You need to begin by defining ''road trip'' before you can prepare for it. Some see a road trip as a carefree trek across parts unknown. It is sort of a modern day hike that is done in a car instead of on foot. For others, a road trip is a well-planned vacation or time away to enjoy nature, relatives, or friends. If you are going on an educational trip you just need to grab your jacket, a few dollars, a couple of students, and climb into the car and go.
For the second, it will require a little more preparation. You will be made responsible for all your students if you are in education career.
Get a Dependable Car
The fun of a road trip can evaporate quickly if you have to sit on the side of the road for hours waiting for help to arrive. Likewise, the whole trip might need to be abandoned if the repair bill eats away all of your travel funds. If your car is questionable, you may want to borrow or rent one that is up to the task. If the car can be comfortable, it is a plus for a long trip. Make sure that you have a spare and a jack. You should learn how the jack works before starting the trip.
Pack Clothes to Fit the Weather on the Trip
If you are heading south in the winter or north in the summer, it might require that your students to pack light weight clothes for part of the trip and heavier clothing and a coat for the rest. Packing two different wardrobes can be a little tough on space. You might have some clothes that can do double duty by adding a sweater or jacket.
The same is true of shoes. If you are heading to a beach, you will need to pack some foot wear that will work for the beach and getting wet. Other items like sunglasses, sunscreen, and maybe a hat should be considered while assembling your clothes.
Do Not Forget the Camera
Today, many trust their cell phone to fill this role. Very few cell phones can match the ability of a decent camera. If the camera can do digital video, it is a bonus. One of the great parts of a good road trip is looking at the pictures after the trip is over. Even years later, fond memories can be stirred with pictures from a road trip with friends or family.
Get Enough Cash
Credit and debit cards can fill a large part of this role. There will never be a substitute for cash. If you break down or have another type of emergency, there are times that places and people will or can only accept cash. Even if your cash is hidden and never used on the trip, you need to have some along. If you are a real worrier about robbery, some of the money can be taken as travelers checks. Cash is always easier. If the credit card machine is down, cash will still work.
Take Some Toys
For a long trip, hand held games make a nice way to pass the time. Other things like Frisbees and balls can be used to get some exercise and have some fun. If your destination allows it, you may want to pack up your video game console. Take the toys that are needed for the planned activity, too. This could be ski equipment. You may need some swim fins, mask, and a snorkel. Some will want fishing or hunting equipment. Make sure it fits and pack it for the trip.
Take a Map or Atlas
Even if you are going to a place that you have been before, road construction and other problems can force you to take an alternate route. As you are in the teacher job you will be the responsible person to take decision. You will want a map to keep on course. Plan you nightly stops before you leave by marking the town or city on the map where you intend to sleep.
Get Food and Cookware
You will want to pack in some food, pans, and eating utensils. You may be planning for motels and restaurants, but if not, take some food. By deciding ahead of time, you may be able to use many food items already in your pantry. This will save you from burning up your funds before starting the trip.
Pack some things that you prefer not to do without. For a road trip, your pillow can come in handy. If you decide to nap in the car, having a pillow can make it more comfortable. When it comes time to bed down for the evening, you may wish for your own pillow instead of those slabs on the motel bed. If you have yours along, it will help your sleep. The same thing is true for your favorite soap, shampoo, deodorant, tooth care products, hair spray, etc. Even if you are heading into the jungle, when you emerge, you will want these things.
