MyResting Beachface

Have you ever been on a road trip and thought, why did I bring all of this? Was it really necessary? Like, the closer you get to your stop for the night and you start thinking about everything you have to lug to your room. Well, I have and let me tell you I don’t do it anymore!

I can’t, I won’t! Ha, bonus points if you can tell me what that is from!

Apparently I digress!

Now, my experience comes from many years of road trips. Like cross-country, then Texas to California and back. Oh, throw in some Texas to Colorado and Colorado to California. I think it took me a little to learn because, ha, maybe I just need to do something over and over again until it fully clicks. Or, is that the definition of insanity?

One road trip I will be taking this fall season is to the East Coast and you can see where I plan on going by checking out my last post, here.

Here are your basics and necessities (this fits all in a weekend bag) and this will be the only bag you take in and out of your stops along your route:

• Charger for phone, headphones, and surface/iPad
• One set of clothes and tennis shoes (generally a workout outfit, sports bra and underwear included, and lightweight sweater)
• Toiletries, hair necessities, and basic makeup
• Sunglasses
• Download movies and update playlists (I can’t read in the car so I don’t even bother with books)
• Refillable water bottle and metal straws
• Note pad for notes and thoughts
• Drivers license/passport and money
• Travelers safety kit

I tend to sleep a lot on road trips when not driving, which makes me not tired when we stop for the day. I don’t know, something about the motion of the car driving along. However, these days I will just take a couple naps, but the majority of time I will listen to music, watch a movie, play games, and text with friends and family. That way, when I get to my stop, I will be able to sleep and rested for the next day of travel.

This is true for a plane ride, especially when going international. While it is true you do want to get some rest, you don’t want to sleep the whole ride because when you get there you need to adjust to that time zone so you just aren’t sleep deprived or exhausted. It really is a game to be played. Unfortunately on planes, no matter the distance, I don’t get much sleep; not sure why, because I love plane rides and traveling.

As for the rest of your clothes for your trip, depending on your length of stay, that will be separate suitcase. But that doesn’t mean you need to bring everything; you will never wear half of what you bring, so just keep it to the basics.

I think we tend to overthink trips in general and say well, what if I need that? More than likely, you won’t so bring the basics. However, if you do, then you can get what you need where you are. Just stick to what you currently have on rotation in your wardrobe and definitely don’t bring clothes you haven’t worn in three months because you’re going on vacation and now is the time! It isn’t, trust me!

Do you have any “must do” for road trip survival? Leave me a comment!