California Travel Preparation

Before you set out on your California travel road trip you'll be better prepared if you consider these vital pre-travel issues.

1. Road conditions: You can easily check California highway conditions online at this government website: California Highway Information.

2. Weather: It is a good idea to check more than just one weather website as they often give different information. Here are the ones I check: The National Weather Service, Weather.Com, Weather Underground, and AccuWeather.

3. Maps: At Google Maps you can find out the distance to your destination, the fastest route, and alternate routes. You can check the street view for most locations in California too. Print out your map in advance and you'll be ready to find almost anything in the state. You'll save a lot of time by mapping your route in advance.

4. Documents: Check your documents to make sure everything is in order and in the car. California requires a driver's license, proof of vehicle registration, and proof of insurance. If you're stopped by the California Highway Patrol without those documents you could have problems because of it. But what other documents might be needed? That would depend on the reason for your trip, and your planned activities! Write a document list and make sure everything gets packed for your travel.

5. Vehicle Issues: If you're planning a long drive in California, you may want to have your vehicle inspected first by a qualified mechanic. At the very least, check tire pressure, including the tire pressure for your spare, and make sure you've got the tools you need to change a tire. Check your gas and oil. What else might you need? A lube job? An oil change? Be sure you have a good flashlight in the car and that the batteries are fresh.

6. First Aid Kit: Having a first aid kit in the car may save you or someone you love someday. Items you might want to include are bandages, a tube of antiseptic cream or gel, headache pain reliever, antacid tablets, anti-itch cream such as cortisone cream, mosquito repellent, a snake bite kit, and extras of whatever medications or food supplements you usually use.