If you’re planning to go on a cross-country trip, you would have slowly realized that it’s not as simple as it seems. There is a lot to prepare, from getting your vehicle ready, planning the route, finding good accommodation and preparing the right supplies. Having these elements ready before you leave is vital, or else you’ll likely experience setbacks during your trip.
No one ever said that planning a cross-country trip was easy, but with the right supplies and items, it can be a lot smoother and safer. But if you don’t prepare, you will feel stressed. No worries! I’m here to help!
As you might know, I am a bestselling wellness author with about 2 million books sold globally.
Plus I founded the therapist recommended video course called The Anxiety Cure.
I love sharing tools to help people live their happiest lives.
With this mind, I created this article with tips for enjoying an unforgettable cross-country trip!
A Guide to Prepare For Cross-Country Travel
Here is a guide to help you pack for your cross-country journey, preparing yourself for anything that might come your way.
1. Packing For the Trip
Packing for a cross-country trip can be tricky, as you must ensure you have everything you might need. The key is to pack light and be prepared for any situation that might arise. Here are some tips on what to pack in your luggage:
2. Food and drinks
Pack plenty of snacks and drinks for the journey, as you don’t want to run out of food or drink while on the road. Try to choose snacks that are easy to transport and don’t require refrigeration. Consider stocking up on dried foods such as bulk beef jerky since they last longer and won’t spoil as other foods would.
3. Clothing
Pack enough clothing for the duration of your trip, but try to keep it minimal. You don’t want to be lugging around heavy bags full of clothes that you’ll never end up wearing. Choose versatile items that can be dressed up or down and that won’t take up too much space in your luggage.
4. Toiletries
Make sure you pack all of your essential toiletries, including shampoo, soap, toothbrush and toothpaste. It’s also a good idea to pack a travel towel, as these tend to take up less space than regular towels.
5. Vehicle Preparation
Vehicle preparation is one of the most important aspects of taking a cross-country trip. You’ll need to make sure that your vehicle is in good condition before you set off, as it will likely be put to the test on your journey. Checking the oil level, tyre pressure, and fluid levels are all essential tasks that should be done before you leave. Consider getting your car serviced and cleaned inside and out so that it looks and runs its best.
If you’re traveling with a caravan or trailer, you’ll need to make sure that these are also in good condition. Check the tyres, brakes and lights to make sure they’re all working properly. It’s also a good idea to pack an emergency kit for your caravan or trailer in case of any problems along the way. This should include a spare tyre, jacks, tool kit and water supply.
6. Planning Your Route
If you’re not sure where to start when planning your route, there are a number of online tools that can help. Google Maps is a good option, as it allows you to plan routes based on your starting point and destination. There are also a number of websites that provide information on the weather conditions and road conditions along different routes.
7. Checking the weather conditions
One of the most important things to consider when planning a cross-country trip is the weather. You need to make sure that the weather conditions will be favourable for the duration of your journey. If you’re travelling during winter, make sure you pack warm clothes and an emergency kit in case of bad weather. If you’re travelling during summer, make sure you pack sunscreen, hats and insect repellent.
8. Finding good accommodation
Another important factor when planning a cross-country trip is finding good accommodation options along the way. This could be anything from camping grounds and caravan parks to motels and hotels. It’s important to do your research beforehand, so you know what’s available and how much it will cost.
Live your happiest life
Explore the research based relaxation techniques in my therapist recommended video course: The Anxiety Cure.
P.S. Before you wander off to whatever’s next, here are 2 things that will help you get more out of this wild ride called life:
1. Explore My Book: "Your To Die For Life: How to Maximize Joy and Minimize Regret Before Your Time Runs Out." It's just the tool you need to pry more joy, love, meaning and fulfillment out of your life. Curious? Learn more and snag a copy here.
2. Life Review Therapy - This is a coaching session where we get real about where you are, where you want to be, and why you haven’t gotten there yet. We’ll dig deep into what’s working, what’s holding you back, and how to create more joy, love and fulfillment moving forward. If you’re ready for actionable steps and real results, book a free consult call here.
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