Packing Essentials: What To Pack For A Long EV Road Trip, Including Charging Cables, Adapters, And Emergency Tools

Are you planning an exciting and long-distance road trip with your electric vehicle (EV)? How exciting! There’s nothing like hitting the open road in a zero-emission, eco-friendly car? But before setting off on the journey of a lifetime, there are some essential items you should remember to pack that will make your time on the road smoother and more enjoyable. 

To ensure your EV adventure is as smooth sailing as possible, we provide helpful tips for those crucial packing essentials for a successful EV road trip – from charging cables to storage bags. So, if you are getting ready for an epic journey with your beloved ride, read ahead for all our top picks!

Safety Items

Safety always comes first, which is no different when embarking on a long EV road trip.

Here are some items to include in your pack that will give you peace of mind during the journey:

First Aid Kit

First and foremost, every road trip should have a well-equipped first aid kit. This might include band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, medical tape, and pain relievers. A first aid kit can be a lifesaver in case of minor injuries or health issues.

Fire Extinguisher

Another safety item you should always have in your EV is a fire extinguisher, specifically suitable for electrical fires. Although electric vehicles are less likely to catch fire than traditional ones, it’s better to be prepared in emergencies.

Reflective Warning Triangles

Reflective warning triangles are also essential for safety during your road trip. Should you have to stop at the side of the road, these triangles can warn other drivers of your presence, especially during the night or in poor visibility conditions.

Tire Repair Kit

A punctured tire can happen anytime, and it’s only sometimes possible to find a service station quickly. Therefore, a tire repair kit can be a handy tool to fix the issue temporarily until you can reach a professional for help. 

Pack for Different Climates

When embarking on a lengthy road trip, you’re likely to encounter a variety of climates and weather conditions, hence the need for appropriate preparations. 

Warm Weather Gear

For sunny, warm climates, pack lightweight and breathable clothing. It’s also wise to include a broad-brimmed hat for sun protection, sunglasses, and high-SPF sunscreen. Hydration is vital in these climates, so ensure you have plenty of bottled water and a cooler box to keep your drinks chilled. 

Cold Weather Gear

In contrast, if you’re likely to experience colder climates, thermal clothing, warm hats, gloves, and scarves are essential. Ensure you have a warm blanket or two, as well as a thermos flask for hot drinks. To aid vehicle handling in icy or snowy conditions, consider carrying tire chains. 

Wet Weather Gear

In wet climates or during rainy seasons, waterproof clothing is a must. Pack a high-quality raincoat and waterproof trousers, as well as an umbrella. It’s also worth carrying a set of absorbent towels for drying off any rainwater that might get inside your vehicle. 

By preparing for various climates, you’ll ensure a more comfortable and enjoyable journey.

Food & Water Essentials

Food & Water Essentials

When setting off on a long road trip, you must remember your sustenance needs. Here are some ideas of what to include in your food and water essentials:

Bottled Water and Hydration Packs

Always pack plenty of bottled water for your journey to stay hydrated throughout. If you’re planning on travelling through particularly hot climates, consider hydration packs. These are reusable, eco-friendly, and keep your water cool.

Related: 6 Expert Packing Tips That Will Make Your Trips More Fun

Non-Perishable Snacks

Non-perishable snacks are a road trip’s best friend. Choose options that are high in protein and fibre to keep you feeling full longer, such as mixed nuts, protein bars, dried fruit, and whole grain crackers. Pack enough for your entire journey, with a few extras for good measure.

Ready-to-eat Meals

While you’re likely to stop at restaurants or fast-food joints along the way, it’s always a good idea to have some ready-to-eat meals packed. These could be canned goods (think beans, soup, tuna), pre-made sandwiches, or microwaveable meals if your accommodation has the facilities. 

Reusable Cutlery and Plates

In the spirit of eco-friendliness, pack reusable cutlery and plates for your meals and snacks. Not only does this reduce your environmental impact, but it also means you’re always ready for a picnic wherever you may find yourself!

