The nation is in a recession right now and even though money is tight, it doesn't mean you have to sacrifice going on vacation. One of the most affordable and fun ways to explore the country is by going on a long road trip. Perhaps you want to explore around your home town or perhaps tour several states if you are brave enough. Either way, it's a great opportunity to get away from home and enjoy some new scenery. One of the ultimate roads to take if you are planning a driving trip is California's Highway 1, better known as PCH. This gorgeous and picturesque road includes stops in San Francisco, Santa Barbara and Santa Maria. Below are a few items to bring along on your trip.
Don't forget to get gas before you start on your adventure. You don't want to start on your road trip and have to pull over shortly after because you need to fill up again. Making sure your tank is full will ensure that you won't have to worry about gas for a long time. Don't forget to bring along a cell phone. A phone allows you to make phone calls in case of an emergency and stay in contact with friends and family.
Burn a bunch of CD's to bring a long; it's even better if your car is compatible with a mp3 music player. Driving can be so much more enjoyable and relaxing if you've got some music to listen to. Another essential item is a GPS system. Newer cars tend to come with a built-in navigation system but if you don't have one, you can purchase a portable one from Garmin or TomTom. These devices can conveniently be mounted on the windshield for easy viewing. A GPS can be extremely helpful if you're lost and need help getting back on track again.
Don't forget to pack along snacks and drinks. Great snacks for long drives include fruit, beef jerkey, nuts and chips. If you don't want to eat junk food you can bring along a cooler and pack some veggies and fruits. Bottled water is great to bring along in case you get thirsty.
If you are going to be seeing a lot of sights you might want to bring a camera along. Or perhaps you might want to bring along a journal in order to record your thoughts and experiences. It's a good idea to bring along some cold hard cash along with a credit or debit case in case the card doesn't work for some reason. Cash can come in great handy in case you need to get a taxi or fill up on gas. Plus if you are traveling a remote area it might be difficult to locate an ATM machine.
