Road Trip Tips

America is full of fun traditions and road trips are definitely included on that list. There’s hardly a bad time for a road trip and they can lead to a world of fun and adventure. Summer tends to be the “ideal” time for hitting the road, but we think autumn road trips are pretty great too! Especially here in Appalachia with our gorgeous, fall-colored leaves throughout the hills. Whether you’ve been recently or not at all, road trips can be overwhelming. How much planning is too much? Where do you even go? What do you bring with you? There’s plenty of questions and possibly even more answers to those questions with having so many options! So, here’s a list of Road Trip Tips from Little General Stores to help you out!

1. Pack a necessities kit.
   This should include things like a first aid kit, a blanket, bottled water, tools, a flashlight, non-perishable snacks (we hear jerky from your local Little General Store is a great option ?) and similar items for emergencies.
2. Make a plan, but keep it loose.
   If you plan your trip too tightly, you’ll end up way off schedule and more stressed out. There will always end up being constructions, detours, wrecks and possibly more mishaps along the way. Have a general idea of when you want to arrive someplace, but expect that it (probably) won’t happen that way.
3. If you’re traveling with kids, be sure to pack entertainment!
   You can buy an organizer that goes on the back of your seat or use an old shoe rack. Fill it with coloring books, word searches, puzzle books, and small toys. Of course, don’t forget to stop by a Little General Store and get some snacks!
4. Prep your phone.
   Make sure you have downloaded your map route to your phone for any dead service areas you may hit. Get your music playlist together and downloaded for the same reason! Save your hotel information (if you booked in advance) or your hotel options (if you aren’t sure when you’ll stop) so you have them ready too.
5. Prep your vehicle.
   Don’t leave without making sure your oil change is up to date and that your battery is good. Check all your fluid levels, like coolant and wiper fluid. Check all your tires for proper tread and pressure, and don’t forget about the spare. Make sure you have a jack and tools for a tire change and a pair of jumper cables in case your battery dies. If you have roadside assistance with your car insurance, be sure to have that information handy as well.
6. Clean your car too!
   You will probably acquire more trash on your trip, so make sure you clean your car before you leave. Get rid of any old wrappers, receipts, and empty cups lying around that could get in the way. If you have loose change, put it in a pouch for later. You may need it for tolls!
7. Don’t be afraid of the path less traveled!
   Sure, you may know of some big attraction you want to see, but don’t knock a ghost tour or hidden gem of a museum. You may find a farm full of fall activities you didn’t know about.
8. Ask the locals.
   Much like before, don’t be afraid of new things. You can always go to a chain restaurant for food, but don’t forget to ask the locals where they love to go, too. They probably know the area better and can tell you about some amazing places that Google or Yelp cannot!
9. Don’t forget the camera!
   You’ll want to remember your road trip and photos help with that. Use your smartphone, but consider going old school with a disposable camera. Go high tech with a DSLR or settle in the middle for an instant-print camera.
10. Embrace your gas stations!
    Your clerk can probably help you with suggestions of hotels or food. They have maps, snacks, bathrooms, souvenirs, and more. While traveling through West Virginia, make sure to stop at local Little General Stores as you pass by and enjoy the benefits of our LG Rewards Program! Use the app to keep track of points and use them for savings on gas. Grab a drink and scan your card to work towards a free one! Little General Stores are troves full of treasure!