Cooler Box

Finally, a cooler box is a must-have for any lengthy road trip. It will help keep your water, snacks, and meals cool and fresh, especially in hot weather. Some advanced coolers even have a heating option, perfect for warming up those ready-to-eat meals.

Entertainment for long drives.

Long journeys can sometimes be a bore, especially when traversing long stretches of road with little to see. That’s where entertainment comes in. 

Music, Audio Books, and Podcasts

On long road trips, audiobooks and podcasts make great companions. They keep your mind engaged and make the journey educational and entertaining. Remember to download a mix of genres for variety.

Music is a classic companion, too. Create playlists with your favorite pop, rock, country, or classical tunes to keep your spirits high. You can also explore streaming services with curated playlists for long drives.

Portable Gaming Devices

If you’re traveling with kids, portable gaming devices can be a lifesaver. They offer a fun distraction and can keep children engaged for hours. Just ensure the games are age-appropriate and devices are charged or have charging capabilities. 

Charging Cables and Adapters

In this digital age, staying connected is crucial, even on a road trip. So, pack the necessary charging cables for your electronic devices like smartphones, tablets, laptops, and gaming devices. Carry a few extra cables in case of loss or malfunction. Remember to use a car charger or power bank to keep your devices powered up. If crossing country lines, bring travel adapters for charging in any socket type. Stay connected, access GPS, and enjoy entertainment on the go!

Travel Board Games

Travel-friendly versions of board games are excellent for taking breaks along the way. Whether it’s Scrabble, Chess, or Monopoly, these games can provide fun and interactive entertainment during rest stops. 

Comfort Items for Road Trips

When embarking on a long journey, comfort is paramount. It can make the difference between a taxing ordeal and an enjoyable adventure. Here are some comfort items you should consider bringing on your journey.

Travel Pillows 

Travel pillows are a must for long journeys. They support your neck and head, making it easier to rest or even sleep during travel. There are a variety of types available, from inflatable ones that save space to memory foam pillows that offer ultimate comfort.

Blankets

Even if you’re travelling in summer, a blanket can come in handy. It can provide additional comfort when you need to sleep in the car or encounter unexpectedly cold weather. Consider packing a lightweight throw or a fleece blanket.

Portable Seat Cushion

Long hours of sitting can put stress on your back and hips. A portable seat cushion can provide additional support and comfort during your road trip.

Conclusion

Preparing for a long road trip involves more than just packing clothes and toiletries. It’s essential to consider various climates, pack food and water essentials, bring entertainment for long drives, and ensure comfort items are on hand. With proper preparation, you can have a smooth and enjoyable journey on the open road.

Happy travels!  

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Nabamita Sinha loves to write about lifestyle and pop-culture. In her free time she loves to watch movies and TV series and experiment with food. Her favourite niche topics are fashion, lifestyle, travel and gossip content. Her style of writing is creative and quirky.

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How To Prepare Yourself For The Perfect Vacation: Top 7 Tips

