Attraction.

Activities.

Accessibility.

Accommodation.

Amenities.

Affordability

Why should we plan our trip out in advance? Plan it out ahead of time? It’s a silly question if you ask me. Of course you need to have some planning done in advance. Unless you are the type that just likes to “wing it.” Winging it is not the way to go. Planning helps you save time and energy in the long run. It gives you a sense of comfort knowing you have some sort of plan to put into action. It is less stress on your mind and your heart. When traveling anything can go wrong, believe Amy and I when we say we have been there, done that. Having a plan helped us to overcome so many obstacles and alleviated so much stress along our journey. Take our recent Out West trip for example. If Amy hadn’t spent the time to research campgrounds finding the closest ones to our destinations then we would’ve spent a lot more money senselessly on gasoline traveling back and forth. We wouldn’t be able to feel comfortable about arriving late at a campground (as we often did, lol) if we had no idea how it would be set up or if we were going to have full hook ups or if we needed to be prepared for boon-docking!

Planning ahead for safety is very important as well. Knowing check in and check out times for lodging or campgrounds. Do you have some sort of first aid kit? A fire extinguisher? A water hose? Do you have a spare tire and jack? Do you have a way of checking your tire pressure?

Knowing basic vehicle maintenance and / or who to call in case of a vehicle problem on the road.

Notifying your financial banking institution of your travels so they don’t put an alert out on your credit card and leave you stranded somewhere?

If you’re planning on working on the road will you have internet access?

Did you let friends and family know where you were going and maybe give them a copy of your itinerary?

Did you pack all the important documentation and paperwork needed for the trip? Did you download any passes / permits you obtained online?

The list goes on an on. So YES, please take the time to plan your trip out in advance. These are just a few reasons why the planning process is so important.

It only takes you a few minutes to list down the items you need to bring with you on the trip. We made a few different lists and wrote down all the necessary items we would need under each topic. As we loaded up the van the night before our big two month trip out west, we checked items off physically in the van. We did another check prior to leaving the next morning. Do you know we still forgot things? It’s going to happen, but if you take the time to jot everything down the chances are much better that when the time comes you will have brought what you needed / wanted. There are certain items that make the must bring or important list like documents and medicines for example. Other common things like toothpaste and batteries are often forgotten. It’s true these items can be purchased along the trip but why spend the extra money? Bring things from home like condiments, salt, pepper, napkins, paper plates and cups so you don’t have to waste time going out and buying that stuff and paying for stuff you already had!

You can make a checklist for anything. You cans list out the things you would like to do and things you would like to see. Then you can go back later and cross things off or add something new. It helps you keep track in you mind and keeps bad stressful headaches at bay.

Important Documents / Items Checklist

Driver’s License

Wallet, cash, select credit cards

Pass Port

Vehicle Insurance Card

Vehicle Registration

Vehicle Manual

Park Pass (We brought America the Beautiful Pass)

National Park Reservations System (Check requirements)

Concealed Weapons Permit

Emergency Contacts List

Roadside Service Information (if applicable)

Notify Financial Institution of travel locations

Mail stopped or delivered elsewhere 

Medicines

First Aid Kit

Maps / Photos of Maps / Locations

Tool Kit (ours is simple, it has hammer, crescent wrench, screwdriver with all different size heads, Phillips and Flat tipped, with pliers and a pair of needle nose pliers as well. It comes in so handy!) Allen wrenches may be required as well for some items.

Accessories Checklist:

Batteries

Headlamps / Flashlights

Wifi Jet Pack (Verizon Pre-paid)

Phone and Chargers

External Charger 

Laptop and Chargers

Backpack for hiking / gear / water packs / with cords / cleaning supplies

Journals with writing instrument of choice

Camera gear and chargers

Sunglasses

Head gear / protection

Cool Rags

Hiking Stick

Utility Knife

Small Axe

Parachute Cord

Small dust broom with pan (you are going to be sweeping every day)

Camp Chairs

Camp Table

Health / Hygiene Checklist:

Aspirin

Motion Sickness Medication

Allergy Medication

Prescriptions

Vitamins 

Toothbrush

Toothpaste

Mouthwash

Shampoo

Soap

Hair Gel

Brush

Hand Sanitizer

Wet Wipes

Sun Tan Lotion / Spray

First Aid Kit (Gauze, burn cream, insect bites, ect.)

Bug Spray

Trash Bags

Dirty Clothes Bag

Laundry soap, dryer sheets, quarters for machines

Towels, dish cloth, dish rags, dish sponge

Dawn, or dish soap of your preference

Toilet Paper

Cooking Supplies Checklist:

Pots

Pans

Forks, spoons, knives (plastic set as well)

Plates, bowls (paper plates as well)

Spatula, scoop, strainer, thongs, whisk, egg ring

Plastic egg holder

Anything from home, snacks, condiments, food items that you use often. salt and pepper, that sort of thing so you don’t have to keep buying it again out on the road)

Can / Bottle / Wine Opener

Cups, coffee cup, water tumbler for hiking

Spray (Pam or other product)

Butter

Milk

Water

Cheese

Condiments (Mayo, ketchup, ranch, ect.)

