If you’re planning a road trip to see the fall foliage, you’ve made a great life decision! Autumn is one of the best times to hit the open road and enjoy the changing seasons. But before you pack your bags and head out, there are a few things to keep in mind to ensure your trip is smooth and enjoyable.
Stock Your Road Emergency Kit
Pack a road emergency kit, just in case. Check that it includes water, a flashlight, snacks, and a well-stocked first aid kit. And if you’re traveling to an area where you might not have cell service, it’s a good idea to bring along a physical map. You never know when you may need it.
It’s important to pack a quality, durable flashlight with your road emergency kit. Fenix flashlights are great for outdoor activities when you need a light with a high lumen output. Fenix lights also have useful features for unexpected situations, such as strobe lights and long runtimes.
Bring Your Camera Equipment
If you have a camera, bring it. Autumn leaves are breathtakingly beautiful, so you’ll want to have a way to capture their gorgeous colors. You may prefer snapping pics with a standard camera rather than your smartphone camera.
If you are into photography, you may want to consider timing your excursions so you can capture the fall foliage in excellent light.
Wear the Proper Seasonal Attire
Next, think about what you’ll need to wear. The weather can be unpredictable in the fall, so it’s always a good idea to pack a few extra layers. But also make sure you have comfortable shoes for walking around and exploring. You may do a lot of walking while checking out the changing leaves, so you don’t want to end up with sore feet.
Bring Chargers for All Your Devices
While packing your laptop, tablet computer, e-reader, and any other electronic devices, double-check that you have a corresponding charger. Bring chargers that fit multiple devices to save space and avoid dealing with tangled cords.
Depending on the flashlight in your road emergency kit, it may have a rechargeable battery. If so, bring a charger for it. You never know when you may use your flashlight more than expected. Keeping the battery topped up gives you one less thing to worry about when the unexpected happens.
Pack Water and Snacks
The nature of road trips requires us to not only be prepared for different eventualities, but to also not let an unexpected occurrence like a traffic jam get to us! Having refreshments at hand will ensure you are always in a good mood! While you can always stop at a gas station to refuel your body and your car, you may want to avoid overpriced snacks and drinks.
Pack a few water bottles and snacks like granola bars or trail mix. Also, try to bring healthy snacks that give you energy, like peanut butter and bananas.
Bring a Blanket and Pillows
Pillows and blankets are for more than just sleeping on a road trip. For one, propping a pillow behind your head can prevent neck cramps. Also, pillows help you maintain proper posture.
Besides warmth, blankets are great for impromptu picnics during your road trip. You can spread one out and enjoy the delicious snacks you brought. Then, at night, you can stretch out on the blanket and look up at the stars while thinking about all the beautiful foliage you’ll see the next day.
So there you have it! These are just a few things to remember when packing for your fall foliage road trip. You’ll have an amazing time with a little planning and preparation. Have fun, and happy travels!
