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25 Practical Tips for Long Road Trips

By Jason Barnette | Travel writer and photographer with 15+ years of road tripping experience

• Last Updated on May 26, 2023
• Published on July 7, 2021

This post may contain affiliate links. Read my Affiliate Disclosure here .

You’re finally ready to embark on that epic road trip that will take you across the country from sea to shining sea. The gas tank is full, you’ve checked off every item on the packing list, and you’re ready to hit the road. But are you actually ready for a long road trip?

The longer a road trip, the more complicated it can get. I didn’t say would get, but it certainly can get complicated. Have you packed enough clothing for the entire trip, or will you need to do laundry along the way? Are you ready for chilly nights, rain, and unexpected adventures? Unfortunately, these are the kinds of questions many people don’t consider until the road trip is underway – and it’s too late to make many changes.

These 25 practical tips for long road trips will help you get prepared long before you leave home, save money along the way, and help you spend more time enjoying the road trip and less time dealing with those pesky complications.

Buy food at grocery stores instead of gas stations

Road trip snacks are almost as necessary as gasoline for the car – they even perform similar functions. But one of the worst things a person can do on a road trip is to buy the snacks spontaneously at random gas stations along the way.

Save money and time with those snacks at grocery stores or bulk purchase stores. Stock up on all the snacks, drinks, and coffee at a fraction of the price of buying it along the way. The more you save, the longer you can drive.

Get your car inspected

Before leaving home, get your car inspected. Most national chain auto repair shops offer free inspections because they want your business when they find something wrong with the car.

But it’s an excellent way to get all the fluids topped off, tires rotated and balanced, and the hundreds of moving parts of a car inspected before you leave. Spur of the moment auto repairs during a road trip can be prohibitively expensive – not to mention you might have to shack up at a roadside motel for a few days while the work is done.

Keep your car maintained

Did you know properly inflated tires can lead to better gas mileage? Under-inflated tires cause a drop of 0.2% miles per gallon for every 1 PSI of all tires. That may not seem like much, but it can add up on long road trips.

Consider a 5,000-mile road trip in a vehicle that gets 30 miles per gallon. This would require 167 gallons of gas to complete the trip. However, if all four tires are underinflated by an average of 4 PSI, that means the vehicle is only achieving 27.6 miles per gallon. This would require 182 gallons to complete the trip – an increase of 15 gallons.

Beyond tire pressure, be sure to maintain fluids for the radiator, brakes, and engine oil to prevent damage to the engine. Replaced burned out headlights and taillights immediately. Keep up with oil changes and tire rotations for trips longer than 5,000 miles.

20 Essential Travel Apps for Awesome Road Trips

Set a reasonable daily mileage goal

The point of a road trip is to enjoy the journey as much as the destination. Driving 500 miles per day on the interstate highways doesn’t make for a very enjoyable road trip adventure. Driving that far on two-lane roads is incredibly tedious and exhausting.

By the time you stop at a couple roadside attractions, go for a hike in a state park, sit down for lunch, and take a short detour, the number of miles you’ll be able to cover in a single day will be limited at best. But that’s the point of the road trip! Set a limited number of miles to drive each day, giving yourself plenty of time to enjoy everything you’ll discover along the way.

Avoid rush hour traffic and peak dinner times

Sitting in congested traffic and waiting for food are two of the biggest examples of losing time on a long road trip. In fact, those are the biggest time wasters for just about any kind of travel. But there is a simple way to avoid losing time: avoid rush hour and peak dinner times.

Eat breakfast after 9 a.m., get lunch around 2 p.m., and consider dinner either early at 4 p.m. or wait until 7 p.m. During those time frames, you’ll get seated faster, and food served quicker. Also, when driving around town or between destinations, avoid the rush hours of 7-9 a.m. and 4-6 p.m.

As an added bonus, use a navigation app or dedicated GPS device in your car that includes traffic information – this information will help you spot potential traffic jams from congestion, construction, or accidents and usually includes optional detours. Using an app like OpenTable ( iOs | Android ) will allow you to make reservations at many restaurants – cutting down the time spent waiting for a table to open.

Road Trip to the 8 Presidential Sites Throughout Northern Ohio

A void Small Town Travel on Sundays and Mondays

Roll into almost any small town with a population of less than 20,000 on a Sunday or Monday, and you’re likely to find every restaurant, museum, and attraction closed. It’s not from the owners’ lack of business sense but rather because the owners often work in their businesses, and they want a couple of days off each week.

Sundays and Mondays tend to be the most common days these local businesses are closed. However, it may also include mid-weekdays like Tuesday and Wednesday. Instead of visiting the small towns, consider spending the night in state or national parks, driving scenic routes, or just taking a couple of days to relax.

Pack everything – including the kitchen sink

I own six rain jackets, four sets of trekking poles, and two pairs of Crocs Swiftwater shoes . It’s not because I want a particular color combination for each day of the week, but instead because I kept leaving the items behind, thinking I wouldn’t need them.

Pack everything you can possibly fit into your vehicle for a long road trip. Go beyond your tentative itinerary and think about things you enjoy doing that you might want to do along the way. Take those golf clubs or stunt kites, pack the fleece hoodie, and bring more than two pairs of shoes. Although it’s impossible to prepare for every eventuality, every little bit helps save money in the budget.

Fill the gas tank on Monday

GasBuddy ( iOS | Android ) conducted a survey a few years ago to determine the best and worst times for gas prices. Interestingly, Mondays were the cheapest day of the week to get gas on average, with the best time coming around 10 a.m.

Also, interesting – though not surprising – was that the worst day to get gas was Friday or the day before a major holiday. During those days, gas prices tended to spike first thing in the morning.

18 Essential Items That Belong on Every Road Trip Packing List

Don’t rely on cellular service

One universal constant of any long road trip is the eventuality of running into a cellular dead zone. Rural areas in the Midwest, rugged terrain in the Rockies, and sporadically throughout the Southeastern United States are areas in between cellular towers that will leave your cellphone or tablet as useful as screen doors for submarines.

