What are the essentials for a secret trip?

Can anyone share their checklist when preparing for a long road trip drive? What are your essentials?

• Answer:

  For the car, you have to prepare by getting it serviced in the days prior, making sure all your fluids are tapped, all your hoses are tight and secure, belts are in good shape, tires are properly inflated and checked for irregular wear, and that you have 5 of them (read: don't forget about your spare), alignment is good, wiper blades are good, and anything else you can think of. If it's winter, make sure you have snow chains and blankets (I live in CA, so maybe others who live in colder places can give more suggestions for snow.) As for creature comforts, music is my number 1 priority and snacks are my number 2 priority. For music, I have about 25 cd's that are in the car at all times and these are my go-to's that I can always count on for mood elevation no matter where I am (I'm probably the only person on the planet who doesn't have an MP3 player, but if you have one, then mo power to ya :D). After music, snacks are very important for keeping your blood sugar up and relieving the boredom and monotony that are always a problem in a long drive. Bring things that are easy to eat with one hand while behind the wheel like cut up fruits and veggies, low salt chips, cut up sandwiches, chocolate bars, nuts, individually wrapped string cheese, juice boxes, canned drinks and bottled water. Don't forget plenty of napkins, some straws, and I usually pack a damp wash cloth in a ziplock for tidy up when you're done. Other essentials are a flashlight and portable radio with extra batteries, some blankets, chargers for your cel phones and other electronics, and one last thing that no one ever thinks of, but you will be glad you remembered - a few rolls of toilet tissue and a roll of paper towels. Rest stops cannot be trusted. Happy motoring !! :D