BY FollowTheFashionApr 7, 2020

A vacation is supposed to be a gateway to a stress-free world. It is expected to rejuvenate your senses and remove all the tiredness, boredom, and monotony of daily life.  However, in order to ensure that your vacation is as memorable as you are imagining it to be, you need to prepare for the same well in advance. A good vacation is all about planning, locating the problem areas, and ensuring that you are prepared for the same.  This planning includes everything from ensuring your home is fitted with a security alarm to keep it safe and secure whilst you are away (see the Verisure website for details), to planning your travel itinerary, and having an emergency credit card for any unforeseen disasters. Vacations are not without their fair share of problems. Even the most experienced travelers cannot plan for unforeseen developments. That being said, there are many careless travelers who forego planning and strategic execution for a month-long problem fest.  We certainly do not want to belong to that bunch of people. Whether it is a Euro Trip with friends or a journey of rediscovery to India, this article is going to help you prepare for it all. In this article, we will look at ten tips that will help you prepare for your vacation in the best possible manner.  7 Tips to Prepare for your Dream Vacation: The List 1. Manage, Collect and Arrange all your documents Call me old-fashioned, but I like to go old-school when it comes to all documents relating to my travel. This includes all my flight tickets, VISA papers, passports, hotel bookings, travel insurance, and cash.  You might say that an e-version of most of the things would suffice. However, try using your internet connectivity in some remote village in India to show your hotel booking. You will understand the need to take physical printouts and maintain a proper file of the same.  2. Get your Financials in order It is always a good idea to arrange your finances as much as possible. A cool tip is to pay as much of the bookings, travel costs, and others before leaving for your vacation. This way, you will not have to carry around too much cash or cards on your trip.  Always remember to carry just one or two debit/credit cards. Enquire ahead, as to which banks are accepted and which are not. Exchange currency right at the airport itself. All this will help you when it comes to managing your finances during your vacation.  3. Check your Connectivity Issues during a Vacation You get off the plane, switch on your phone, and surprise, there is no signal! Trust me, in an unknown land you do not want to be without your phone at any cost. Do your research and get an International Calling Card if possible.  You can also see what the local telecom operators in the country are and whether or not you can get a local SIM card in the country. You will need your cell phone for all kinds of things- from emergencies to calling for booking confirmations, to communicating with your family back home.  4. Carry your Entertainment with you If you are expecting that your Netflix will work seamlessly in some remote country, you might be in for a surprise. Even if the internet connectivity is not an issue, then there might be some other problems. This is why it is a good idea that you carry your entertainment with you.  You can use a credible video downloader like youtube to mp3 and download all videos from YouTube. Almost all series and movies are now available on YouTube. You can download all of them and save them on your laptop or on your phone. This will help you enjoy entertainment when you are just casually relaxing.  5. Pay attention to the Weather and News Visiting America during the Hurricane season might not be a good idea. Traveling to Jerusalem during a conflict situation in the neighborhood should be avoided. Most travelers are so looking forward to their vacation that they become highly optimistic.  This is not a good approach. You should always be aware of the news and happenings in the region of your travel. You do not want to be caught in some natural emergency or be a victim of some political drama happening in the country of your travel. Listen to the Foreign Ministry Advisory of your home country before embarking on the journey.  6. A Limited Travel Itinerary for your Vacation It is always a good idea to travel light and have a limited itinerary for your vacation. If you are trying to pack in too many things, you can expect your plans to go haywire. Having a limited itinerary also means that you will be exhaustively exploring each location.  Going for multiple destinations is often the hallmark of a superficial traveler. By keeping a limited itinerary, you will never feel pressured and feel that you are always falling behind. This will create pressure and take the fun out of your vacation plans. Select places, which interest you, not which your friend had gone to and recommended.  7. Plan the Come Back period before you leave for your vacation Most people might be well prepared when it comes to the above-mentioned six points. However, this is where even the best amongst us falter. You should always have a sufficient buffer time after coming back from your vacation. This is critical to prepare yourself when it comes to overcoming the vacation hangover.  Many experts say that doing things like your laundry before leaving for your vacation is a good way to prepare back for your vacation. The last thing you would want to see is a pile of dirty laundry that you would have to do post a great vacation.  Conclusion Going on a vacation can be a highly rewarding experience. On the other hand, it can also be a very stressful affair, leading to fights between couples or fallout among friends. However, if you are prepared with the above-mentioned seven tips, you can rest assured that you are mitigating most of the problems.  Can you think of some other tips that can help you while preparing for your vacation? Do let us know in the comments section below.   Read also:  5 Tips to Improve Holiday Experience for Next Vacation

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Closest Beach To Nashville – Top 10 Beaches You Can Visit