Be prepared to eventually lose cellular service during your long road trip. Download Google Maps ( iOS | Android ) for offline use, make sure all your apps are up to date, and download movies for entertainment. Doing as much of this as possible while connected to WIFI will prevent you from breaching a monthly data limit.

Plan to do laundry on the road

Depending on the length of the road trip, the activities you plan to enjoy along the way, and your fashion style, it just might not be possible to pack a new outfit for every single day. So rather than pack five suitcases stuffed with every stitch of clothing you own, consider doing laundry somewhere along the way.

As a rule of thumb, pack at least five of each type of clothing. Shorts, pants, tees, polos or blouses, underwear, and socks. On top of that, pack something for chilly nights and rain. This will give you about a week of clothing – but you’ll need to get used to wearing those shorts and that shirt more than once in between washing.

Buy a laundry bag and take it with you on the road trip. However, do not buy laundry detergent ahead of time. The heat and humidity will ruin most detergents and leave your car with an overwhelming smell. When you finally decide to do laundry, be sure to take enough quarters to complete your load, never leave your laundry unattended, and always use a laundromat during daylight hours.

Get organized

Organizing all your clothing, gear, food, and accessories is a crucial and often overlooked aspect of any long road trip. But, after two, three, or four weeks of restacking bags, hunting for that small item, and shifting cargo around every curve of the road, you’ll be on the edge of losing it.

Buy stuff sacks or use gallon-sized Ziplock bags to organize smaller items. Buy midsized duffel bags or plastic totes for organizing smaller bags. Stackable totes that can lock together are best for keeping the totes from sliding around in the vehicle. Label everything and always leave the most frequently used items on top.

Get plenty of sleep

The first few days of a long road trip, you’ll likely feel energized by the excitement and tempted to stay up 18 hours a day. I can typically keep that level of stamina going for about the first three weeks of constant travel – but eventually, everyone slows down.

Getting plenty of sleep is important to maintaining your mental and physical health, not to mention keeping morale high. Spending too much time traveling and not enough sleeping will eventually lead to exhaustion, depression, and moodiness.

On a long road trip, plan to take one or two days a week off from travel. Find a nice roadside motel, splurge on a super nice hotel with a free hot breakfast, or settle into a campground for two nights. Avoid the temptation to go out and explore the area – just focus on rest and relaxation.

Road Trip Along the Scenic Route from Gatlinburg to Asheville

Keep the car clean (inside and out)

The day before any road trip begins, I always find one of those really nice car washes with the conveyor belt that pulls the vehicle through a wash cycle. Then, after getting the exterior cleaned – included RainX and a tire shine – I visit the vacuum cleaners. There is no greater feeling than starting a long road trip with a squeaky-clean vehicle.

On long road trips, it will probably be necessary to do a little cleaning along the way. Car washes are easy enough. Instead of relying on their vacuum cleaners – or paying for them – consider buying the THISWORX Car Vacuum Cleaner . It uses 12v power with a removable collection bin and comes with a nice travel bag.

For an added touch, the Little Trees Vent Wrap Car Air Freshner’s “new car smell” will make your vehicle smell brand new after getting it clean.

Join a roadside rescue plan

Most auto insurance companies and cellular providers offer some sort of roadside assistance rescue plan. If you don’t have the option for either of those, consider buying a AAA membership to access their roadside rescue plan.

At the very least, roadside rescue plans will unlock a vehicle, tow your vehicle to safety, and provide gas in case you run out. Better plans will include longer towing distances and more gas. It’s the one thing you never think about until you need it – so this time, plan ahead.

Road Trip on the Scenic North Carolina Waterfall Byway

Keep up with monthly bills

Only about 40% of Americans use auto pay for monthly bills like utilities and credit card payments – I’m not one of them. One of the biggest mistakes with long road trips that last more than a month is forgetting to take care of those bills before you hit the road or somewhere during the trip.

It’s easy to pay those bills with the home computer with your login information saved, but could you pay those bills on the road with a cellphone or tablet? Be sure to take your login information with you and keep it in a safe location like a locked glovebox or portable security case. Add the due date for any bills to your travel itinerary – and remember that cellular service is not a guarantee everywhere.

Life Pro Trip: Many credit card companies and certain utilities allow you to choose a due date for your monthly bill. Aligning all these bills for the same due date makes it easier to keep up with – especially while you’re traveling.  

Leave room for souvenirs

I know I said “pack everything – including the kitchen sink” earlier, but don’t go overboard and fill the entire vehicle before you hit the road. More than likely, you will want to buy some souvenirs along the way.

Smaller souvenirs like clothing, décor, and Christmas ornaments – my favorite type of souvenir to buy – are easy enough to pack into a bag or tote in the vehicle. But if you buy more oversized items like artwork, glassware, or large gift items, ask the retailer if they can ship them to your home or a relative’s home for safekeeping. Often, the shipping is included, especially in areas of high tourism where they expect the buyers to be non-locals.

Insider Tip: An easy way to keep up with souvenirs on a long road trip is to mail them to a friend or relative. The Flat Rate boxes at the United States Postal Service come in several sizes and are indeed a single flat rate – ranging from about $5-$15 per box – no matter where you ship it in the continental U.S.

Bring your favorite ___________

Do you have a favorite coffee mug? Slippers? Or what about a television series you love to watch? Just because you’re going on a road trip doesn’t mean you can’t bring some of those with you.

Bringing your favorite items with you on a long road trip can help you feel more at home and relaxed. Instead of missing that perfect coffee mug or comfortable slippers, you’ll feel much better having them with you.

Have an itinerary but leave room for spontaneity

It’s always good to have a travel itinerary. It’s essential to know the business hours of museums, restaurants, and attractions, so you don’t arrive too late or on a day when they are typically closed. Building an itinerary can help you avoid those frustrations.

