet policies of your accommodation before your visit. There are plenty of dog-friendly parks, restaurants, and attractions in town, so your furry pal can have a great time too.
If you're looking for exciting places to take your pup, The Island in Pigeon Forge has several pet-friendly spaces. There are even special dog treats and snacks available at the shops.
Wild Bear Tavern, Blue Moose Burgers & Wings, and Hard Rock Cafe are all great options for dining with your pet.
You can also take them out shopping. The Big Dog Sportswear, for instance, is a pet-friendly store where you and your pup can pick up some cool gear.
Conclusion
It certainly looks like Pigeon Forge is a promising destination. Attractive and scenic, the city has something for everyone. From majestic mountains to incredible attractions and family-friendly activities, Pigeon Forge will surely make your spring vacation a blast.
But before you load your car, pack all the essentials. You'll need layers, even during springtime. The mountains can get chilly, so be prepared.
Read Also:
6 Best Family Holiday Destinations In India
Tips to Help You Plan your Holidays to Morocco
Top 10 Hot Springs Near Denver You Can Visit In Winter
Summer is fast approaching. You need an appropriate pair of shades to prepare for outdoor adventures. The ideal sunglasses should bring the perfect vision for you.
Choosing the best adventure sunglasses will give you satisfaction on your journey. Your sunglasses should protect from eye strain and light flares. With that feature, you can prevent headaches from eye fatigue. This will protect your eyes from prolonged exposure to the sun.
This article will show you sunglasses that will protect your eyes and suit your activity. Not only does it give protection, but it also gives a good look while on the run. Consider these sunglasses an essential part of your summer adventure. You might need to upgrade your prescription sports sunglasses after reading this.
Travel Adventure
When wandering on an endless road, make your best memory with a pair of retro sunglasses. The best travel sunglasses should have an anti-scratch feature, polarized lenses, and durable frames. Fordable shades, so they are easy to get on and fold away when you need them.
Also, ensure those sports prescription glasses have excellent quality and strength when protecting your eyes. Picking up suitable sunglasses for your travel needs is quite tricky. Check on these features to consider when buying sunglasses for traveling.
Frames should be durable. Traveling makes your glasses prone to falling. The durability of your shades will comply with this need.
You can also choose excellent-quality rectangular-shaped glasses. For sure, you will meet lots of people when traveling. It makes sense if you choose stylish matte shades to express your style. Rectangular shades can make your face stand out—a good fit for facial features and narrow eyes.
Shades that are featured UV ray protection are also a must since you will surely encounter the sun’s heat on your travels. These glasses help you reserve your energy from the tiredness provided by the sunny weather.
A pair of polarized, high-quality shades with built-in tapered lens technology is a must. The lens comes with an anti-reflection feature. This is a good choice when you are looking to improve your lenses.
Water Sports
Everybody loves water sports such as surfing, kitesurfing, wakeboarding, paddle boarding, or kayaking. With this sport, you are most likely exposed to the sun’s heat for hours. Water sports enthusiasts have exposure to salt water and sunlight. Even harsh winds hit their faces.
This exposure will lead to eye sunburns. Also, exposure to UV rays damages your eyes over time, which can lead to cataracts or severe eye problems. Wearing sunglasses can lessen your eye fatigue from sunlight and water splashes.
Be careful because some sunglasses need to work better for watersports. That is because some lenses break easily during hard impacts. Some are due to fog and are quick to blur your vision. Others because of unclear vision from the lenses. Here are suggestions on which type of appropriate sunglasses to use. Given that you have lots of water sports activities in mind.
Be careful because some sunglasses need to work better for watersports. That is because some lenses break easily during hard impacts. Some are due to fog and are quick to blur your vision. Others because of unclear vision from the lenses.
Here are suggestions on which type of appropriate sunglasses to use. Given that you have lots of water sports activities in mind.
For Surfing
The best fit for surfing glasses comes with the capability to absorb or endure the impact. One that is immovable from your head during wipeouts. Surfers keep paddling through waves. The sunglasses must not be uncomfortable or painful if pressed against your face. Check your sports prescription goggles to see if they suit your needs.
For Kitesurfing
Your face is above the water all the time during a kitesurfing activity. Your sunglasses for this sport should protect your eyes from fog and water spray. A vital feature of glasses for kitesurfing is that they should have visual clarity from the sun. You need to have a clear look at the buoys, rocks, floating debris, waves, and other kite surfers.
For Wakeboarding
The important feature of a wakeboard sunglass is its ability to withstand impact. This type of sunglasses should be able to endure crashes at high speed. This must keep your face and eyes safe in any situation. Like other water sports activities, wakeboarding glasses must resist fog and water spray. It should also provide a clear vision of the waves when doing exhibitions.
For Paddleboarding
You may need regular sunglasses while paddling on flat water. This activity has very little chance of you getting sucked into the water. You need sunglasses that are fog resistant, protect from sun rays, and have quality lenses. It should also develop a better retention system that could float on water.
For Kayaking
Kayaking is as simple as sitting low on the water. This increases the chance of your eyes getting exposed to sun rays. If you are kayaking in a rough river or seawater, you'll get sprayed on your eyes. The best sunglasses for kayaking must be splash-resistant and UV-free. It should also have hydrophobic protection to let the water slip away from your lenses.
Mountain Hiking
There's so much to enjoy about outdoor adventures like hiking. Protect your eyes while camping in the forest or hiking in the mountains. Use sunglasses that have UV-ray protection and a high-visibility feature. A decent pair of glasses for hiking should have lightweight and curved lenses. That must have excellent marginal protection from the sun's rays, debris, and wind.
For Running
The best-running sunglasses should enhance vision and depth perception. That could lessen the possible blind spots on the trail. Your glasses should be suitable for your face. Also, it should have curves to see the striking rays of sunlight. Other sunglasses for running have tinted. Runners can have a good vision of their environment. These glasses have flexible materials, should be lightweight, and fit well.
You will need high-quality sunglasses for running. Below are a few of the most important features you should consider for running sunglass.
Glasses with taller lenses that are customizable provide a better look at the upper peripheral part of your vision. Some quality shades with wide frames and taller lenses are built with lighter weight. This type of running sunglasses is best suited for men.
One of the best running sunglasses for women comes with exchangeable lenses in more flexible designs. The lenses and frame structure should be free from extreme cuts and severe angles. These glasses' aesthetics could be more masculine, making them suitable for female runners. Its simplicity doesn't mean it misses the essential features runners need. Its protection from sunlight provides better vision on the road or trail.
You might also want an interchangeable and bigger lens, which works great on the road or trail.
Conclusion
Now, you are going on an outdoor adventure this summer. Get your eyes looking fantastic and protected. Sunglasses contribute to making your activities look and feel better. Specialized sunglasses can offer great comfort. It doesn't matter if you are doing extreme sports or tanning on the beach. Investing in your protection and comfort with appropriate glasses is always best.
Read Also:
Planning A Beach Holiday In 2023? Here Are 5 Things To Buy In Advance
7 Creative Truck Cap Camping Ideas To Use In Jungle Adventures
6 Outdoor Activities You Can Have In Arizona
Related
