Sweet and Salty snacks, ideal for a roadtrip. (CU Independent illustration/John Regalado)
Classes may just be beginning, but the open road is calling this Labor Day weekend. Before jumping off in the car to celebrate the long weekend, make sure you pack these essential items.
Toolbox
First things first: Get the car in order. A full tune-up is ideal, but that can be expensive. At the very least, get an oil change to make sure the engine will be running smoothly. Bring a toolbox and make sure the donut tire isn’t flat.
Kali Gajewski, a recently graduated communication major, said giving the car an occasional rest could help avoid breakdowns.
“One time we were driving through Death Valley and because it was so hot, we had to get out and spray the brakes with water,” Gajewski said. “It was so hot [the water] boiled.”
If you foresee car trouble or want to play it safe, get an AAA membership for roadside assistance. Basic memberships start at $73.
Gas
It sounds like an obvious item for a road trip, but it’s easier to forget than one might think.
Chris Nie, an aerospace engineer major, said he learned about the importance of gas on his last road trip. After passing the last service station for miles, the driver realized the car was on empty.
“We hadn’t seen a car for miles and all the exits kept saying, ‘no service,’” Nie said. “We literally rolled into a gas station…We made sure to fill it up that time.”
Snacks
Driving is hard work and while there are plenty of truck stops off the interstate, the meal costs start to add up. For the cravings in between stops, keep munchies close at hand. Stay away from messy snacks and try to choose dry treats, like chips, granola bars or beef jerky to keep the mess to a minimum.
Map
In the digital age, there is GPS and Google directions, but batteries can die and wireless Internet connections can fade. An updated, old-fashioned, 2-D map is good to have in case technology fails on the road.
Music
Let’s face it, aimless conversation isn’t going to fill the long hours of driving ahead. Plug in the iPod, pump up the volume and stay awake with a special road trip playlist that will set the mood for the journey.
Good company
At the end of the day, a road trip is supposed to be fun, so why not share the adventure with some friends?
Contact CU Independent Staff Writer Rose Heaphy at Josephine.heaphy@colorado.edu.