However, leave room for spontaneous detours that will inevitably come along during a long road trip. Be prepared for entire destinations to change as your route progresses. Take advice from locals and be willing to give something new a try!

Road Trip on the Blue Ridge Parkway

Fill all prescriptions and bring extra

For three years, I worked as a certified pharmacy technician at CVS/Pharmacy in Emerald Isle, North Carolina. During the hectic – sometimes chaotic – summer months, we would sometimes fill thousands of prescriptions in a single day. The most common type of prescription was for someone who had left the medication at home.

If you have any kind of regular medication, be sure to pack that for your trip. But for long road trips that last more than 30 days, you might run out while on the road. Make sure your prescription has refills on file with your pharmacy or take a new prescription with you – as long as it is not a controlled substance. If your insurance allows, consider getting two or three months’ worth filled at one time for your long road trip.

Watch out for 140-degree heat in the car

On sunny days during the summer months, vehicles’ internal temperatures can rise 30-40 degrees higher than the outside temperature. When I was a kid, I remember going for a walk to the Cape Hatteras Lighthouse during a family vacation. When we returned, my mom opened the back of the car to make snacks – only to discover the Cheese Whiz had exploded all over the car!

The high internal temperatures of vehicles can ruin more than just pressurized cans of food. Contact lenses, prescriptions, electronics, and coolers are all susceptible to damage from temperatures over 100 degrees.

You can reduce those internal temperatures by using a windshield sunshade. Close the sunshade on the moonroof. You may even consider buying curtains for the side windows – it’s not as silly as you might think.

Set a daily and final budget

My first road trip adventure of 2021 was a spontaneous, itinerary-free adventure along the Gulf Coast from Gulf Shores, Alabama, across Florida to Vero Beach. After a week exploring that area of Florida, I was considering heading south to Key West for what would have been my first visit. But when I looked at my bank account, my heart hit the floor when I realized my travel budget was at an end.

I’ve never been good at creating or keeping to a travel budget, and that resulted in a road trip cut short. So the better method is to create a daily budget and stick to it. But also give yourself leeway for those rare opportunities to do something awesome and set a final budget for the entire trip.

The advantage of a long road trip is that if you’re on the road long enough, you might just get an extra paycheck while you’re traveling. So how many vacation days do you have saved up for your long road trip?

Only travel by day

Some people only travel at night to avoid any traffic congestion at all – and that’s a good idea. But driving on unfamiliar roads at night poses some safety issues – not to mention what would happen if your vehicle broke down at 3 a.m.

The safest and surest way is to only travel by day. It will be much easier to keep aware of the unfamiliar road ahead, and you’re certain to get roadside assistance faster during normal business hours.

The Ultimate Road Trip on the Skyline Drive Through Shenandoah National Park

Choose the best road trip route

My #1 Rule for Road Trips is no interstate highways. There is just no reason to take a road trip route onto the interstate – you’ll miss everything along the way.

But what is the best road trip route? National scenic byways are a good start – there are dozens across the country. But sometimes, the most scenic or exciting road trip route is just a simple country road connecting interesting destinations. The best way to find those is to ask the locals – they always know the best route.

Document the trip

After returning home from an epic long road trip, it might be difficult to remember precisely where you found that amazing cheeseburger or savory salted caramel ice cream cone or watched that stunning sunset. It can be downright frustrating when you realize you don’t have a single photo to share or any clue where to find the name of that restaurant.

But what exactly does it mean to document the trip? I am not advocating for ten thousand photos plus an additional five thousand selfies from your long road trip. Don’t become one of those people who jump out of the car on the Blue Ridge Parkway just long enough for a selfie and then leave just as quickly.

It starts with the photos. Capture an exterior photo of every restaurant, museum, and attraction you visit – and be sure to include the name of the business. Capture an interior photo and then one or two photos of every meal or activity.

Take a journal. Jot down notes of the places you visit. Feelings. Smells. Sights. Take note of the business name, details of the food you eat, and reaction to museums. Draw pictures and maps, create word maps, put any word to paper that comes to mind. It will all be wonderful to see all the photos and notes again when your long road trip is finished.

Keep in touch with regular updates

One of the most important safety measures you can take during a long road trip is to let someone know where you are and where you are going by the end of the day. Particularly in places where cellular reception could be spotty, it’s good to tell someone that by nightfall, you should be at a particular destination and able to call them again.

That way, if your vehicle breaks down while in a cellular dead zone with little traffic, at least someone knows the route you were driving to send rescue your direction.

5 Responses

Great tips. Do you have a good app that we can use to track how our car is doing. So like we put in the mileage and it does the calculations for us of how many miles to gallon and stuff like that?

The best app I know about is called Mile IQ. It’s meant for contractors who have to keep up with their mileage for bookkeeping, but it works for road trippers as well. Give that a look and let me know if it works~!

Wrote down some of the tips that I want to remember before the trip. Changed the idea of minimizing clothing to being sure to cover (see what I did there) all bases. Like having a warm hoodie even though I am planning a trip, late June, to the South. Having something & not needing it is so much more logical that getting something I already have but not bringing it. Thank you for your tips.

Thank you very much for taking the time to put these tips together! Very helpful!

Great tips, thank you! My son is traveling the month of May on a solo road trip for the first time so wanted to pass these tips on to him!

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16 Things to Prepare for a Long trip – International Travel Checklist

What are the things to prepare for traveling long-term? What do you need to keep in mind and how can you be prepared for anything when you’re going on a long-term trip? Here’s an international travel checklist with an overview of what you need to prepare and know before going on a long-term adventure.

I still remember that feeling of excitement when I was preparing for my first solo long-term trip.

I was going to travel for a year to Australia and New Zealand. I had little travel experience and not really a clue what I was doing. I felt nervous and anxious about leaving my family, friends, and home but also thrilled for the adventure ahead.

