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With Memorial Day weekend upon us, it’s the perfect time for a road trip.
Fox News Digital spoke to several people who live and travel in vans that have been renovated. They shared their top tips and essential road trip items, which are great for the first weekend of summer.
Jasmine Wilson, her dog Ice and her van were moved in to full-time on Dec. 1, 2020. Their goal is for them to visit all the national parks of the U.S.
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Wilson told Fox News Digital that her best advice to people going on road trips is to be aware of their surroundings and to enjoy the experience, adding that she’s “trying to live in the moment more.”
She advised road-trippers to be prepared. She prioritizes safety items and snacks so she doesn’t have to stop.
Jasmine Wilson, her dog Ice and her van were moved in to full-time on December 1, 2020. Her goal is to visit all national parks in the U.S.
(Courtesy Jasmine Wilson
“It’s better to have more than you need than not enough,” Wilson said. “I feel like there’s a limit to where you overpack, but it’s always better to be more prepared.”
She added: “I’ve never let my gas go under half because… you never know when you’ll see another [gas station].”
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Meanwhile, Will and Kristin Watson – along with their daughter Roam, 3, and their pitbull Rush – have been traveling in their renovated bus since April 2019.
Kristin told Fox News Digital that the most important part of a road trip is the plan – and the expectation that things will likely change.
“They say it’s not an adventure until everything starts to go wrong,” Kristin told Fox.
Will and Kristin Watson – along with their daughter Roam, who turns 3 this month, and their pitbull Rush – have been traveling in their renovated bus since April 2019.
(Courtesy Will & Kristin Watson
She explained that we pick a goal, then follow the flow. “That’s how we get to where our goal destination is at. Because there are many cool things you may not have known about along the way.
Will stated that road-tripping is about “the little things” along the way.
“It’s the little stops and the little memories and little things that you can do along the way to getting to the main destination that makes the journey better,” Will said.
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According to Wilson and Watson, these are “essential” items that road trippers should have.
Get water and snacks
Both Wilsons and Watsons stated they always have snacks.
Kristin says snacks are a must-have.
The Watsons said they usually keep cutie oranges on hand because they don’t have to be refrigerated and they’re healthy. They also recommend keeping water nearby.
“As you change altitude or elevation, it’s good to just have water on you and stay hydrated,” Will said.
Kristin specifically recommended water bottles that have filters in them, so it’s easier to get water from any sink.
The Watsons’ renovated bus – which they named Juan.
(Courtesy Will & Kristin Watson
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Cooler
Wilson stated that a cooler is one of her most favorite things in her van. Wilson has an Icybreeze cooler that also functions as an air conditioner. The cooler is powered by a battery and features a vent that blows cold air. Wilson stated that Ice, her dog, loves the cooler.
Wilson stated, “My dog just sits there and keeps cool all day.”
Roadside assistance
At the top of the Watsons’ list of essential items was roadside assistance, in case of an emergency like a flat tire or running out of gas.
Kristin said: “It’s just a nice layer of protection to have and you can get it for RV’s or for cars.”
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Safety items
As someone who travels alone, Wilson said having items for self-protection – like mace spray – and emergency situations – like multitools – is key.
Wilson’s van is being renovated.
(Courtesy Jasmine Wilson
Wilson stated that “The two most important things are to be aware of your surroundings, and have those safety items within reach.”
Roadtrippers app
Fox News Digital was told by the Watsons that they use Roadtrippers to plan their travels. Kristin said they usually pick an “ultimate destination” and the app will help them find other fun and interesting things to do along the way – and it tells them how long they have to drive to get to those spots.
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Entertainment kits
The Watsons recommended that entertainment be available for both children and adults. Kristin stated that Will and Kristin listen to podcasts, audiobooks, or good playlists while driving.
Roam and Roam have plenty of toys to keep them busy while Roam reads or colors.
“As a last resort, she has an iPad and we’ll let her watch that if she’s way too fussy and nothing else works,” Kristin said.
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Dash cam rearview mirror
Because Wilson’s van doesn’t have a back window or a rearview mirror, Wilson bought a dash cam rearview mirror, which can also serve as a back-up camera for cars that don’t have that function.
“It’s been super essential,” Wilson said.
Source: foxnews