BY Barsha BhattacharyaDec 8, 2022

Are you planning a beach trip sometime soon? But why stick to the same beaches in the Nashville area, or even in and around? Have you thought about venturing out to beaches a little far away? First, you need to check out the closest beach to Nashville or even some of the closest beaches near Nashville.  If you do, then you will be amazed to find out that there are several options to check out! So let’s not waste time - instead, keep reading to find out all the beaches in nearby states situated very close to Nashville!  Closest Beach To Nashville - Top 10 Beaches You Can Visit So here you are, in search of the closest beach to Nashville TN! And here we are with a curated list featuring the ten best beaches that are really close to Nashville. You just have to scroll down and stick to the very end - you will just know why we are hyping this up so much. It’s all worth the wait! 1. Dauphin Island, Alabama: Instead of asking what is the closest beach to Nashville, it’s best that you check out all your options before you make any solid travel plan. Dauphin Island in Alabama is fairly close to Nashville - it will take you about 7 hours to drive to Mobile since the island is located in the southern part of Mobile. You can also fly to Mobile.  Spend time playing with the waves and collecting seashells, or take a ferry and go up to the beautiful Fort Morgan in order to check out some dolphins. Also, you must not miss out on other prime tourist spots nearby, like, Fort Gaines, Bird Sanctuary, and The Estuarium. It is a charming place with scenic views, and you can visit with your family. It is quite idyllic along with being a family friendly island with some of the beautiful attractions such as Alabama Aquarium, Mobile Bay Ferry and others. Excitement, wildlife and southern culture is quite apparent in and around Dauphin Island. With white sand and blue water. 2. Gulf Shores, Alabama: While looking for beaches near Nashville TN, there’s no way you can forget about the Gulf Shores in Alabama. It's pretty popular among tourists, especially Tennessee residents. Located only seven hours drive away from Nashville, the area boasts several lodging options, activities, and fresh seafood.  The area is filled with amusement parks, entertainment zones, shopping opportunities, and so much more. Plus, if you love educational activities and even history, there’s so much to do in this area as well. So just pack your bags already - because the beach is waiting for you! So, why is Gulf Shores Alabama so popular? Why is it so special? With its warm water, which is quite soothing, along with bright white beaches. You can perform daytime activities such as dolphin-watching, hiking and scenic cruises. There is an Alabama Gulf Coast Zoo and a recreation center with bumper boats called The Track, where you can visit with your family. 3. Pensacola, Florida: There are several beaches close to Nashville but Pensacola, located in Florida, stands out because it will take you less than seven hours to drive from Nashville! Popular for its charming historic culture and exquisite natural beauty, Pensacola is a must-visit. Spanning over eight acres, the historic village of Pensacola is timeless.  From golfing and go-karting to other fun activities, there’s so much to do when you are bored of the beach. Pensacola is also known as ‘the city of five flags’ since it was passed around in History - you will spot British, French, Confederate, American, and even Spanish flags all over this charming city. The beach is at the panhandle of Florida surrounded by coastline across 50 plus miles. There is crystal clear bay areas and emerald-green Gulf of Mexico waters thus, when you visit the beach, you can find a vibe that is a mix between bustling metropolitan center along with some relaxation beach town! 4. Destin, Florida: Looking for the closest beach to Nashville? Why aren’t you considering Destin, located in Florida? Plus, it will take you only around seven hours to drive to Destin from Nashville! Destin has been a prime vacation spot for families! There are several places to eat - you could check out the popular chain dining, Whataburger! Then there are so many outlet stores for you to visit if you love shopping. If you are traveling with kids, then you have to check out the following places, The Gulfarium Marine Adventure Park, Local Zoo, and  Big Kahuna Water Park (only if you are traveling to Destin during Summer!) Located in northwest Florida, the area of Destin beach is called Panhandle! There are natural trails through the dunes of Henderson Beach State Park. There are beautiful oak trees and pine trees where they provide wildlife shelter. There are also waterfalls, pools and tall slides along with Big Kahuna’s water park hence, you can explore all these places. The emerald-green waters of the beach are breathtaking along with unique geology! 5. Panama City, Florida: It's not like there are no beaches in Tennessee. Of course, there are beaches in Tennessee, but sometimes, venturing a little away from home feels so much better! And how can you ignore Panama City, located in Florida? Famed as a destination for Spring Break, it will take you about 7.5 hours to drive to Panama City from Nashville. You can also opt for direct flights.  The beaches span 27 miles, and Panama City farther boats about a hundred public accesses. While you are in Panama City, you must visit Pier Park - you will spot several restaurants, playing areas, bungee jumping opportunities, bumper boats, sky wheels, passenger trains, and plenty of places to shop.  6. 