Travel Checklist (lessons learned)

[BlueWillowPlate]

Guilty confession: I don't know how to change a tire.

[ontheroad]

But I suspect you'd know how to get someone to help you!

Originally Posted by cil

Guilty confession: I don't know how to change a tire.

[msjbrent]

Originally Posted by Twinkle Toes

I'll be traveling with my young son and my pet parrots in the car from CA to TX very soon. I was wondering how do I find out which hotels/motels are bird friendly? I'm probably just going to pay a visit to AAA on one of my lunch hours to see if I can find out this info. I've had people tel me to just leave the birds in the car overnight, but I wil not do that. What if my car is stolen? Then my birds - who are like my babies - will be gone!

I really hope you do not leave them in the car! OMG- I would worry sick. I have seen birds at hotels before. Keep your babies with you. Good luck!

[Crew Chief]

Originally Posted by cil

Guilty confession: I don't know how to change a tire.

If I may offer some advice when you have a flat tire (especially on a limited-access highway). If at all possible, get off on an exit or even off the highway entirely, even if it means you have to buy a new tire and rim) Changing a tire on the shoulder with cars and trucks whizzing past at 65-70 mph is very risky business. An inattentive driver could slam into your vehicle injuring or killing you. In an emergency, try to get off the road as far as possible. I'd even get out of the car and stand away from it, if that can safely be done. (Behind a guard rail would be even better. ) This is where proper clothing and good supplies in your trunk come in handy!

As a trucker, I'd love to stop and help every one I can. But SO many things enter into my decision to do so; Do I have time? (Many loads nowadays are just-in-time and give you very little extra time to get from pickup to delivery) IS there enough room to safely stop a 72' tractor trailer on the shoulder near the car you want to help? Also, there are a minority of people that would do you harm in the guise of being broken down (hijacking, robbery, etc.) Finally, the liability a trucking company incurs for ANYTHING we do today is just staggering...

[Cornerguy1]

CrewChief had some excellent advice earlier with regard to doing some research on the areas you'll be travelling through.

Go prepared not just for your destination, but also for your route.

How basic is a cell phone and a charger? Surprising how many people forget the charger.

If you'll be travelling through desert, then a water supply is a necessity. Going through the mountains anytime but summer? Then make sure you appropriate clothing, tires, and an emergency food supply.

Far better to have it and not need it, than the other way around.

[Crew Chief]

Originally Posted by Cornerguy1

CrewChief had some excellent advice earlier with regard to doing some research on the areas you'll be travelling through.

Go prepared not just for your destination, but also for your route.

How basic is a cell phone and a charger? Surprising how many people forget the charger.

If you'll be travelling through desert, then a water supply is a necessity. Going through the mountains anytime but summer? Then make sure you appropriate clothing, tires, and an emergency food supply.

Far better to have it and not need it, than the other way around.

EXCELLENT advice! (Maybe also know your Canadian province abbreviations... )