Let's get this road trip on the road!!

Have you ever entertain the idea of a road trip with your family? Well I did and it did not go as planned (maybe because I didn't plan it right). I mean don't get me wrong we did have lots of fun, we visited different states took amazing pictures but we were not organized at all, I feel that we could've done a lot more if we had the resources like more time and more money, but because we were not organized I ended up wasting more money in food that I had planned.

Our first road trip was 3 years ago from New Jersey to Hollywood Florida. We packed the SUV, very poorly and disorganized I might add, we were all so uncomfortable, but we were so excited we didn't even notice until the 12th hour on the road when everybody was so tired and aggravated. My husband was doing most of the driving and I didn't have any idea how to organize my children’s mess while he was driving, we stopped to sleep and the next day when we went back on the road I was so aggravated and mad. When we got to our destination it took us so long to unpack and clean the car. Our luggage was everywhere it was just so messy I didn't want to think about our way back home. We had so much fun but two days before our vacation was over, I was so depressed just by thinking about our way back home. My husband and I were so frustrated that the next year we just took a plane. NO BUENO.

Guess what?? This year we decided to take another road trip, the reason why it's because I feel like there so many things we have to see out there, I feel like we missed everything! So after I convinced my husband (believe you me it wasn't easy) we decided to give it another try. My plan it's to take you step by step as I go through it and truly hope it works for me and for you. Let's take this road trip on the road!

1) Sit down and Plan:  Whether you are going to drive 2, 3, 5 or 24 hours, a road trip takes time to plan.  When you already have your destination (like in my case we rented a condominium) make sure you know the laws of the place that you are going to, every state has different laws.  Know your surroundings, especially if you have children you need to know your nearest hospitals.  Make sure you know where are you going and, if not, just google it, and have a little notebook or write it on your phone’s notes:  the different places like restaurants, malls, or any other place & activities near you.

2) Set up a budget: My budget is $3500.  Remember, we are a family of six, which means bigger place and more money on food.  I also like to have a little extra, because I have two teenagers and a little girl that love shopping. At the end of the blog, I will show you my budget break down.

3) Make a List:  Something that you need to understand is that if you are on a budget, you have to make a list and stick to it.  Believe me, I know is really hard, but it is the best thing to do.  You can also use stuff you have in your house. 

I always make 2 list: Personal List: The reason I have to make a personal list is because I ALWAYS over pack and take extra luggage for no reason at all, so this time I want to make sure everybody has everything they need, so I don't bring extra luggage.  I need all the space I could get. On my personal list, I will include, clothes, beauty supplies and personal stuff for everybody. 

Food & Supplies List:  Don't worry you don't have to go food shopping but we do need some snacks for the road, and also since we are staying in a condominium, we can buy snacks, juices, water, soda and some finger foods for the apartment.  I learned the hard way that everything it's more expensive in a tourist area anywhere you go. 

4) Let's go shopping: One thing you already know about me it's that I love coupons, bargains, and savings and I am always on a budget.  I do like good stuff, I just don't like paying full prices and since this is going to be my first organized road trip on a budget, of course, I am definitely going to check my coupon basket first and around the house so I don't buy things that I already have. I bought Chips, Nuts, Cookies, Bread, Water, Juice, Iced Coffee, Soda and Sunflower Seeds.  I already had Cereal, Peanut Butter & Jelly, Nutella and Crackers.

5) The Packing Situation:  NOT MY FAVORITE ACTIVITY! But since we organize ourselves and made a list, it shouldn't be a problem, RIGHT?. Last time we went, we took 2 big luggage, 1 medium and 3 carry on bags plus a bunch of store bags (FRUSTRATION!! What was I thinking?!). This time my goal is to take 2 big luggage with our clothes, 1 carry-on bag with our personal supplies stuff, 1 carry-on with our shoes and 1 box for the snacks we are going to munch on the car and a small cooler to put the drinks for the road.  Last Black Friday, I bought a Rainproof Expandable Rooftop Cargo Bag.  The reasons why I bought it are: IT WAS ON SALE!!, We used to go camping so much when I was a teenager so I definitely want to do it again, and because I was frustrated about our last field trip, I remember watching so many people with one of those things on top of their car ... I MEAN FIELD TRIPS SHOULD BE FUN! So we will be nice and comfortable inside the car. 

6) Hit the Road Jack!:  After you figure out where you are going, check your car and pack everything, go thru the personal list you did.  Also, you need to know the routes you are using.  Emergency exists in case of an accident, nearest hospital and police station.  Keep track of the mileage and of course the gasoline.

I will definitely keep you posted.  I am planning to blog about all the places we visit, about the restaurants we will be eating and everything in between.  I will also blog about the budget and how was our way back, so please subscribe. Don't forget to read my Vacation Mode On! blog so you know what do I do before I leave the house for vacation. 

$3500 Budget Breakdown:

• Condo Rental    $850
• Gas                    $500
• Restaurants       $800
• Food Shopping $50
• Entertainment   $550
• Emergency       $400
• Others              $350

AND REMEMBER!! Have fun, enjoy, get a safe tan, swim, dance, sing, eat, talk, read, sleep, go to a place you never been, relax and more importantly be safe!

Thank you so much for reading I will be happy to answer any of your questions and I will read all your comments that I will certainly reply. Also if you have any ideas or want me to blog about something of your interest, let me know.

With Love, Lowreley.

"If you educate a man, you simply educate an individual, but if you educate a woman, you educate a whole nation" - James Emman Kwegyir Aggrey