Temperatures are warming up and many families are hitting the road for the annual summer road trip. Before you take off on your road adventure, it is important to have a plan put in place to guide your journey. Here are three important things to research when planning a road trip.

Weather

Just because it is your vacation, you should not just assume that you will have picture-perfect weather the entire trip. Planning for a myriad of weather conditions will ensure that you are prepared for anything that Mother Nature may throw your way. For example, if your travels will be taking you over mountain passes, it is important to be prepared for cold or snow, even during the warmer months of the year. If you are traveling through the Midwest during tornado season, be sure to educate yourself about the potential dangers of this weather system. One option is to learn how to drive in different types of weather conditions so that you are prepared for whatever weather comes your way. Another option is to choose your vehicle wisely. Avis explains that certain vehicles are better at handling snow or rough terrain than others. If you are planning to rent a car, then ask the rental agency for advice on what type of car is best for the local area.

Distracted Driving Laws

As the dangers of smartphone use while driving becomes more apparent, more and more states are enacting legislation to reduce accidents. According to Boohoff Law, in Washington, drivers can receive a citation if any part of their body touches any part of their phone, necessitating that the drivers only engage in hands free calling. Before you hit the road, be sure to research the various distracted driving laws in the states on your itinerary. Ignorance of the laws will not be a good enough excuse if you happen to get pulled over. Putting somebody else in charge of all navigation and smartphone use will help the driver to avoid the temptation of reaching for the phone.

Basic Lodging Options

While part of the benefits of a road trip is the spontaneity that it encourages, it is also important to have a basic framework in place to guide your adventure. One of the things that you will want to research is the lodging options available to you on your route. The last thing that you want is to get stuck in the middle of nowhere in the dark without a place to sleep. Having a few options set in place before you take off will help to ensure that you are not left without a place to rest. When you have a particular destination in mind, booking your lodging early on can help save you money. Park Savers explains that some theme parks and attractions partner with hotels to provide discounted rates, so it’s worth exploring these options if know you will be staying in a particular location.

Half of the fun of any road trip is the planning! It’s important to plan carefully so that you can get the most out of your trip. With the right research and planning, you can ensure a great trip as you cultivate memories that will last your family a lifetime.

While you’re on your trip, you’ll want to make sure you have food. If you’re road tripping through the Emerald Coast area, we can help! Take a look at our selection of products, and we’ll deliver them right to you!

Crab Island

As one of the hottest beach destinations in the country, Destin is a sun seeker’s dream. Located on the idyllic Emerald Coast of the Florida Panhandle, this tropical oasis is famous for its white sandy beaches that contrast beautifully with its emerald green waters. With so many fun things to see and do in Destin, it can be challenging to narrow down your travel itinerary. Here are three activities that you should not miss when visiting this paradise.

This underwater sandbar is one of Destin’s premier attractions. Located on the north side of Destin Bridge, Crab Island is only accessible by boat. Rent a pontoon or jet ski from a local marina, participate in a water obstacle course, do some fishing, go wading, or just enjoy some good old relaxation. This is a great place to connect with locals and other vacationers. A variety of mobile food vendors and floating restaurants will keep your belly and drink glass full. While there is a party vibe at this lively place, there are also plenty of family-friendly areas to relax and have fun with the kids in tow.

Source: “Must Do” Activities When Visiting The Emerald Coast

Big Kahuna Waterpark

When you have had your fill of the ocean, you can still stay cool at Destin’s Big Kahuna Water and Adventure Park. Boasting more than 40 water attractions, this family-friendly venue also features miniature golf and a host of other fun activities. Thrill seekers will love the five-story Jumanji and Maui Pipeline slides. Try your hand at the massive wave pool. Those seeking a more relaxing experience will enjoy the lazy river or the tranquil Bombs Away Bay. Myriad specially designed kiddie pools, splash pads, and low-depth pools are perfect for the small children in your travel party.

Source: Big Kahuna’s Attractions

Destin Harbor Boardwalk

This bustling entertainment and retail district is the epicenter of fun in Destin. A variety of dining options will satiate any appetite. Shoppers will delight in all of the fun shops. The Destin Harbor Boardwalk is definitely where you want to head to pick up all of your vacation souvenirs. A bevy of nightlife options keeps the place hopping well after the sun goes down.

