With Memorial Day weekend upon us, it’s the perfect time for a road trip.
Fox News Digital first spoke to several people who live in refurbished vans and travel across the country about their road trip essentials and tips, perfect for the unofficial first weekend of summer.
Jasmine Wilson moved full-time in her refurbished van with her dog Ice on December 1, 2020, and her goal is to visit every national park in the U.S. As of last fall, she and Ice had visited about 15 national parks. had done
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Wilson told Fox News Digital that her best advice for people going on road trips is to be aware of your surroundings and enjoy the experience, adding that she tries to “live more in the moment.” is doing.”
He also advised road trippers to be super prepared. She prefers safety items and snacks so she doesn’t have to stop.
Jasmine Wilson moved full-time in her renovated van with her dog Ice on December 1, 2020, and her goal is to visit every national park in America. (Courtesy of Jasmine Wilson)
“It’s not enough to have more than you need,” Wilson said. “I think there’s a limit to where you overpack, but it’s always better to be more prepared.”
He added: “I never let my gas go below half because … you never know when you’re going to see another one. [gas station].”
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Meanwhile, Will and Kristin Watson — along with their daughter Rome, 3, and their pitbull Rush — Traveling in their renovated bus since April 2019.
Kristin told Fox News Digital that the most important part of a road trip is planning — and hoping that things will likely change.
“They say it’s not an adventure until everything starts to go wrong,” Kristin told Fox.
Will and Christine Watson – their daughter Rome, who turns 3 this month, and their pitbull Rush – have been traveling in their refurbished bus since April 2019. (Courtesy of Will and Christine Watson)
“We pick a target and then go with the flow,” he added. “That’s how we get to where our goal is at the destination. Because you can find so many wonderful things along the way that you might not even know about.”
Meanwhile, Will said road tripping is about enjoying “the little things along the way.”
“It’s the little stops and the little memories and the little things you can do on the way to the main destination that make the trip better,” Will said.
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According to Wilson and Watson, here are some “must haves” for road trips.
Snacks and water
Both Wilson and Watson said they always carry snacks with them.
“Snacks are a must,” said Kristin.
Watson said they usually keep sweet oranges on hand because they don’t need to be refrigerated and are healthier. He also advised to conserve water.
“When you change altitude or elevation, it’s good to have water on you and stay hydrated,” Will said.
Christine especially recommends water bottles that have filters, so it’s easy to get water from any sink.
Watson’s repaired bus – which they kept young. (Courtesy of Will and Christine Watson)
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the cooler
Wilson said one of his favorite items in his van is a cooler. Notably, the Wilson has an Icybreeze cooler, which doubles as an air conditioner. The cooler houses a battery and has a vent, which expels cool air. Wilson said her dog Ice loves it.
“My dog literally sits in front of it and stays cool all day,” Wilson said.
roadside assistance
At the top of Watson’s must-have list was roadside assistance, in case of an emergency such as a flat tire or running out of gas.
Kristin said: “It’s just a good layer of protection and you can get it for RVs or cars.”
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Security objects
As someone who travels alone, Wilson said having things for self-protection — like mess spray — and emergency situations — like a multitool — is important.
Wilson’s Repaired Van. (Courtesy of Jasmine Wilson)
“The main two things are being aware of your surroundings and having those safety items within reach,” Wilson said.
Roadtrippers app
Watson told Fox News Digital that he uses the Roadtrippers app to help plan his trip. Kristin said they usually pick a “final destination” and the app will help them find more fun and interesting things to do along the way — and it tells them how long it will take them to get there. have to drive up to
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Entertainment kit
Watson also recommends keeping entertainment on hand for both adults and children. Kristin said she and she will listen to an audiobook, podcast or a good playlist while driving.
In the meantime, they have toys for Rom to read to him or play with before giving him coloring books.
“As a last resort, he has an iPad and we’ll let him see if he’s too upset and nothing else works,” Kristin said.
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Dash Cam Rearview Mirror
Since Wilson’s van does not have a back window or rearview mirror, Wilson purchased a dash cam rearview mirror, which can also serve as a back-up camera for cars that do not have this function.
“It’s been very important,” Wilson said.
