Pioneer

Issue date: 6/3/10 Section: Feature

Having driven from Tacoma to Tampa and back, I have learned the best and worst way to travel by road. First, don't get suckered into stopping at all the tourist traps, especially if they charge admission. Second, pack right and pack light.

Below are some travel tips and other ideas to load in the front seat and back seat. Remember: don't put junk in your trunk, it'll weigh you down and do damage to your gas mileage.

Follow these tips for travel, drive safe and if it's your turn to drive don't forget to lather your left arm with sunscreen.


Oil change

You know it's time to get an oil change. Precision Tune charges $20.99 for up to five quarts of synthetic blend oil. While they're under your car they will do a 16-point inspection and top off any low fluids (except for brake fluid). They will vacuum your car and clean your front and rear windows. They will also let you know of any leaks to watch out for while traveling. Precision Tune is located at 7701 Steilacoom Blvd. SW in Lakewood. Call for an appointment 253-581-2443.

Tires

Tire manufacturers recommend a tire rotation every 7,500 miles. When you're at Precision Tune ask for a tire rotation ($21.95). They will adjust your tire pressure and take a look at your brakes. Low tire pressure means low gas mileage. Don't forget to pack a tire repair kit incase of an emergency.

iPod

No road trip can be complete without some great road rock. Fill your iPod with hours of inspiring driving music. Don't forget to make an upbeat morning mix to get the spirits up with "Into the Sun" by Weekend Players or "Sunrise" by Yeasayer. Try "Passenger Seat" by Death Cab for Cutie or "The Richest Man in Babylon" by Thievery Corporation to serenade you through the late night. Just be sure your music doesn't put you to sleep.

Auxiliary input and cable

Depending on your car, an auxiliary cable is the cheapest way to hook up your music through the car speakers. If you don't have an auxiliary input already, get an auxiliary input adapter specific for your car and radio. (Crutchfield.com $59.99-$64.99) Then you'll need an 1/8" stereo cable (RadioShack $9.99).

iPod charger

Keep the power with Griffin PowerJolt Car Charger. It plugs into the cigarette lighter and has a detachable USB Type A connector that you can use with your laptop when you get to the motel ($19.95 at Apple.com).

Camera


Be sure to take a lot of photos especially if you decide to hit up the roadside tourist traps like the 27-foot Radio Flyer Wagon in Spokane. The Samsung Dual View 12.2 megapixel camera in orange. It comes with an 8gb memory card which can hold up to 1,600 photos (using a 12mp camera), camera bag and mini flexible tripod to hook on the dash while you easily take self-portraits using the screen on the front. ($264.99 on Amazon.com)

Laptop

Bring your laptop with you to upload those photos and show your friends on Facebook where you've been. Most roadside hotels have free wi-fi in the rooms so posting will be a breeze. The 10.1" Mini Netbook PC from HP has a 5-in-1 memory card reader, built-in web-cam and a 160gb hard drive. ($299.99 at Target)

Map

Even though your phone may have GPS, a paper map is still important. Take one anyway. Borders has an extensive selection of trusty Rand McNally road maps ($7.95). Hey, you could always use it as a napkin if you spill something.

Water bottle

Okay, so you're thinking, "I'll just have to stop every hour to pee!" It is still important to keep hydrated on the road especially when driving in the summertime. Drinking water will not only keep you hydrated, it will keep you alert as well.

"It supports almost all the functions of the body," Steve Crain, wellness professor, said. "Water facilitates all kinds of reactions."

Cooler


Lose that old, plastic cooler that can tear up the leather in your backseat. Pack your snacks in an insulated, leak proof picnic basket from HotRef.com. It can hold up to 24 cans of CocaCola (not that you want that much soda) and is easy to carry. ($21.70 at Hotref.com)

Snacks

Crain recommends packing fresh fruits and vegetables. Stop by the market and pick up some Fuji apples, baby carrots and sliced celery. They aren't messy and you won't have to worry about trash. Want something crunchy and salty? Try Stacy's Simply Naked Pita Chips. They're all natural, don't contain trans fat and are really yummy alone or with dip.

Leaving the country?
If you're planning on traveling to Canada this summer, don't forget the rules for getting back to the U.S. have changed. Make sure you have a Passport Card, Enhanced Drivers License or Nexus Pass.

You can get a Washington Enhanced Drivers License at the Department of Licensing when it's time to renew. The EDL can be used in place of a passport (or the birth certificate/photo ID requirement). For more information visit www.dol.wa.gov/driverslicense/edl.htm.

And for more travel tips, visit www.aaa.com.

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