Archived Travel Tips
Grocery shopping
When shopping for food when you are going a trip I have learned there are two type of people you do not want to get behind in the checkout line.
The first is a very heavy set (fat) couple; they pick up a lot of stuff and a wide verity of snacks from junk food to diet foods. Plus they talk about every item they pick; “why did you get this hot fudge?” “because it goes good with the rice cakes!” “O.K.”
The next is a health food fanatic; they pick up a lot of various stuff, one of these, one of those, not much of any one items but a lot of single items. But worst of all they look at what you are buying and start telling you about how bad some of the items are for you. This is especially true of vegetarians. You are in big trouble if you have red meat in your cart!
More to come on a more serious note latter.
Improve fuel economy
With the price of fuel projected to go higher this year fuel economy is very important.
- One of the first things to consider is lightening your load.
- Empty your holding tank
- Only carry as much fresh water as necessary
- Evaluate EVERY thing you have on board or in your camper and vehicle – remove all un-necessary items
- Keep your tires properly inflated, trailer, camper, and vehicle
- Slow down; enjoy the scenery and company of family and friends
- keep the bottom of your boat clean
- Double up; travel with family or friends and share the cost of fuel and other travel cost
Know how to use your gizmos & gadgets
- With all the high Tec equipment today it is hard to get lost. However, when you are in the midst of a storm is no time to be fumbling with the buttons and help screens!
- Take the time to review the instruction manuals, I know they are boring but they are informative.
- Many items such as GPS or raiders have online training or a training mode.
- Use all the functions during good weather so when things get bad you are in good shape.
Check fluids--Before heading out be sure to check all your vehicle /boats fluids;
Breaks, transmission, engine oil, coolants – including transmissions, power steering, any hydraulics and windshield wash
Spare parts – Carrying spare parts is just common sense. However, the challenge is which spare parts should you carry?
a. List of the basic parts you normally replace, such as fuel filters, oil filters, extra oil ect.
b. List of hard to get items, engine pencil zincs, hot water tank parts and so on.
c. How much money are you prepared to spend?
d. Evaluate the space you have available and how much weight can you safely add.
e. Make a list of ALL the items with the model & part number so it will make ordering easier.
Spare Parts Worksheet
Packing clothing
- Most people take more than they will ever need--review your items two or three times. You are not leaving home forever!
- Bring foul weather clothing
- Pick multiple use items, like shoes that can be used for casual and dress
- If you have to bring two or more pair of shoes pack small items in the shoes
- Use soft side luggage without sharp edges
- It is better to use two small bags rather than one big bag. This make storage easier and moving around tight spaces
- Remove shoulder straps when practical--this helps eliminate getting caught on items in tight spaces
- Consolidate personal hygiene items like soap, shampoo, etc.
- Roll clothing items, it takes up less space and minimizes wrinkles
Packing food
- Dehydrated foods have a lot of advantages over can goods or frozen items
- Takes up less space
- Less trash to dispose of
- Stays fresh longer
- Pre-cook such items like bacon, sausage
- Keeps you camper/boat cleaner
- Takes up less space
- No grease to deal with
- Pre-cook as much as you can
- Shrimp, not as smelly and no shells to get rid of
- Chicken
- Hamburgers (3/4of the way)
- Take as many items out of their original boxes. Most boxes are not filled, just be sure to label every thing
- Avoid glass containers as much as possible, even if you need to re-container items
- If you must use glass consider putting them in a huggie. Cut the bottom out so the huggie can be placed in the center. This also help reduce the clacking sound
- Zip-lock style food bags are better than snap, at least most of the time
- Freeze food that are not going to be used for several days
- Some foods do not hold up well when frozen as the freezing process dries them out or breaks them down: whole cheese, ham, fresh fruits & vegetables, anything with “water added”.
Backing into a snug campsite/slip at night is one of the greatest threats to a marriage that I know to man & women alike. So be kind to eachother
Safety equipment- On a boat the Coast Guard and most States have minimum safety items you must have on your boat, however, RV’s cars, motorcycles this is not the case. Here is a suggested list of items from various sources:
a. First aid kit, & not the little one, one with a good verity of bandages, elastic wraps, tape etc.
b. Basic tool box. This should include pluming/hose tape, various size hose clamps
c. Hydraulic jack
d. Blanket
e. Road flashers/ reflective triangles.
f. Reflective clothing or vest
g. Flashlight & extra batteries. I have seen flashlights that don’t use batteries, you just wind them up!
h. Portable/hand held CB
i. Extra drinking water
j. High protein snacks
k. Heavy duty gloves
l. Protective eye ware
m. Put DANGER or WARNING signs near moving parts
n. Shovel – one of the folding army type is good
o. For the winter – extra clothing, blankets
p. Air horn
q. Mirror or reflective device
r. Distress flairs
Accept that your RV/boat/or general traveling won’t have all the conveniences of home
Avoid being the victim of a pickpocket
•Don’t travel in narrow alleys or poorly lit streets.
•When possible, avoid having crowds of people surrounding you.
•Carry dummy wallet and put your money in your front pocket.
•Place a rubber band around your wallet; it will make it much more difficult to remove from your pocket without your knowledge.
•Carry your purse under your arm.
•Avoid wearing flashy jewelry and don’t display large amounts of cash.