30A, Florida: People who reside in the Middle Tennessee area either have or know others who have the bumper sticker with 30A on them. This is because 30A has now become perhaps one of the most well-known getaway spots for most residents of Nashville! And that too throughout the whole year.  30A is not your regular Nashville beach! Instead, it's a pretty coastal highway with solid touristy spots, like, Miramar Beach, Rosemary Beach, Santa Rosa Beach, and Blue Mountain Beach.  Read More: 6 Things To Do At The Beach This Fall 7. Tybee Island, Georgia: Tybee Island might not be the closest beach to Nashville, but that doesn’t mean it's that far away - you can either drive to Tybee Island in the Savannah region or even directly fly to Savannah. If you drive, it will take you more than eight hours, and if you take a flight, it will take a little less than two hours.  An Atlantic getaway that’s historical - this is exactly what Savannah stands for! Steeped deeply in culture and history, there’s so much to see and so much to do - from local restaurants and shopping outlets to the lighthouse near Tybee Island, you will need about three days to check out the place properly.   8. Gulfport, Mississippi: Image Source While looking up the closest ocean beach to Nashville TN, it's impossible not to stumble upon Gulfport, located in Mississippi. The entire Mississippi coastline is unforgettable. It takes about seven hours to drive from Nashville, or you could also do something adventurous and fly to New Orleans - it will be worth the trip! The area boasts miles of beaches known for their beautiful sand, fun attractions, and exciting water activities. Once you are done spending time on the beach, don’t forget to check out,  The Gulfport children’s museum, INFINITY Science Center, a space facility by NASA, A famous aquarium, Drag racing, Waterparks, and The railroad museum. 9. Charleston, South Carolina: Image Source Move any beach in Tennessee over, because it’s time for Charleston to shine! Yes, it will take you more than 8 hours to drive to Charleston, located in South Carolina, or a flight of 1.5 hours, but who cares? It will be worth the journey. Another coast town in the Atlantic steeped deeply in history, this place is perfect for visiting with your family, especially kids.  If you love visiting historical spots, you have to visit Fort Sumter. And that’s not all! Pamper yourself with some spa time and some golfing while your kids can enjoy the children’s museum and the aquarium. You will also get to see some world-class restaurants, sandy beaches, and cobblestone paths. The easiest way to enjoy South Carolina is to dip your toes in the white sand and enjoy the beautiful weather. It is perfect for frolicking as you can walk across the sand and visit the lighthouses. The beaches are wild hence, you gotta have a towel and a sturdy shoes to enjoy your best! 10. Myrtle Beach, South Carolina: Forget about the closest beach to Nashville - it will take you about nine hours to drive to Myrtle Beach, but it's so worth the drive. Plus, the place has so much to explore and so much to do - what’s stopping you from going for only a weekend? We say keep at least three to four days in hand while going to Myrtle Beach in South Carolina!  From cheering the baseball team, Pelicans, and riding the gigantic Ferris wheel to visiting New South Brewing MicroBrewery or even having a night out at some local dinner theater, there’s so much to do here. Myrtle Beach has a subtropical climate along with 86 golf courses and 1800 restaurants to visit. Almost 20 million visitors go to Myrtle beach every year. If you are planning to visit the beach, you can take your family with you to the Kingdom amusement park. If you are someone who loves adventure, the SkyWheel is the way to go considering it is the one of the tallest Ferris Wheels in the world. Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs): Check out the most frequently asked questions related to the closest beach to Nashville mentioned below.  1. What Is The Closest Ocean Beach To Nashville? Ans: The closest beaches to Nashville are as follows,➊ Pensacola,➋ Panama City Beach,➌ Tybee Island,➍ Hilton Head Beach, and➎ Gulf Shores. 2. What Is The Best Beach In Tennessee? Ans: The best beaches in Tennessee are as follows,➊ Big Ridge Lake,➋ Cheatham Lake,➌ Cherokee Lake,➍ Chickamauga Lake, and➎ Center Hill Lake. 3. What Is There To See Between Nashville And Gulf Shores? Ans: The top tourist spots between Nashville and Gulf Shores are as follows,➊ Lotz House Museum, ➋ Stones River National Battlefield,➌ Carnton,➍ Vulcan Park & Museum,➎ U.S. Space & Rocket Center, and➏ Jack Daniel's Distillery Visitor Center. 4. What Is The Most Beautiful Town In Tennessee? Ans: The most beautiful towns in Tennessee are as follows,➊ Gatlinburg,➋ Townsend,➌ Bell Buckle,➍ Rogersville, and➎ Jonesborough. And It’s A Wrap! Finding the closest beach to Nashville proved to be an adventure, considering we made sure that you are aware of all your options! So now what? What are you still doing here? Pack your bags and get this trip started! All you have to do is plan a kickass trip and make some memories to treasure forever. In the meantime, don’t forget to share your thoughts and if you have any related past experiences in the comments below. Read Also: A Complete Guide Of West Beach 10 Best Nude Beaches In The World What To Look For When Purchasing A Beach Tent For Vacation

