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Here you will find
travel tips and information from Travelforecast.com and other users.
These tips are provided to help make your travel
safer, easier, and more enjoyable. We would like to hear your suggestions on travel tips,
safety, and things to remember when traveling. Tell us about your experiences, and what to
do and not to do! Thanks for your help!
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PREPARING YOUR VEHICLE (Check
the owner's manual for maintenance specific to your vehicle)
· is it time for an oil and filter change? if not, check the oil level.
do not overfill when adding
· check the transmission fluid level and color. If it is brown in color,
it should be changed
· check the brake fluid level
· check the power steering fluid level
· check the windshield wiper fluid level. even when driving through dry
weather, bugs and other
gunk can build up on your windshield
· check the coolant or anitfreeze level (check before running vehicle)
· check the tire pressure. Use the owner's manual guidlines for proper
tire pressure
· check all vehicle lights
· inspect hoses
· have the AC or heat serviced if driving through hot or cold weather
· is it time for a new battery? have your battery checked for proper
strength
make a list of what to take
and check it twice or three times
make sure all bills are paid,
and pre-pay those that will come in while you are gone
WAYS TO MAKE PROPERTY LOOK
OCCUPIED
· get a housesitter
if possible
· keep a car in the driveway
· stop
deliveries of newspapers, etc or have neighbor collect
· call the Post Office to stop mail delivery
· leave radio on
turn down heat or ac
keep valuables locked up
will it be very cold? if so,
leave faucets dripping
don't pack vehicle until
ready...stuff can be stolen
leave phone numbers where you
can be reached
want information on where
you're going? call convention or visitors bureau
is your lodging reserved?
confirm your reservations
do you have the latest travel
maps?
leave keys with friend or
neighbor
unplug what you don't need
plugged in
secure the property (check
windows, doors, etc), lock garage
set alarm
don't put a key under the
floor mat
back up your computer files
taking a rental car? does
your insurance cover it, or did you pay for insurance on it?
remember, you can't take
rental cars into mexico
is the car serviced and ready
to go? (oil change / check tires / lights / fuel / etc)
going to mexico? if so, you
must purchase separate insurance policy from mexican agency
make a copy of travelers
checks (leave copy at home)
call ahead to see if hotel is
wheelchair accessible & pet friendly
make sure you can see out of
all windows (don't pack too high)
if taking a rental car, ask
agency to get rid of dealer plates & other info on the vehicle that show you're a
tourist
IF TAKING PETS
· secure pets in carrier, and make sure it's large enough for them to
move around
· take food and water, makeshift or real litter box, and litter /
scooper / trash bags for cats
· never leave pet alone in parked car
· make sure lodging facility is "pet-friendly"
carry as little cash as
possible...use credit cards / travelers checks if possible
personal checks usually not useful out of town
don't leave credit cards in
hotel or car where they can be stolen...carry them with you
put wallet in front pocket,
carry purse securely...or dont carry one
take break every two hours or so...get
out, stretch...make sure well lit area at night
don't drive when tired!
drink coffee to help stay awake, but if it
doesn't help...dont drive tired!
don't sleep at rest stops! try well lit
truck stops instead...and keep naps short
share driving responsibilities.
of course, do not drink alcoholic
beverages!
keep 1 car length between you and other
vehicles for each 10 miles per hour of speed
keep doors locked
keep valuables in trunk (and make sure
doors locked, or this won't matter)
bring money for tolls and have ready in
advance.
don't stay at "blind spots" of
cars, especially trucks, buses and large vehicles
stay in right lane, except to pass
don't give into road rage..it is NOT worth
it
pump brakes gently if sliding in ice or
snow. turn wheel in direction you are sliding
IF YOU BREAK DOWN
· make sure you know how to change tire, but don't do so too close to
moving traffic
· turn on flashers
· if someone offers help, ask to call police. if alone, tell them that
you have someone with you
who went to call too
· if it is cold, run car intermittently for heat, but keep windows
cracked to keep carbon monoxide
from building up
IF YOU SEE SOMEONE ELSE BROKEN DOWN
· go to next exit to call...don't stop to help
IF YOU GET LOST
· ask people in well lit areas (and men, don't be too proud!) don't stop
strangers to ask for help.
IF YOU'RE INVOLVED IN AN ACCIDENT
· move car off road if possible
· call police on cell phone, or nearby phone. If not, ask passers by to
call for you
· use flares to warn oncoming traffic
· don't admit fault
· get name, address, phone, driv lic #, and ins info of others in
accident
· write up summary of accident as soon as possible...and include as much
info as possible
· take photos of automobiles involved in the accident from all angles
MISCELLANEOUS SAFETY
· signal NO to window washers
· never leave car running when you're not in it
· in event of carjacking, don't fight...it's not worth your life or
health
· ignore strangers yelling or honking that something wrong with your
car...wait until next well-lit
exit to check it out
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