Fall Family Travel Tips~ And what you should pack in your car.

Fall is here and school is in full swing around here. We’ve already had Parent Teacher Conferences and the first term is coming to an end. Which means FALL BREAK! YES!

We love Fall Break because by the time it rolls around my kids are ready for a small break from school. It’s our one last time to get outdoors and enjoy the beautiful fall landscape. We are planning on visiting family this month and we are getting our car and gear all ready for the drive.

Now that Fall is here, there are different things we bring along to make sure we are safe on our trip. I’m teaming up with Maverik to share with you some safe driving tips and a list of things you should have in your car during these cold months. We are surrounded by mountains so more than likely we will have some snow to drive through. Each year is different and you never know what the weather will bring.

Family road trips can be really expensive, especially when gas prices are high. That’s why I always find a Maverik to gas up. I use my Nitro Debit Card so that I can save $0.06 a gallon! Yep! 6 cents a gallon OR it will lower the price of gas to match the fuel pump price of any qualified local competitor, whichever saves you more! Not only do I save money on gas but I can use my Nitro Debit Card as my “Punch It” cards. When I use my card it keeps track of what I buy so I can earn free stuff. When I use my Maverik Nitro Debit Card I earn 2X Trail points which help me win stuff and buy stuff at Maverik.com.

For those long road trips I make sure I get my Diet Pepsi with a little Cherry Pepsi on top. When I use my Nitro Debit Card I get any size drink for just $1. Can you tell I’m in love with this card? Well I am. I have been driving so much lately because my youngest son’s are going to two different schools. One goes to a Charter School 15 minutes away in one direction and one goes to preschool 15 minutes away the opposite direction. Saving 6 cents a gallon on ALREADY affordable gas prices makes me one happy Mama!

The Nitro Debit Card works like a check by drawing from your existing checking account. It also doesn’t require a credit check, just an account verification process similar to PayPal. The Nitro Debit Card also offers “Nitro Nights” which gets you free access to movie premieres, concerts, and events when you present your Nitro card. Follow Nitro on social media for the hook-up and get an instant $5 Gift Card just for signing up!

While you’re at Maverik getting gas, check your oil. Make sure it’s at the right level before you take off. Make sure you have enough windshield wiper fluid to get you through any snowy roads and check the air pressure in your tires. Check your car’s owner’s manual for the recommended air pressure for your tires.

Now that we’ve gassed up the car and made sure it’s safe, let’s get to packing the car for emergencies. Here is a list of things you need in your car during the fall and winter.

1. First Aid Kit. This is a no brainer.
2. Emergency Blankets. These are made out of a very thin reflective material and fold up really small. Perfect for a car trip. You won’t believe how warm these will keep you in an emergency.
3. Extra Protein Packed Food. Things like Cliff Bars and Beef Jerky can help you feel full longer if you are stranded somewhere.
4. Cell Phone Chargers (and a charged cell phone). You might need to call for help, so make sure no one is playing on the cell phones during the drive so they can stay charged for emergencies.
5. Fire Extinguisher. It should be rated for Class B and Class C fires by the National Fire Protection Association, or NFPA. The NFPA says Class B fires are those that involve flammable or combustible liquids, such as gasoline, diesel fuel and kerosene. Class C fires involve energized electrical equipment such as switches, panel boxes and batteries.
6. Three Reflective Warning Triangles. While many prepackaged emergency kits contain one warning triangle, you should have three that are placed 50 feet apart to warn oncoming traffic.
7. Foam Tire Sealant. A quick, inexpensive way to repair many flats without changing the tire.
8. Jumper Cables. At least 10 feet long.
9. Flashlight and Extra Batteries.
10. Chains for your Tires. You never know when a snowstorm will hit.
11. Duct Tape. You know that stuff can fix anything.
12. Tow Strap. Just in case you need to get pulled out of a predicament.
13. Mulitpurpose Tool. Like a Leatherman or Swiss Army Knife.
14. Drinking Water.

And if it is winter and you’re planning a road trip make sure you bring the following:

1. Foldable Snow Shovel. This will come in really handy if you slide off the road.
2. Kitty Litter. It works as well as sand beneath the tires for traction and weighs less.
   
3. Ice Scraper. 
4. Extra Windshield Wiper Fluid.

I hope you have a fun and safe Fall Break with your family this year. Remember to take lot’s of pictures and enjoy spending time together!