As much as I would like to be completely spontaneous, some planning is necessary. Since I'm travelling in my car, which would be very uncomfortable to sleep in, I did book two hotel rooms. One for each leg of my trip, which will serve as a base for my adventures. I was originally planning to completely play it by ear, but a little research showed me that would be a mistake. Even six weeks ahead, and "out of peak season", most places were fully booked.
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| Finished sewing my perfect travel bag, just in time. |
In both cases, I found reasonably priced rooms in small towns, just outside of the touristy places. Since I'm doing a lot of day trips to a variety of places, a central location was more important that being in the midst of the popular spots. When the room is mostly to sleep in, I would rather pay $75/ night than $150 and have that money for my adventures. One even has a washing machine, so I can do my laundry half way though and reduce my packing.
I try to find places that have a fridge so I can plan on groceries rather than restaurants. I don't like having to eat out all the time, especially for breakfast and lunch. I resent the time it takes. I can do a lot in a hotel room with a fridge and a coffee pot. Throw in a microwave, and the sky's the limit!!
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When we went to the wedding in July, no coffee maker,
but a fridge. So, cold coffee! |
Not only is it more frugal and healthier, but I love a gourmet picnic. Everything tastes better outside, and hopefully I won't be too close to civilization in the middle of the day. Interesting cheeses, crackers and fruit are more delicious and satisfying than another bag of generic fast food. I also find fruit and cheese particularly good on a hike. Cheese is a good protein and the juiciness of the fruit tastes so good when you are hot and tired.
Documentation
Memberships and passes are of little use if you forget to take them. Ask me how I know!
When we went to the Vancouver Aquarium, we had pre-purchased the passes online. I printed them off, aaaaand left them at the hotel. My phone battery was dead, so I couldn't even look up the email. You can imagine how popular I was with the rest of the family! A very kind employee took me to the office so I could log onto my email and print them again. The kindness of strangers.
AMA card
Park Pass
History Pass
Health Care Card & Health Insurance
Contact information for insurance agent
Passport (if you are crossing the border)
Membership cards (grocery stores, Costco, airmiles, gas stations, etc)
Hotel confirmations - I don't entirely trust technology to work when you need it, so I like a hard copy of confirmation numbers, hotel name, address and phone number.
AMA membership - peace of mind is a valuable thing. I am perfectly capable of changing a tire, but I would rather not (can't risk damaging my massage hands!) There are several levels, depending on your needs (distance travelled, RVs). It also includes 160 km towing, which I hope I never need. Expect the best, but prepare for the worst. It's a lot more than roadside assistance, many businesses offer discounts to members. If I was determined enough, I could probably make back the cost of the membership, 10% discount at a time! Since I am the kind of person who likes to document everything, I am going to keep track of my savings and see how long it takes me to make the cost of membership back. I will keep you posted - cause that's what I do!
Contact information - I am traveling by myself. It would be completely irresponsible to not leave my itinerary, hotel information and route with someone. During long stretches of driving, I will be texting or calling someone when I leave and when I arrive. If I will be out of cell service, I will text someone before I'm out of contact with an expected time of "back in contact". AMA only is good if I have service (and only good for roads, not hikes). It's also a good idea to communicate with hotel staff or park staff before hiking or exploring the back country.
A couple of handy tips I have heard about - leave a note on the the table in your hotel room with your destination and expected time back. The hotel maid may be the first person to realize you didn't return.
Change your answering machine message on your cell phone to state your whereabouts and expected return. Even if you are out of service or your phone is completely dead, people can call you and get the information.
Maybe I spend too much time watching rescue shows...
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| Even digging potatoes can be an adventure, if it becomes a competition! |
Nine days and counting before my holidays start. It's the mad rush to get the garden harvested, the garage cleaned, the freezers defrosted. I have ordered half a beef that will be ready when I get back. It's also entirely possible we will have freezing weather while I'm away, so it all has to get done now.
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