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A cell phone and AAA road service, and you are good to go.
A lot of people try to use their roadside assistance through their credit card companies, etc. But, from what I understand the service is not as good as good old AAA. Spring for the premier plan so you can get towed up to 200 miles. Really worth the money.
Get your oil changed, get gas whenever you are at 1/2 tank, and you are good to go without worry.
If your schedule allows it you might want to consider hitting the road earlier than noon. Departing at noon will probably put you at your destination well after dark. Since this is your first solo long distance trip fatigue could very well be an issue. Driving after it gets dark only adds to the fatigue.
If your schedule allows it you might want to consider hitting the road earlier than noon. Departing at noon will probably put you at your destination well after dark. Since this is your first solo long distance trip fatigue could very well be an issue. Driving after it gets dark only adds to the fatigue.
Really good point. I prefer to drive during daylight hours, so I tend to leave before sunset. I do know that some people like to drive at night. I find the headlights coming at me to be stressful and affect my ability to see where I'm going (getting old lol!). But, some people love to drive at night because it's so peaceful. Depends on the kind of person you are.
Since this is your first road trip, I'd suggest you arrive in San Antonio before dark. It's a little confusing finding your way around town in the dark. At least it usually is on the first time around.
Just in case you have road trouble in the middle of nowhere, it may take several hours for help to arrive. Be sure to have enough water (for that and also for the entire drive), and some food to tide you over. And some way to make shade for yourself (a beach umbrella or something like that).
This trip will take longer than 9 hours. If you want to do this trip and get to your location by about 9pm. I suggest you leave very early in the morning. Something like 5 or 6am. That will give you enough time to stop and take breaks.
It would be very helpful if you had a GPS. I love my Garmin Nuvi.
Have a Plan B since this is your first trip. You might need to call it quits after six hours and check into a hotel. Figure out where you might stay if it's an issue.
Eight hours is about my limit, unless there is a truly pressing need to continue. I generally get on the road by sunrise and take a 15 minute break at two hours and then a 45 minute break at four hours, followed by another 15 minute break at the next two hour mark and then off the road after two more hours.
More than that and I'm not that safe.
Good luck and reconsider the audio books. Music can get wearing after about three hours.
Woops, I see my post said I leave before sunset. I meant sunrise.
You have to sign up for AAA before you can call them for help.
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