As the upcoming family wedding approaches, we begin to create our list of to-do’s. Driving straight through from southeast Michigan to the Outer Banks, North Carolina, takes around twelve to thirteen hours. It’s not a bad trip at all, especially if we leave at the crack of dawn and end up arriving right around dinner time. Our family usually has dinner waiting for us when we arrive, which is such a loving gesture that we appreciate so much.
When it comes to putting together our trip, we consider what’s seasonally available, the forecast, and the activities we want to do. Then we look at maps and plan our route, highlighting rest stops for the dogs and truck stops for fuel and maybe some souvenirs.
While packing, I cannot help but reflect on all the memories I have of my sons and I traveling to see our cousins in North Carolina. Before my mom passed away, we rented a large RV to travel down as she was having mobility issues and not being able to sit through a twelve-hour road trip in a regular vehicle.
At that time, my oldest son was four, and my youngest was just over a year old but very mobile and busy. So he and his Nana could appreciate the ability to move around the vehicle while we were traveling. Although, if any of you have ever ridden in a large RV and tried to move about the cabin as it was motoring down the highway, you know it’s not as easy as you might imagine!
Being a curious little four-year-old, my son enjoyed learning what states we were traveling through. Our family had fun as we crossed state lines, slowly sounding out the state we were leaving, with a buildup at the end as we crossed the state line shouting the new state we entered. The route we took went from Michigan to Ohio, West Virginia to Virginia, and then finally to North Carolina.
After a million questions of, “Are we there yet?” we pulled up to my aunt’s house (my mom’s sister). She lived in a long, sprawling stone ranch house that ran up the hills of her property to create three different tiers. Even though it was a ranch, it had three levels! They lived at the bottom of the mountain on a street called Mountain View, and for a good reason (ha-ha).
The driveways were kind of treacherous as they wound around a large creek. This meant if you missed turning by only a small amount, you had no room for error because the driveway was literally on the edge of the creek with a three-foot drop!
Needless to say, my husband at the time had to back up and maneuver that rig several times before we were safely parked. Once we finally stopped and started to get out of the RV, my four-year-old son said, “Gosh, did we go through one Ohio and two Virginias just to go back and forth in the driveway?!”.
We understand that West Virginia and Virginia are two separate states; West Virginia does not claim Virginia, and Virginia does not claim to be West Virginia, but oh, how we laughed and laughed after our little boy made such a declaration!
Here’s a list of things we need to consider packing when planning our upcoming trip:
- Backpack
- Purse
- Lighter
- My Big Book
- Meds, vitamins, Flonase
- Toiletries
- Oils
- Medications
- Shoes
- Headbands, hats
- Four days of clothes
- Bathing suit
- Pillow
- Steamer
- Chargers
- Computer
- Speaker
- Earbuds
- Sunglasses
- Misc box
- Jacket
- Slippers
- Shoes
- Red Snoopy blanket from Ryan
- Heating pad
- Blue backrest
- Yogurts
- Waters
- Juice
- Sandwiches
- Snacks
- Cooler
- LaCroix’s
- Make sandwiches
- Set lights
- Lock doors
- Call WLPD
- Dog food
- Crate, bed
- Leashes
- Meds
What are the 5 characteristics of an ideal travel destination?
Since we are traveling to visit family for a wedding, we initially thought we need not worry about accommodations, activities, or attractions. However, once I remembered that the person who would watch our dogs was no longer able to do so, I needed accommodations that allowed pets and were close to the wedding location. Additionally, we wanted to be close to the beach as well since we’ll have an extra day to do touristy stuff and soak up some rays at the beach.
It has been suggested to consider the following five characteristics to find the ideal travel destination:
- Accommodation
- Accessibility
- Activities
- Amenities
- Attractions
When planning a trip, it’s essential also to consider the budget for the entire journey. Setting a budget will help in making decisions on accommodations, dining, and activities. It’s also essential to factor in any additional costs, such as parking fees, tolls, and souvenirs. Researching and booking accommodations in advance can help in securing good deals and availability, especially during peak seasons. Another aspect to consider is travel insurance, which can provide coverage for unexpected events such as trip cancellations, medical emergencies, or lost luggage.
When selecting a travel destination, it’s vital to think about the local culture and customs. Understanding and respecting the norms of the place you are visiting can enhance your travel experience and show appreciation for the local community. Safety and security are also crucial factors to consider when choosing a destination. Checking travel advisories, understanding local laws, and knowing emergency contact information can help ensure a safe and enjoyable trip.
Furthermore, considering the weather and climate of the destination is essential for packing appropriate clothing and gear. Whether it’s hot and sunny or cool and rainy, being prepared for the local weather conditions can make a significant difference in your comfort during the trip. Planning for medical needs such as prescription medications, first aid supplies, and travel health insurance is also essential, especially when traveling to remote areas.
In addition to personal items, packing travel essentials like travel documents, identification, and travel itineraries can help you stay organized throughout the journey. It’s recommended that copies of important documents be made and stored separately to avoid any inconvenience in case of loss or theft. Bringing along entertainment options such as books, music, or games can help pass the time during long journeys or wait times.
Things to consider when planning a trip
When planning a trip, consider budget, accommodations, activities, culture, safety, and weather. Pack essentials, research destinations, and embrace the journey. Safe travels!