When you’re about to go on a long-term trip, there are a lot of things to take care off. And while you’re preparing for that adventure into the unknown, you might also go through a variety of emotions for the upcoming trip.

You might feel overwhelmed at times by all the things you need to do at home (storing your belongings, arranging a postal address, saying goodbye to your loved ones), nervous about the trip ahead (am I really ready for this??) and hopefully also very excited for this new adventure.

I can fully relate to these feelings as I’ve been through it myself many times.

I’ve been living a nomad life for 10 years now. Every time I’m about to leave my home base and set out on a new adventure, I have to prepare myself physically and mentally for the next chapter of my journey.

Reading Tip: Why I decided to leave the grind and become a nomad

Throughout the years I’ve learned a lot through trial and error. Realizing you can’t enter a country because your passport is going to expire within 6 months or having your credit card blocked because you forgot to tell your bank you’re traveling to a new destination isn’t fun…

To avoid making the same mistakes, I’ve started making an international travel checklist for myself with all the things to prepare before traveling to my next destination(s).

I’m also sharing some useful tips and resources so you’re prepared for anything while traveling long-term!

Disclaimer: This posts might contain affiliate links, meaning that if you make a purchase through these links, I may earn an affiliate commission. Thank you for helping to support this website!

TABLE OF CONTENTS

International Travel Checklist – Essential documents to prepare before traveling

1. get a passport with enough visa pages.

Depending on how many countries you’re going to visit, make sure you have enough visa pages available in your passport.

Some countries request having a blank page for either an entry stamp or a visa. If you don’t have any blank pages left, you might be refused entry.

Upon applying for a new passport, check how many pages the standard passport of your country of residency has. If you’re planning on traveling a lot, you should consider requesting a 52-page passport.

Most countries also require your passport to have six months of remaining validity . As you never know how your trip will go, just always make sure your passport is valid for 6 months beyond your planned trip.

If you’re already traveling and you notice that you’re running out of visa pages or passport validity, you should be able to renew your passport in your embassy or consulate abroad.

Just keep in mind that it will take longer to receive a new passport when you apply for one abroad than it would in your home country.

2. Check the visa requirements of your destination(s)

Never forget to check the visa requirements of your destination(s) before you leave on your trip. Some countries offer a visa upon arrival, other countries require you to apply for a visa in advance.

Nowadays most countries have an e-visa portal through which you can apply for a visa online. However, there are still countries that only issue visas at their embassies.

For a few countries, such as China, you have to apply in person in your country of residency. Keep this in mind if you’re f.eg. planning an overland trip from Europe to Asia !

A great resource for checking the visa requirements for each country and how to apply is iVisa . This service also offers assistance if the application process turns out to be a bit complicated.

Another tip is to always keep track of the time you have on your visa . This might seem obvious but is often overlooked.

I once miscalculated the days on my 30-day visa for Bali. Upon departure at the airport, an immigration officer kept questioning me for more than an hour why I had overstayed my visa.

I wasn’t even aware of it until I realized I had miscalculated with one day… I had to pay a fine and was able to catch my flight to Malaysia just on time.

So don’t make the same mistake as me and also, don’t leave on the last day of your visa in case your flight is delayed or gets canceled… You don’t want to be stuck at the airport like Tom Hanks in The Terminal. I’ll tell you later on in this article what to do in case of flight cancellation.

3. Get an international driver’s license

You might initially not have plans to rent a car and drive yourself but if you go on a long-term trip, it’s always good to be prepared for anything. You never know that you suddenly feel like going on a road trip or that you have to drive in an emergency situation.

When I was hitchhiking from Ireland to Central Asia, I had no intention of driving myself but it gave me peace of mind knowing that I could if something would happen.

Not all countries require an international driver’s license but it’s good to have one in case you run into any issues.

4. Get proof of vaccination if required

Depending on where you’re going, you might need to get certain vaccinations. You can check here to see if your destination requires any mandatory vaccinations.

When I traveled to Africa many years ago, I had to get vaccinated for yellow fever or I wasn’t allowed to enter certain countries. I also got vaccinated for Hepatitis A & B, typhoid, diphtheria and tetanus. I’m telling you, I’m prepared for anything…

Nowadays it will also be important to check if you need proof of a COVID-19 vaccination or a negative PCR test result upon arrival at your destination.

5. Get an international debit or credit card, a travel card and cash

I always travel with 2 cards: an international debit card supported by Visa and a travel card. It’s good to have a backup in case one of the cards gets lost or stolen. That’s why you should never put your cards together in your wallet or handbag but instead keep them in separate places.

Most countries have ATMs nowadays but you need to check beforehand if you’re better of with a card supported by Visa or MasterCard . In countries like Kyrgyzstan, most ATMs only accept Visa cards.

Don’t forget to notify your bank that you’ll be using your card abroad. You don’t want them to block your debit or credit card when you need to withdraw money from an ATM abroad.

I also have a travel card from Wise (formerly known as TransferWise). You can easily open an account online and apply for a debit card that you can use worldwide to withdraw money at a very low fee (1.75%).

Some countries don’t have well-functioning ATMs yet, like Uzbekistan , so it’s also very useful to bring some emergency cash. US Dollars are accepted worldwide and usually have one of the best exchange rates.

And last but not least, carry local currency with you in case you go to a shop or restaurant that doesn’t accept credit cards.

Tip: Most airports have ATMs nowadays but charge a larger fee than ATMs in cities. The rates to exchange money at the airports are also usually higher. Only withdraw or exchange enough money to get from the airport to your hotel or hostel and get some local currency once you’re in the city.

6. Make copies of your travel documents

Once you have all of the above documents in order, make paper copies of them. It’s handy to have paper copies of your passport, driver’s license, etc. in case you lose your original ones or if they get stolen. That’s why you should store the copies in a separate bag than where you keep the original ones.