Source: The Destin Boardwalk: Fun For the Whole Family

Destin is truly a beach destination for everyone. From diverse shopping and dining opportunities to a bevy of exciting water sports to plenty of ways to relax and rejuvenate, Destin has it all.

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Beach enthusiasts are always looking for a new stretch of sand to explore. From the intoxicating scent of the salty ocean air to the feel of the waves gently lapping at your feet, it is easy to fall in love with a beach vacation. Here are three beaches that need to be on your travel bucket list.

Boulders Beach, South Africa

There is no shortage of amazing beaches in Cape Town, South Africa. But Boulders Beach offers up something unique that no other place on earth can lay claim to. According to Capetown Travel, this picture-perfect beach is home to a large colony of thousands of native African penguins. The granite boulders that surround the beach work to protect it from the wind and large waves of the ocean. This makes it a great beach for families looking for safe waters for children to play. While the penguins can be viewed from the boardwalk all year long, they are most active during the summer months. There is a nominal conservation fee charged to access the beach.

Las Caletas, Puerto Vallarta

According to Vallarta Adventures, Las Caletas is one of the top four private beaches in the world. Nestled deep in the Sierra Madre Mountains, it is only accessible by boat. This secluded paradise is an ideal place to connect with Mother Nature. This private beach boasts a myriad of tropical wildlife viewing opportunities, the chance to snorkel in pristine waters, or simply just relax in a hammock between swaying palm trees. There are a variety of tours that you can book to visit this oasis, allowing you to customize your experience.

Henderson Beach State Park, Florida

Located near Destin on the Emerald Coast of Florida’s panhandle, this charming beach park is a protected strip of land just waiting to be explored. Avis explains that the area is known for its stunning white sand beaches and unique wildlife, which makes it the perfect place to get out and explore. The beach is surrounded by 30-foot-tall sand dunes protecting the sandy shores. The grounds open at 8 a.m. every day and remain in operation until sundown. Or you can choose to immerse yourself in this tranquil oasis by reserving one of the 60 campsites. With so much to see and do at this beach park, you will want to stay awhile.

Offering a unique experience at every turn, each of these three beach destinations offers something different. Now is the time to sink your toes into the sand and inhale that glorious ocean air.

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When you’ll be on vacation for a while in the Emerald Coast, you need to prepare your house so that you don’t come to an unwelcome surprise when you come back. When you go on an extended vacation, there are several steps that you should take to ensure that your house is cared for, that you aren’t inviting unwanted guests, and that you come back to a clean house. When you make plans for your home a few days or even a week before you leave, you’ll have everything in place for an inviting return after your vacation.

Automate Your Bills

If you’re going on vacation for several weeks or a few months, your mind will rest much easier if you already know that your bills will be paid. Go Banking Rates explains, have your mortgage, utilities, cable, and any other bill that needs to be paid while you’re away set up on automatic pay, and take the time to do some other financial planning, such as talking to your bank about your upcoming trip. You’ll feel a lot more comfortable knowing that you don’t have to worry about harming your credit or getting a letter from your mortgage company in the mail.

Clean Out Your Home

You won’t enjoy coming home to a messy house, and that includes a refrigerator full of spoiled food. Moving Company Reviews recommends making an inventoried list of all items that will go bad while you’re away, and make meals using only those items. If you plan it out carefully, you’ll be able to use up your opened and perishable goods without wasting any of them. After all, you don’t want to be wasteful, and you don’t want a smelly or dirty house greeting you after a vacation.

Secure Your House

When you’ll be away for an extended period of time, you want to ensure that you’re not inviting burglars who look for houses that seem vacant. There are several strategies that you can use to ensure that you’re not making your house a target. First of all, if you’ll be gone for a few months, have your mail forwarded. Otherwise, you can have a neighbor or a family member pick it up for you. Your Local Security suggests hiring someone to house sit every so often so your home looks active or like there are people still living in it.  If you live in an area that receives snow, make sure that you have someone clearing it away. These are a couple of signals to a potential robber that there’s no one currently living there to defend the home and the property.

Vacationing can be a lot of fun, but that’s only true if you’re comfortable that your house is safe. There are numerous things that you should do before you leave for vacation, so make a list at least a few weeks before leaving for the Emerald Coast so that you have plenty of time to complete the tasks that will let you fully enjoy your vacation.

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