Travel Tips: Essential Lists for Long Car Trips

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Cross-country car trips can be exciting, entertaining, and even a bit educational (shudder!). On the flip side, they can also be a non-stop nightmare of forgotten keys, jumbled clothes, and missing essentials.

Your first task? Check and re-check the car. Nothing will turn a trip into family horror story quicker than car trouble.

Before you leave:

• Make necessary hotel, restaurant, & event reservations
• Give contact info to family, neighbors in case of emergencies
• Get a cell phone if you don't have one

During the trip:

• Maps & travel guides
• Flashlight
• Medications
• Credit cards and/or Traveler's Checks
• Cash (enough to cover small emergencies)
• Scissors/knife (collapsible)
• Small cooler w/snacks, variety of drinks
• Extra Car Keys (someone other than driver should have)
• Pillows (small)
• Motion sickness drugs (Dramamine tablets and Scopamine patches)
• First Aid Kit
• Auto info (drivers license, insurance & registration paperwork)
• Games, books, & magazines for the kids or other passengers
• Moist towellettes

At your destination:

• Maps & travel guides
• Weather-appropriate clothing
• Toiletries
• Sunscreen
• Camera & film
• Events tickets
• Credit cards and/or Traveler's Checks
• Cash (enough to cover small expenses)