Tip: If you travel in countries that are known for bribing officials, never hand over your original documents. Give them a paper copy instead and say that you left the original ones in your hotel room.

Fortunately, I’ve never been in such a situation but I’ve heard horror stories of travelers in which the officials would only return their passports after they paid a huge bribe…

I also always have a scanned copy of my documents on my phone and on an online account that I can access on any device.

Things to prepare in case of unexpected circumstances

7. get long-term medical travel insurance.

Chances are that nothing will happen when you’re on the road but look at what 2020 has taught us…

From catching a weird virus to motorcycle accidents, lost luggage at the airport, pickpocketing, breaking your leg while  skiing , or falling during a horse trek , bad luck can strike you at the most unexpected moment.

Having medical travel insurance will be a blessing when you have to go to the hospital as you don’t want to spend your entire travel budget on medical costs.

For advice on what to do in case of flight cancellation and delay, read the section below.

Reading Tip: One of the Best Medical Travel Insurances for Nomads – SafetyWing Review

8. Know what to do in case of flight cancelation or flight problems

It can always happen that your flight gets delayed or canceled. Especially nowadays, due to the current situation, many airlines cancel flights last-minute.

Like many other travelers, I’ve had this happening to me in 2020. That’s when I found out about Flightright .

Flightright is a great platform to help you get to know your rights in case your flight is delayed or canceled, and they also offer assistance with flight problems caused by corona.

What to do if my flight is canceled? I firstly contact my airline to see if I can get a replacement flight or a refund. On top of that, I also check if I’m entitled to flight cancellation compensation.

To know how much compensation I can get for my canceled flight, I use Flightright’s free compensation calculator . They offer great advice to know your rights as a passenger and what you should do to claim your compensation.

If the airline refuses to pay, Flightright also has a team of travel law experts that offer legal services to enforce your claim.

So in case you’d encounter any problems with your flight (delays, cancellations, strikes, overbooking,…), definitely check out Flightright’s platform as they tell you in detail what you’re rights are and what to do!

9. Know who to contact in case of emergency

Keep the contact information of your local embassy on your phone or write it down and keep it close in case you encounter problems with local authorities.

I once had trouble with some police officers in Kyrgyzstan who were claiming I needed proof of registration to travel in the country. That wasn’t true as these regulations had changed in the last year.

These police officers were just trying to get a bribe out of me. I kept my calm but when they started using threats like having me arrested, I took out my phone and told them I was going to call my embassy. They immediately left me alone.

It’s also not a bad idea to register with your local embassy . You can email them or give them a quick call as soon as you’re at your destination.

If there would be an unforeseen problem in the country, your government will know that you’re there and will help you get to safety.

I’d also recommend installing the TripWhistle app on your phone. This app maps your location, allows you to text or send your GPS coordinates to someone, and provides you with the emergency numbers for the police, the fire department, and medical services in nearly 200 countries.

10. Keep a list of emergency contact info and stay connected with your home

As I often travel alone, I always carry a list with the contact details of my mother and sister in the form of a small card. I keep one in my wallet and one in my backpack.

I do this in case something would happen to me so medical professionals know who to contact.

If you have allergies, I would also write them down on a card. In case you need treatment and you can’t answer questions, the doctors at least will know what you’re allergic to.

I know that the list above seems a bit gloomy. I’m a very positive person and the chances that something happens on the road are very slim. It’s just always better to be safe than sorry and to be prepared for anything!

Now let’s move on to fun things to prepare for your upcoming adventure!

More Useful things to prepare for travel

11. essential travel items.

I’ll soon make a post of what I carry in my backpack as a long-term traveler. But no matter your destination and how long you go traveling, these are the items you should always pack:

• small first-aid kit including bandaids, antibacterial ointment, paracetamol, medicine for stomach illness,…
• hand sanitizer and toilet paper
• small flashlight
• portable charger
• universal travel adapter
• reusable water bottle with a filter so you can safely drink tap water wherever you are
• pen and paper : very useful to take notes, fill in papers at customs,…
• protein bars or snacks : if you want to be prepared for anything, make sure to have some food with you!
• thread and needle travel kit : very handy when there’s a rip in your bag or clothing

Read: What’s in My Camera Bag – Essential Gea r for Travel Photographers

12. Useful travel apps

It’s crazy to think that when I started traveling in 2011, smartphones and travel apps didn’t exist yet.

I used to find my way around places by using a foldable paper map, find accommodation by reading suggestions from a guide book or knocking on doors,… So much has changed in the last decade!!

I might sometimes feel nostalgic about those good old-school travel days but some travel apps have made things a lot easier.

Here are the travel apps I find most useful and are worldwide accessible:

• Google Maps or any GPS app to find your way around places. I also download maps for offline use.
• Google Translate : this app translates into 103 languages, has access to nearly 60 languages for offline use, offers camera translation in 37 languages (handy to read signs or menus) and has two-way instant speech translation available in 32 languages
• XE Currency Converter : this app quickly provides up-to-day currency rates and you can also use it offline.
• GlobeTips : this app advises you how to tip appropriately in more than 200 countries. It also offers a tip calculator.
• Booking.com : there are many apps that help you find (last-minute) accommodation. I always use the booking.com app to find good deals that suit my budget.

13. Book first night accommodation

I’m an adventurous traveler and like spontaneous travel but I always book my first night’s accommodation in a new country in advance.

I’m usually tired after a flight or a long day of overland travel and it puts my mind at ease knowing that I have a place to relax for at least one night upon arrival.

It gives me the time to arrive, to adjust to my new environment, to explore the area, and prepare for the next steps of my journey.

Reading Tip: The Ultimate Guide to Finding Cheap and Free Accommodation around the World

14. Research your destination

I always do some research about the countries I’m visiting. Not only to have an idea of which places I would like to see but also to have some knowledge about the local culture and customs.

I don’t want to be an ignorant traveler thinking that the rules and etiquette from my home country are the same everywhere else in the world.

