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Despite the crazy-icy-cold weather some of us have been
experiencing for the past couple of months, the coming of Spring and
all things associated with it (parties, sunshine, ice cold beer,
concerts, parties, dancing, beaches... and did we mention parties?).
It is definitely time to kick back and relax, and engage in what
comes naturally to living creatures when this season arrives...
renewal and resurgence! I’ll leave your imagination to process
that.
Even if you don’t have that big of a budget to spend,
there are a ton of places to plan a getaway to, and the best way to
do it is via a well-prepared roadtrip to your destination! Wherever
it is you have your heart set on to travel to, do take some time in
preparing you, your travel buddies, and your vehicle for the journey.
We cobbled up a quick and dirty checklist of things that you
absolutely must prepare before hitting the road:
The Wheels
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This is practically the most important piece of
machinery that will make or break your road trip dreams and
ambitions. A couple of weeks before the date of your journey, you
must make certain that your chariot is in tip-top condition ready to
make your most enjoyable trek.
A trip to the auto shop and a full inspection is in
order. You may not need a full overhaul, but a tune-up and wheel
alignment and balancing, preferably with anewsetoftires
(and two or more spares, we’re not kidding!), and of course, tools
(don’t forget the jack, please). An extra fan belt, some spare oil,
brake/transmission fluid, and other auto essentials should always be
present in your trunk.
Each
automobile has its own capacity, and we suggest you don’t fill it
to the brim before setting out. If it has a comfortable seating
capacity of six, assemble a 4-person team, for example. Why do I give
this advice, you might ask? Well, you never know who might meet along
the road, and he or she might be needing a ride...
Information
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Nowadays, there should be no excuse for driving without
a map. Moreover, with GPS and wireless internet access just about
everywhere, there’s no reason for you to miss a party along the
route, or to get utterly lost or drive yourself into a ravine, or an
airport...
In any case, your glove box should contain the proper
conventional maps of the areas you’re planning to visit, get
yourself a GPS, and with tablets being so affordable, go ahead and
get one so you can access online maps and other apps that will help
you make your travel experience a most entertaining one. Oh, it’ll
be much easier to Tweet on it than your smartphone, too (not while
driving).
Sundries & Provisions
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You’re
going to be taking care of your own needs during this entire journey,
so don’t expect someone to be picking up after you or reminding you
what you have to do. Stock the necessary clothes, personal care
items, toiletries, and other essential items that you need so you
won’t end up looking like an unkempt hobo by the time you get back
from your vacation.
Consider all your needs. Don’t just jam your trunk
full of beer, toilet paper, and condoms. Also, you don’t need to
bring way too much; there are convenience stores and supermarkets
along the way, assuming your destination is within proximity of
civilization.
Your Sense of Adventure
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Spring Break. If those words aren’t enough to inspire
you into a frenzy, then you need a few more beers (not while
driving). Kick back, relax, have fun, and enjoy the fruits of your
labor! Get out there and party!