Towel Paper

Collapsable Containers (come in all different shapes and sizes / used to cook in, store food in, also bring collapsable measuring cups as well, super handy!)

Vehicle Checklist (Location / Use):

Tire Pressure Gauge

Tire Inflater / Deflater

Know when to inflate or deflate tires

Spare tire

Tire Jack

Know how to check and add oil, know what kind to buy

Know how to check and add washer fluid, bring extra

Know how your dash monitor display works & its functions

How to use cruise control, how to turn it off

Headlights, high beams, low beams, parking, hazards, fog lights

How to pump gas into vehicle, what kind of gas to use

How to operate camper’s Rapid Cam Plus system (operates everything in the camper portion of the van, there is also an AP you can use)

Know how to fill propane, turn it on, what it is used for in van

Know how to turn on and how generator works, when to use it

How to swivel and turn captain’s chairs

How to lock the vehicle properly 

How to fill the fresh water tank and when to use it

How to heat up the water in the camper

How to heat up the camper inside when cold 

How to operate the awning, when you should have it retracted

How to ignite and use the stove properly

How to operate the refrigerator / control the temperature inside

How to use the USB / electrical outlets / how they are powered

How to change your fuses, location of fuse box

How to open / set up the bed properly

How to operate screens and windows in van

How to use the wi-fi / Wine Guard or other installed system 

How the solar panel works and charges, how to turn it on

How the fire alarm / smoke alarm / carbon monoxide alarm works

How to set up the shades on the windshield and windows

How to hook up electric at campground

How to hook up city water at campground or other

How to drain your grey water tank

How to check water tank levels and propane level

How to take out / put in cassette toilet, how to dispose of waste, and how to keep it clean

Bedding Checklist:

Pillows

Sheets

Blankets

Heavy Blanket (depending on destinations)

Inflatable mattress or thicker bedding

Planning, Research, and Resources for Trip Checklist:

Road Trippers 

Google Maps

Trips and Streets

Actual Map or book

NPS / National Park Services AP

All Trails AP

Itinerary (to include maps, pictures, campgrounds, destinations, ect)

Internet Provider / Website Information / Telephone Numbers

Campground Websites, Rules, and Check In / Check Out requirements (or late check in requirements if your like us, lol)

Packing Clothes Checklist:

T-shirts

Dress Shirt (for going out big, if you do, lol)

Long Sleeve Shirt

Dry Wick Shirt

Shorts (athletic, hiking, cargo)

Long Pants (pair jeans, long athletic pants hiking)

Socks

Underwear / Undergarment

Headgear (hats / beanies for cold)

Cool Rags (neck, hydration) 

Comfortable Shoes (sandals, water shoes, hiking shoes, tennis shoes)

Parka, hoodies, rain jacket, heavy jacket, thunder wear (long johns)

Special Note: Try to minimize in this area, wash more, bring less, take it from US we learned the hard way. Learn how to roll and pack it in tight. We use square divers with organizers within them. We also use a collapsable trunk. You can also bring additionally containers of different sorts and sizes you can organize neatly and move around easily. Item

First you need a location. Where do you want to go? Secondly, what time of year do you want to go? What kind of budget do you have? How will you be going, by plane, train, vehicle, RV? What kind of activities are you interested in? Are there any of these kinds of activties located near your destination point? What kind of lodging is nearby? Getting these questions rolling around in your mind beforehand will help you better when you start browsing.

Once you have those general ideas down open up a browser and type in what you are looking for. You will get lots and lots of ideas for travel. Be specific in your searches, sometimes this will help you narrow down what you're looking for. We like to search on YouTube as well. You type it in YouTube’s search engine and I betcha there’s a video waiting for you. You can subscribe to our Tates Travel YouTube channel as well (wink, wink).

This, more than often is how we start start our idea planning. Then we jot down ideas and save links on my computer to read later or videos to watch later with Amy.

Google Maps is awesome. Navigation has never been easier. Whether you need to find the way from your accommodation to the beach or how to travel from the airport to your hotel, Google Maps is invaluable. You can even download your destination’s map at home and use it offline.

Google Travel is another great resource. Just type Google Travel into your web browser, then type in a location to search. Or just go explore.

Google Calendar can help you write your appointments and schedules down as well. Type it in your browser and see what it’s about.

I use an iPhone so I use my calendar, my Notes AP and Google Docs to keep my files and information handy on my phone in case I am somewhere I can’t access my journal.

There are dozens of other really good sources out there, some free, some you gotta pay for. I hear people using Trip Advisor, but I just stick to my basics, it’s all I need. You may need something different.

I like to check out visitor websites that are run by the town’s Chamber of Commerce or Visitor Centers. They have a lot of documentation to send out and it usually is at no cost. I always have stuff coming in the mail. I weed through the pamphlets and mark the pages on things that are interesting to me. We also like to stop in person at visitor centers. I don’t think a lot of people take the time to talk with the persons behind the counter. This lady we met in New Orleans and this lady we met in Nashville were so helpful and we did some extra things we never would have done if we hadn’t taken the time to speak to them. Most of them are very friendly and they are usually from the area, so they are the best people to talk to! They can give you the 411 / insight on what’s good and what’s not worth seeing. Which places are dangerous, which places are crowded, special spots nobody knows about? Just some random ideas we use a lot.