Research the dress code. You really don’t want to be that girl wearing short dresses in a conservative country or that guy wearing shorts and sandals while visiting religious sites.

Know what is allowed and not to avoid misunderstandings. When I was hitchhiking from Ireland to Central Asia, I had to be very aware of my hand gestures. In some countries, a thumbs-up means the same as putting up your middle finger…

Remember that you’re a visitor. If you invite someone into your home, you would like them to respect your rules and customs. Do the same when you’re traveling, even if those customs don’t align with yours. It’s part of the travel experience.

15. Learn basic phrases

People love it when they hear you’re trying to speak their native tongue. They’ll react with amazement, give you a big smile, and won’t label you as “just another tourist”.

They’re happy when a foreigner puts effort into learning their language, even if it’s just basic phrases like “hello, how are you, thank you,…” and they’ll respect you for that.

By learning the basics of the local language, doors that otherwise would remain closed have opened.

I’ve been countless times invited for a drink, a meal or a sleeping place. People quickly open up if they hear you’re putting effort into learning their language.

Learning the local language has been a very enriching experience and taught me more about the country than if I would just visit its historical and tourist sites.

Reading Tip: 7 Reasons why you should learn a foreign language

16. Be flexible and have a positive and open mindset

There’s this saying ” If you want to make God laugh, tell him about your plans”. This is oh so true!

Nothing ever goes as planned, especially when you’re traveling. Unexpected things will happen. It’s part of the adventure and the journey.

I’ve learned to be flexible, have an open mind, and approach unforeseen events with a positive mindset. Every challenge is an invitation to learn and whatever came my way, it always brought me where I’m supposed to be.

I hope this travel checklist is helpful and that you’re feeling more prepared for your upcoming adventure! If you’d have more questions, feel free to leave a comment or send me a private message.

Do you have more things to add to this international travel checklist? Do you have more tips and resources that are useful to be prepared for anything on the road? Let me know in the comments below!

MORE USEFUL POST ABOUT LONG-TERM TRAVEL:

The Ultimate List of 23 Countries with Digital Nomad Visas (for remote workers)

What is the best Affordable Travel Insurance for Backpackers? The 3 Best Backpacker Travel Insurance Companies Compared

Travel and volunteer abroad for free with these 4 work exchange programs

The Complete Guide to Teach English Online with 37 Online Teaching schools and Platforms

4 Realistic and Best Ways to Find Free Accommodation for Travellers

How to Make Money While Traveling the World including the 12 Best Travel Jobs

2 thoughts on “16 things to prepare for a long trip – international travel checklist”.

Your article is very helpful, especially for the beginner.

Thank you Jay

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35 Tips To Prepare For Long Journeys

Written by Jessica Taylor 2 Comments

The holiday season will quickly be upon us and many folks travel during this busy season. Our guest author today has a load of helpful tips for travelers – 35 to be exact – and they're all practical and useful.

If you are going on a long journey, you need to put in a number of sensible checks before you leave. These checks depend on whether you plan to travel by car, bus, train, motorcycle or a combination of all of these. We’ve organized 35 things that will help you prepare for long journeys, no matter what mode of travel you choose.

Traveling By Car: General Tips

Use satellite navigation along with manual maps and landmarks for navigation.

Plan your car journey in such a way as to ensure you don’t pass through busy locations during peak traffic times. This will only add stress to your journey.

You have to depend on the conditions of roads, so be prepared to encounter road works and constructions en route. Plan for such delays.

Take a break every two hours to avoid tiredness and loss of concentration. If you are traveling with family or partners, take turns driving.

Stop your car every few hours on the wayside, open the doors and the trunk and let it air out. This will keep it from stinking up inside.

If you have young children, plan on driving through the night as they are more likely to be asleep.

Distribute the luggage evenly to prevent listing in the car. Listing on one side or the other can be dangerous if you are traveling steep roads.

Make sure that if you have a flat tire, you’re quickly able to retrieve the spare tire. Don’t pile up your entire luggage on the spare tire.

Traveling By Car: Traveling With Kids

Ensure that your child seats are securely fastened; fix booster seats children under 12.

Turn off the airbag if a baby is traveling in the front in a baby seat, or else put the baby in the back.

Don’t forget the entertainment; carry DVDs, plenty of music, headsets, a few card games, puzzle games and handheld game stations for your kids.

Traveling By Car: Prepare Your Car

Before traveling, check your car for the proper tire pressures, any tire damage and check if you have a spare tire on board. Maintain tire pressure for the number of people traveling with you.

Check if you have your jack and basic car-servicing tools in your trunk.

Check the state of your windscreen wipers and carry sufficient screen wash.

Give your car a thorough once over at your garage before starting on your journey.

Make sure your tire tread is at least 1.6 mm, which is the legal requirement. Worn tires expand in wet weather, which changes your handling and increases your stopping distance.

Check your engine and keep an eye on the water and oil levels to avoid overheating or a breakdown.

Test your windscreen; your windscreen wiper reservoir should be full and the wipers should not be damaged.

Traveling By Bus Or Train

Some trains and buses have luggage restrictions, so always make sure to check. Generally, you can take as many bags and pillows as you want, as long as you don’t encroach on other travelers’ space.

Pack sufficient books, toys, music and games to keep young ones occupied, as there’s nothing much to do on bus journeys.

Long bus journeys can be hard on your back, so take support pillows for your neck and back.

Your feet may swell, so take relaxed rubber footwear and warm socks for bus travel.

Carry blankets and sweaters for night travel, since not all buses come with internal heating.

Get up from your seat, stretch your legs and move your arms and down when traveling by bus. This will keep your blood circulation going and keep your feet from swelling and cramping.

Research Your Destination

Create a map of your route and clearly mark the various temporary destinations on the way.

Print out the addresses, phone numbers and names of contact persons of places where you want to stay on the way.

