Road Trip Necessities

Great news everyone! It seems that I will be sticking around here at Kimes Ranch a little longer. Not only will you continue to get delicious recipes but I have lots of exciting lifestyle posts coming over the next couple months.

If you have been reading my posts from the beginning, you already know that I am originally from California. While going to college, I would drive home for both Christmas and the summer break since I would be home for at least a month. Needless to say, it always made my parents (especially my dad) a little nervous making the 21-hour trip home with just my dog. For the last year and a half I have been very blessed to have a special man in my life who not only puts up with me and my crazy ideas but also my very hair fur child, Maya. Fortunately, he loves road trips too and agreed to accompany me on the trip back to Oklahoma. Together, we have seen some amazing sunrises and sunsets while traveling on Interstate 40.

Grand Canyon-South Rim

 

If we are making a long haul trip or even a little day trip, I always like to have food and drinks available. It saves a lot of money, time and ensures that we can have something healthy to eat. In addition to food and beverages, there are a few other items I love to have within arms reach to make all of us more comfortable.

Grand Canyon-South Rim

Food

  • Salami, cheddar cheese and rosemary Triscuits (his favorite) – To make things even easier, I like to cut the cheese up ahead of time and place it in a Ziploc bag.
  • BOOM CHICKA POP – I’m a fan of the sea salt personally but if I want something a little sweet, the caramel corn is pretty delicious.
  • Fruit – I really like to have at least one type of fruit with us when we do a road trip because it isn’t heavy, so it doesn’t make us feel like we need to take a nap. Good options are apples, tangerines, grapes or prewashed berries.
  • Pretzels
  • Hummus and pita chips or veggies – I’m a fan of the Sabra pine nut hummus and the Stacy’s plain pita chips. Veggie options are carrots, cherry tomatoes or celery.
  • Sandwiches – Our personal favorite is just plain old turkey and cheese on Orowheat country white bread with mayonnaise and mustard. If I have some available, I love to put fresh avocado slices on there as well.

Grand Canyon-South Rim

Drinks

  • Water – Lots and lots of water! I like to bring a whole case but only have a few in the cooler at a time. You never know when you could get stranded somewhere and you may not realize it but the higher altitudes make you dehydrated as well. We usually fill one of the large 64 oz. YETI bottles full of ice and lemon slices to add a little flavor and keep the tumblers close by as well.
  • Soda – My personal favorite to bring is Izze. Try to drink more water than soda, however.
  • Tea – Make ahead of time and put it in a large jug. You can even use an old juice bottle that you’ve washed out.
  • Juice – Another great option, especially if you have kids. Try to make sure it is real juice!

Arizona

Things for her

  • Chapstick – Between driving through really dry states, wind and changes in altitude, my lips will begin to crack.
  • Hand lotion – Same goes for my hands, especially in the winter.
  • Gum
  • Deodorant – This comes in handy in the summer months!
  • Hair ties
  • Camera – I love to take pictures of wherever we go so my camera bag is mandatory.

 

Things for him

  • Allergy medicine – Need I say more? Poor guy…
  • Deodorant – Same goes for him.

 

For both of us

  • Phone charger
  • Good music selections
  • First aid kit
  • Hand wipes/sanitizer
  • 1 pillow and blanket
  • plastic grocery bags for trash

He's gunna kill me for posting this

 

For the canines

  • Paper towels – Poor Maya, she sometimes gets carsick if we get in traffic or are doing a lot of stop and go.
  • Water and food bowl – I like the collapsible ones because they don’t take up a lot of space in the truck.
  • Leash – For safety reasons, keep a leash close at hand. When you let your dog out for breaks, always leash them up. Even if you don’t at home, the strange noises of semis releasing their air breaks, lots of people and a strange surrounding may cause some dogs to bolt.
  • Treats
  • Food
  • Dog toy – choose one that you can throw but is entertaining. Some gas stations or visitor’s stations have a small dog run which is perfect for getting some energy out.
  • Waste bags – Be courteous to those around you and just pick it up.
  • First aid kit
  • Vaccination papers – It’s always a good idea, especially if you are crossing a state line. You don’t have to bring the actual ones but at least a copy or a picture on your phone.

Cheers and Happy Travels,

Bri

August 22, 2017


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