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4 Things To Do When Visting The British Virgin Islands On A Yacht

BY Barsha BhattacharyaNov 23, 2023

The British Virgin Islands (BVI) is a well-loved destination for many, and it’s particularly popular among the yachting community. It perfectly combines adventure and relaxation for the best vacation you’ll ever experience. Located in the northeastern Caribbean, the British Virgin Islands comprises 50 islands and cays. The largest islands include Tortola, Virgin Gorda, Anegada, and Jost Van Dyke. They are all unique and special in their own rights. You can explore the BVI with 12knots rentals, where you can hire a yacht charter for your adventures. Yachting around the British Virgin Islands is one of the most popular methods of visiting the area. It is because it enables you to gaze into the crystal-clear turquoise waters. It also lets you observe the marine wildlife and enjoy water-based activities. Let’s take a look at four things you can do when you visit the British Virgin Islands on a yacht charter. Snorkeling At Norman Island Snorkeling is the perfect water activity for you to try if you want to explore the depths of the British Virgin Islands. There, you come face-to-face with the marine wildlife that occupies the waters. You may be a key snorkeler with extensive experience in the water. You may also have all your own equipment. Explore the oceans by yourself. However, those with little experience and no personal snorkeling equipment might wish to hire a professional for guidance. They may also take lessons at one of the nearby snorkeling schools. One of the most popular yacht charter destinations within the British Virgin Islands for snorkelers is Norman Island, which is home to lots of underwater caverns and vibrant coral reefs. Visit The Golden Coastlines Of Anegada Anegada has some of the most stunning coastlines you’ll ever see. With crystal-clear waters and pristine, golden beaches, you’ll feel like you transport yourself to paradise when you sail your yacht charter toward this island. Known as the ‘Drowned Island’, Anegada offers a peaceful escape from the hustle and bustle of life. You can explore Loblolly Bay and Cow Wreck Beach before docking your yacht to sunbathe or go for a swim. Visit Trellis Bay If you’re journey to the British Virgin Islands coincides with a full moon, you’ll want to make sure you’re on the moon. At Trellis Bay, on the night of the full moon. At Trellis Bay, you can enjoy what you know as a Full Moon Party, where you can dance to local music, chat with like-minded people, drink delicious beverages, and soak in the Carribean culture under the night sky. Take A Trip To Soggy Dollar Bay The island of Jost Van Dyke   has an area called Soggy Dollar Bay, which is famous for its beachside bars, live music, and jolly atmosphere. It’s a great place to shake your worries away and get to know the locals and other tourists visiting the area. On Soggy Dollar Bay, you can sit back and relax as you sit on a Painkiller cocktail. Whether you want to dance to the live music or find a quieter area of the bay to watch the sunset, you will enjoy every second of your time spent there. Additionals: A Beginner’s Guide To Island-Hopping In Greece Entertain Your Guests By Choosing A Private Yacht Charter In Maldives