If you have friends and contacts on your route, make sure you carry their addresses and phone numbers.

Don’t forget to thoroughly research your travel destinations before you set off. You need to know about emergency services, hospitals, recommended and safe accommodations and costs, and other things.

Before you leave, look up Google Maps and map gas stations, eateries, rest house points, pubs, and camping spots on your route. Print out the maps you need and mark necessary points clearly using different color pens.

Things To Carry

Mobile phone, hands free kit and mobile phone charger

Warm clothing, extra blankets, pillows and a rug

A couple of torches and torch batteries

Vehicle breakdown service telephone number and your membership number

Fight The Fear Factor

Many people are scared of taking off on long journeys. Things such as crime, theft, the need for travel immunizations, bad food and traveling alone put them off. Remember that the excitement of the unknown more than makes up for the fear of the unknown.

Don’t Buy Too Much!

New travelers tend to over-organize and buy expensive, unnecessary items for their impending trips. Take only necessities. Don’t load up on luggage or else you’ll be left lugging it everywhere and ruin your trip.

Reader Interactions

April 15, 2013 at 7:44 am

Helpful tips man! I have read out all the tips which have been given in this article and to read this it seems to me that when we go to the long journey at that time this sort of tips will help a lot by reducing any kind of problem and as a result we will complete our journey without any risk. Thanks for providing this tips.

Margherita Gleaves says

January 15, 2014 at 7:31 pm

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• Packing Lists

The Ultimate Long-trip Packing List

Here’s all the clothing, gear, and accessories you need for your next extended getaway.

Packing Checklist for a Long Trip

Clothing and shoes, accessories.

• Why Trust T+L

We independently evaluate all recommended products and services. If you click on links we provide, we may receive compensation. Learn more .

Travel & Leisure / David Hattan

I spent one year living out of a carry-on suitcase, and if it taught me anything, it’s that I don’t need much else. As a lifelong hoarder — the kind who keeps a stash of shells from beach walks and boxes of boarding pass stubs from every flight I’ve ever taken — it’s been immensely liberating to learn that everything I need to go from a beachy Maldives getaway to hiking Sicily’s Mount Etna and working the grape harvest in France can all fit in a carry-on suitcase. 

Packing for an extended trip looks very different from packing for a business trip or weeklong vacation. You’ll need to consider the various destinations and climates you’ll encounter along the way, plus what essentials you won’t be able to get elsewhere (think: prescription medications or your go-to skincare products). 

While it pays to be prepared, you typically can buy or borrow most things you’d need wherever you’re off to, so don’t stress over items you think won’t get much use. The goal is to travel as light as possible, making sure every item in your suitcase serves multiple functions and is generally neutral in color to maximize all mix-and-match outfit potential.

Here, I’ve rounded up the fruits of all my packing trials and errors, along with some tips and picks tested by Travel + Leisure editors for what to bring along on your next extended trip. The products that made this list are those that we have found, tested, and rated highly in the T+L lab and in real-world tests, in addition to other products we chose based on in-depth research. Beyond these pieces, remember to always include your general travel essentials, like a passport and any necessary visas or vaccination cards. 

One of the easiest hacks for becoming a better packer is to make a list of everything you need and want for your trip — then to nix about half of your wants. You’ll be shocked by how little you’ll miss them when you’re chasing a new adventure every day, but you’ll be grateful to have your essentials on hand in unfamiliar places. The list also makes for a handy reference point for all future travels (it’s a good idea to edit it after a trip, when it’s fresh in your mind which pieces got the most use and which never came out of your suitcase), and it helps ensure you won’t forget anything when repacking. 

Read on for everything you need to pack for an extended trip, and learn more about each recommendation below.

• Best Lightweight Jacket: Patagonia Nano Puff Jacket
• Best Travel Outfit: Reformation Rou Knit Dress
• Best Travel Pants: Everlane the Easy Pant
• Best Sneakers: On Cloud 5 Women's Running Shoe
• Best Travel Sandals: Sandalup Elastic Flat Sandals
• Best Comfy Boots: Blondo Danika Waterproof Bootie
• Best Steamer: Steamery Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer
• Best Camera: Sony ZV-1 
• Best Wash Bag: Scrubba Portable Wash Bag
• Best Reusable Water Bottle: Thermoflask Double Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle With Two Lids
• Best Hotspot Router: GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot 
• Best E-reader: Amazon All New Kindle (2022)
• Best Packing Cube Set: Gonex Compression Packing Cubes
• Best Toiletry Bag: Away Large Toiletry Bag
• Best Travel Tote: Longchamp Le Pliage Original  
• Best Daily Sunscreen: Supergoop Unseen Sunscreen

When packing for a longer trip, focus on lightweight, versatile pieces. Once your list is written out, you’ll be able to see that some items may be superfluous and could be replaced by a piece that does double duty (think swapping short-sleeve and long-sleeve shirts for one shirt with sleeves you can roll up or taking an oversized scarf that also works as a shawl and a swimsuit cover-up that doubles as a picnic blanket instead of a single-use sweater). Shoes should be multi-functional as well, ideally able to take you from a day of sight-seeing to a night on the town. I always opt for neutral pieces that I can layer easily — ideally in quick-drying materials. To keep footwear to the essentials, I limit myself to one pair of sneakers, sandals that take me from day to night, and flip-flops that double as shower shoes. 

Best Lightweight Jacket

Patagonia women's nano puff jacket.

Hyper-lightweight and easy to pack into its own pocket, Patagonia’s Nano Puff Jacket easily earned top marks when T+L editors tested 19 packable jackets for women . The minimalist puffer, which is made from recycled materials and comes in seven hues, weighs just 10 ounces, making it an absolutely essential layer for travelers. Despite its sleek profile, it’s packed with 60 grams of PrimaLoft Gold Insulation Eco, which will keep you warm in shoulder seasons or in cold airplane cabins. It’s also slim enough to layer over or under other items, making it a versatile addition to your year-round wardrobe. During testing, we loved how subtle the packing pocket is — it’s hidden beside the chest zipper — and we found it simple and straightforward to stuff the jacket inside the handy pocket. There’s even a loop on it to hook onto a carabiner or to hang it up. 