So our favorites of course are Roadtrippers and AllTrails because they are so easy to use and full of actual useful information we need. Hotels, Campgrounds, Gas, miles, distances, restaurants, things to do around the area,itinerary, shared information from fellow travelers plus so much more.

We use state and national park websites and download their APs. They can be very informative and provide you with information to build up your itinerary. You will learn about special passes or park closures that might cause your trip disruption if you don’t check.

The Bureau of Land Management is another site to check out. They have a lot of properties in the US you can camp at / on for free or at a low cost. A lot of their sites are rural, boon docking, but well worth it for the views and spaces.

Google Maps and Google Travel are pretty awesome and free and easy to use.

We subscribe to few social media type sites where we can scroll though the feeds and get some good ideas. We ask our friends and families about trips they went on in the past as well.

There are pros and cons to both I suppose. Amy and I don’t carry a lot of cash and prefer to use a designated credit card for our travels. It makes it easier to track and record our spending. I think there are more pros for carrying a credit card.

If a credit card is lost or stolen it is easier to replace and get a refund back if fraudulently used.

Credit cards can sometimes get you a better exchange rate. You could also score points or credits by using the card that you could turn around and use for future travels or purchases.

If you contact your financial banking institution prior to traveling and let them know where you will be there will be a less likely chance they put an alert on your card. An alert could result in them temporarily locking you out of your account and potentially leave you stranded somewhere.

If you bring cash I dunno, maybe keep it to around $200 or less? Just my opinion. You would need a place to keep the cash safe at all times. Some places in smaller communities only accept cash because it may be better for their economy in that particular area. If traveling into another country you could easily convert cash to the other country’s currency. I would recommend doing this at your bank before you leave however. Or at least look up ways / places you can convert your monies when at that destination.

So maybe a mixture of both? A travel card and some cash (but not a whole lot)?

Much too often, Amy and I overpack. We don’t wear half the stuff we bring. We find ourselves running out of storage space. We find ourselves rummaging through stacks of clothes we didn’t need to get to the ones we want to wear. Do you do this too?

We sometimes pack a bunch of pants, long johns, coats, beanies, gloves only to find out we didn’t need them. On the other hand we have not packed a hoodie and a couple long sleeve shirts / pants and have actually found ourselves needing the warming clothing. It all depends on where you are traveling to and what time of the year you are traveling there. I know a light raincoat is always a good thing to bring.

Packing less is better. We have found this out time and time again. We always buy shirts from local vendors and end up with extra clothing. Do you do this too?

Take the time to research where you are traveling to. Find out about the climate there at different times of the year. Find out about what kind of weather or storms occur there. Amy and I found ourselves in hail storms, snow storms, torrential downpours, heat waves, and lightening storms. Had we of known in advance well…

A great example would be when we traveled and stayed in South Dakota, just outside of the Badlands National Park. I don’t know if it’s normal there or not but we really experienced all kinds of different weather. Most of the time it came out of nowhere. So we learned from our travels and constantly keep an eye on the weather and try to plan ahead for places like South Dakota when we go.

You are all packed up and ready to go. You leave your home and travel to your destination. When you get there you realize you left important medicine you need at home. You may have a certain type of charger for your phone, laptop, your iPad, your camera equipment, that is not available to purchase at your final destination. You find yourself up a creek without the paddle if you know the saying. I gave you the clean version.

Somethings you can’t just go out and get. Toothpaste, toothbrush? Sure, that is anywhere, but other valuable items may not be.

The solution is to make a planning checklist and make sure you are taking these important items with you when you leave!

This is why you need a PLAN B. There will always be bumps in the road when traveling. Hopefully, they are only little bumps and not big pot holes or craters. If a main road is suddenly impassable, if a park is suddenly closed, if a hotel / campground reservation is changed, if you are running late or have encountered problems while in route to your destination.

We were ready to go into Yellowstone, camping reservations made, planned out so many days, we were on a tight itinerary / schedule. Then we got news from a friend that a devastating flood occurred. Every reservation was cancelled and the park was closed. Amy used Roadtrippers to save us and was able, with a lot of work I must add, to rearrange the trip and rebook reservations once the park opened back up. She found us and alternative place to camp, Cody, and found us alternative things to do to occupy our time while we were waiting for news from Yellowstone about reopening.

So if you have an idea already formulating in your mind it makes it a lot less stressful in the long run. Okay, so we need to change up the plan, the itinerary. No problem, it sucks, but we have a Plan B, we can use this resource to help us.

Another example would be an unforeseen travel experience like a blown tire or something else (hopefully not too bad, knock on wood). No worries, we planned ahead and have this handy dandy roadside service place to call. Or we’ll call our crazy Uncle Chuck and get his mechanical expertise / advice! Yes, Chuck says he is crazy but he’s really an awesome guy and someone to rely on. Same goes for my two brothers and my sister.