As the home of the Mighty 5 National Parks, Utah is among the best states for road trips. Whether it be for a snowy adventure in the north or a hike down south, there is never a shortage of things to do or see. But before you hit the road, make sure that all your bases are covered. You do not want to forget something when you are already miles away from home. Use this checklist for a fun and safe journey:
In Case of Emergency
Test your car brakes, have a personal injury lawyer in your contacts, and check the locks of your home. It may feel overboard, but you must consider all things that can go wrong when you are going to be away. If you are friendly with a neighbor, ask them to keep an eye out for your home while you are out. You can also ask a friend or a relative to stay at your house while you are away.
If you have a pet animal, you can get a dog sitter or leave them at a day care. If you are a frequent social media user, consider posting after your trip has finished. There have been many reports over the years of homes that have been targeted due to social media posts.
Pack Right
It is easy to procrastinate and just pack the night before a trip. What is important is not when you pack but what you bring with you. Pack the essentials: toiletries, comfortable clothes, extra shoes, and cash. Create a list of things you have to carry with you so that you will not forget anything. A good tip is to think about what you will be doing. If you’re hiking, bring gloves, towels, and sunglasses.
Whatever it is you’re going to do, it’s good to bring extra bags for wet clothes, dirty laundry, and trash. Don’t forget to have a water bottle and an umbrella with you. Aside from packing, you should also prepare your gadgets prior to the trip. Charge your camera, phone, battery pack, and earphones.
Sort out Your Itinerary
You don’t have to plan every minute of your trip. What’s important is to prepare in advance. If you’re sure of the dates of your vacation, book your accommodation as soon as possible. Prices of hotels and bed and breakfasts are usually higher the closer it is to the dates of stay. In fact, some hotels even offer early-bird discounts if you book ahead.
Another reason to have a proper schedule is proper preparation. For example, if you’re interested in a night under the stars, you can plan a summer night at Natural Bridges. The Natural Bridges National Monument has been hailed as the world’s first dark-sky park because of its prime stargazing location. You can make the most out of your trip and bring a tent or rent a telescope with the right preparation.
When planning a trip, whether it be short-term or long-term, the key is to consider all factors. Things don’t always go according to plan. The best defense is preparation.
