CHECKLIST FOR PACKING FOR A WEEKEND FOR TWO ROAD TRIP

If, on a Thursday or Friday, you feel it would be awesome to get away for the weekend, but you think it will be too hard to get everything together on time for the trip, The Household Genie is here to help! Here is a list of the essentials to pack for a quick trip for two. If you have the money and just want to get away, or if you have children and have a babysitter for the weekend and you have the money and just want to get away, then it’s time to get ready by following this list of what to pack to get you on your way quickly!

1. Cell phone and cell phone chargers. This includes your regular AC charger, as well as the charger that plugs into the car’s USB port or the cigarette lighter.

2.   A GPS device. This can be either a GPS device that plugs into an auxiliary outlet

      of your vehicle, or one that you have programmed into your cell phone.

3. A motor club card, such as AAA (if you are a member). If you’re not a member, it

is easy to become one. Just simply phone your local full service AAA branch.  They can start your membership immediately because they take payments over the phone. I did this because I needed to book a hotel room and desperately wanted the discount that this motor club offers on certain hotels. I forgot that my membership expired, but they quickly set me up with a new membership and then e-mailed my temporary membership card so I could quickly have the number to give to the hotel. Then I printed out the temporary card since I planned on leaving for my trip soon and didn’t have time to wait around for the regular card to come through the mail.

4. Cash and a major credit card. Cash is needed for toll roads. Toll expenses

      can quickly add up on a road trip. To eliminate the need for cash for the tolls, EZ         

Pass is one pass that allows you to pay upfront for tolls. The pass is usable in many states. Be sure to check that the states that you are traveling through are included.

This type of pass for payments of tolls can save you time and money. It eliminates the need to stop and pay at the tollgate. It also gives you discounts on the tolls, some up to 50 percent. You can order one online or buy one while you are traveling on the interstate at a service plaza. You will receive a device to attach to your dash or windshield that allows the tollgate to detect and deduct the toll cost from the amount of money you loaded up on the pass. It may take up to 24 hours to activate the account.

A major credit card is essential to have for booking hotels and also to have for emergencies or when you do not want to pay cash.

5. Pillows. If you like to nap while you are the passenger on your road trip, then

don’t forget to take your favorite one and one for the driver too! When you stay overnight in a different place than home, you both can still have the pillow that you use regularly.

6. Toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash and all essential toiletries such as:

--deodorant

--make-up

--shower gel or bar soap

--hairspray

--razors and razor blades

--curling irons or straighteners

--shampoo and conditioner

7.      Sunglasses to protect your eyes.  Also if you have eyeglasses bring them, as well as an extra pair of contacts, your contact case, and contact solution.

8. Socks and all underwear.

9. Belts

10. Clothes—for day and night..

11. Shoes

12. Jackets

13. Any medication or vitamins that you take.

14.  Current copy of automobile insurance, vehicle registration and license.

Before you start out, make sure your car is in good working condition—brakes, windshield wipers, etc. and make sure all of your fluids are topped off, including windshield wiper fluid. Start out with a full tank of gas, clean windows and clean headlights. Enjoy your adventure!