Last week, we covered everything you needed to do in order to make sure your car was in top condition for the road ahead. This time around, we’ll be focusing on how to stock the inside of your vehicle, not just with your luggage, but with all types of edibles that will help you save time and money on the road.
Picture this: you’re in the driveway and your luggage sits idly on the pavement, just waiting to be crammed into the car. Before you get started packing, there are a couple of pointers that may alleviate the headache that comes with stuffing things into an already over-flowing trunk. Use duffels, or any other soft sided bags, to maximize room. The malleable fabric will allow you some leeway in how you choose to organize the trunk compared to a rigid, large suitcase. On that note, if this trip is going to require you to stay at a hotel for a night, consider packing a reusable grocery bag with clothes to wear the following day. Overnight stops will become much easier as you won’t have to lug multiple suitcases from the car, sift through their contents to find a shirt, re-pack, and then fit it back into the trunk.
One last note when it comes to packing, and it’s something we here at Sansone Automall can’t stress enough, is to pack light! Gas mileage can be improved by up to 2% if you take the necessary steps to ensure that your vehicle stays on the lighter side. Avoid packing things on the roof as it can make the car top-heavy (thereby lowering fuel efficiency). The only time you should use roof-top cargo boxes are when you are going to be transporting light/bulky items. If your car doesn’t have a trunk, and lighter items are being placed on top the bulkier pieces of luggage in the back seat, make sure they’re securely fastened so that they don’t fling forward in a sudden stop. Enough on baggage, let’s move onto something a little more fun and relevant to your well-being, not the car’s.
Did you know the second biggest cost on any road trip is food? It’s easy for gas station receipts for all those salty and sweet snacks to amass, especially in the span of a single day. Not only can these treats be quite costly, they’re not so great for your health either. Don’t worry, though, there are a lot of great alternatives you can pack in a simple grocery bag. If you’re craving something salty and crunchy, put away the Lays and pop open a container of nuts. Whatever you choose, be it peanuts, pistachios, or walnuts, these little wonders contain a good combination of healthy fats and proteins to keep you going.
Next time you reach for that 64-ounce Big Gulp, think again. There’s a reason soda is called liquid candy. Sip on something lighter, like water. If you’re still craving carbonation, why not go for Seltzer? 100% Veggie or Fruit juice are other great alternatives if you’re looking for something a little sweet. It’s not just soda you can substitute though; grab an energy bar next time instead of a Snickers. Other great foods to pack on your next trip include: Yogurt, Trail Mix, Cheese and Crackers, String Cheese, Sandwiches, Pre-prepped veggies (Cherry tomatoes, snack-sized baby carrots, broccoli florets), and trip friendly fruit (berries and grapes are great).
Ultimately, packing your own food will allow you and your family to eat well, spend less and grant you the flexibility of time as you make many stops along the way. And remember: Pack Light – you never know when you might stumble across the perfect souvenir, only to find you don’t have room for it in your car.
Next week, we’ll be discussing travel hot spots to stop at along the way to your final destination.
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