Traveling, Not Just Highway People.
Author: Bill Garwood
Traveling, Not Just Highway People.
Most of us don’t travel all the time unless for work. Then it’s a steady thing, and not something you HAVE to plan for. I’m talking about visiting friends and relatives or even playing “tourist”.
Sorry, I didn’t mean to swear at you.
While planning travels over the years, I have come to one conclusion. I don’t like it! The travel itself isn’t too bad, although sitting for 12 hours can really be a pain. (In all parts of our bodies.) While I was young, moving about with the Army, I was taking lots of flights all over the world, and yet I don’t remember EVER having problems with people like you see all over TV, and the internet. Where did these freaks come from?
Traveling by car/truck for long distance is a whole different ballgame. “Preparing” for a long drive is one big memory test. Where did I put that? Pick a subject. Clothing, medicines, the dog! The biggest question is always, “What do we actually need to take with us?” Knowing full well there are stores where we are going but thinking…but this is MY brand of stuff!
In OUR winter months, some things are easy. Bring water, food, “jumper cables,” blankets, etc. Keep your cell phones put away! Years ago, my older son was riding with us on CA coast Highway 1; beautiful scenery. I looked in my rear-view mirror and saw he was playing a game on his phone! (I think I screamed at him.) Those phones are soul sucking machines.
If you travel AFTER packing carefully, make sure your vehicle is in good shape. And ENJOY your journey, don’t miss out on seeing America. If you are “Older” like me, stop every few hundred miles and take a break. Get a cool beverage and visit the porcelain closet. (Otherwise known as the bathroom.) Driving is difficult enough without having to sit in a wet seat. Pack medicines within easy reach, especially anti-gas tablets! (Trust me on this.)
Vacations can be great fun; however, I don’t think I have ever been on one where I didn’t feel like I needed another one to recuperate. (Relaxing can be hard work.) Any long-distance travel requires REST! Get plenty so you can actually enjoy your trip.
If you are going to go visit relatives or old friends, arrive early so that you don’t get there and collapse for several hours, then realize you have slept away the time you wanted to visit with them. (Make sure that IF you go to visit someone…that you actually LIKE them! If not, why are you going to visit them?) Being nice is one thing, but if you are miserable, they are going to be miserable too.
Go travel, have fun, be careful. And as always, stay safe.