This jacket would be even better if it also included a hood. Otherwise, it features a range of travel-friendly features that they found incredibly useful, from zippered pockets to keep your hands warm to elasticized cuffs and an adjustable hem that help keep wind and cold weather out. 

Travel + Leisure / Sabrina Weiss

Best Travel Outfit

Reformation rou knit dress.

Reformation

This swishy Reformation dress is my go-to for every longhaul flight or train ride. It feels like wearing pajamas but looks incredibly pulled-together, making it easy to head straight from the airport to exploring my next destination. The material is ultra lightweight and cozy and has stood the test of time over the past few years, keeping me company in all sorts of climates as it’s summery on its own but layers well under a chunky sweater. Even if you’re not a dress person, this will change your mind. 

Best Travel Pants

Everlane the easy pant.

Looking for a versatile pair of pants that can take you from the airport to a day of sightseeing and dinner with friends? The Easy Pant from Everlane has got you covered. Made from substantial and soft cotton twill with just a touch of elastane, these breathable straight-leg pants are made to move with you. While they’re not adjustable at the waist, we love the pull-on style, and the fact that there’s no drawstring allows you to easily dress these up or down for any occasion. 

These were part of a T+L lab test for best travel pants, and we found them incredibly comfortable and easy to style. The pants never felt tight or constricting. Out of the 40 pairs of travel pants tested , these were our favorite lightweight pick. We also loved the many features, including four deep pockets, a soft elastic waistband, and the ease of cleaning. When we tossed these in the wash during testing, we were delighted to see there was no pilling on the pants whatsoever afterward. 

Best Sneakers

On cloud 5 women's running shoe.

Made from recycled polyester that’s both antimicrobial and breathable, these sneakers from On are a game changer for travelers. Their lightweight construction makes them perfect for smushing into your suitcase and wandering around a new city, and the bungee-style laces are a dream for slipping these on-and-off at TSA. Out of 41 pairs of walking shoes tested by T+L , these were one of the favorites thanks to their CloudTec Zero-Gravity foam that infuses some pep in every step. One of our editors wore them through the airport on long-haul travel days and found that their feet were less inflamed and tired than usual at the end of the day. We were impressed by the amount of arch support and the molded heel design, which helps keep feet secure while still allowing plenty of flexibility. 

While these are our favorite all-purpose sneakers, if you need dedicated running shoes, consider a pair of fashionable yet-functional black Nikes that you can wear for working out and walking around during the day.

Travel + Leisure / Ashleigh Morley

Best Travel Sandals

Sandalup elastic flat sandals.

Top-notch travel sandals shouldn’t take up much space in your suitcase and should be versatile enough to mix and match with most everything you’ve packed. The Sandalup Elastic Flat Sandals earned top pick in T+L testing for the most comfortable sandals out of 50 pairs. They require minimal space when you pack them together and are available in a bevy of vibrant hues to suit your personal style. While the sandals are relatively thin and lacking arch support, they’re still noticeably comfortable — we found them easy to walk in for hours at a time and never noticed our feet getting overheated or sweaty even in the Florida heat. Best of all, the elastic straps adjust immediately to your foot, so there’s no need to break them in. The lack of a buckle or tie to fuss over makes this a boon for travelers in need of a low-maintenance, polished, and budget-friendly sandal. 

Best Comfy Boots

Blondo danika waterproof bootie.

We put these boots to the ultimate test as one T+L editor brought them along as the only pair of shoes for a week-long sightseeing trip in Eastern Canada. The risk paid off: our editor found them comfortable enough to wear right out of the box, and they felt broken-in immediately as they navigated the cobbled streets of Quebec City and Montreal. We found that they’re best paired with taller socks to prevent socks from slipping down, and we loved the convenience of their pull-on design, made even easier by the elastic gusset and handy pull tab on the back. Plus, they’re water-resistant! As far as rain boots go, these are some of the chicest we’ve seen — and we tested 28 pairs of comfy boots . We found them versatile enough to throw on with jeans and your favorite band T-shirt or with a dress for a more evening-appropriate look. 

Beyond clothing and shoes, there’s some great travel gear that will serve you well on longer trips, from reusable water bottles to portable steamers. The key is to keep things lightweight. Decide what’s easier to bring versus buying on arrival. In most destinations, you’ll be able to purchase, rent, or borrow whatever you may need, but if you’re heading somewhere more remote, make sure to keep these essentials in your carry-on.  

Best Steamer

Steamery cirrus 3 travel steamer.

Carrying a portable steamer has been a game changer in my travels. Living out of a suitcase means my clothes are semi-permanently wrinkled, and being able to steam them in seconds ensures I look more put together than I really am. Steamery’s Cirrus 3 Iron Steamer also reduces odors and kills bacteria, which helps me get by on fewer washes with certain items. While it’s not the cheapest option on the market, it certainly beats the cost of pressing your clothes at hotels over time, and it’s lightweight enough (1.7 pounds) to be a worthwhile addition to any carry-on.

Best Camera

Sony zv-1 digital camera.

A good camera is a traveler’s best friend, whatever the length of your trip. But the longer the journey, the happier you’ll be to have one that’s lightweight and easily packable — and one that is capable of capturing the highlights of your trip. Sony’s ZV-1 is designed for digital content creators and is ultra user-friendly, with top-tier video capability, 3x optical zoom, and a flip-out LCD screen that helps ensure you get the best selfies every time. 

Best Wash Bag

Scrubba portable wash bag.

Why sit around a laundromat when you could be out exploring a new city? While you might luck out with a vacation rental that has a washing machine and dryer, knowing that you can clean your clothes wherever you are offers peace of mind when you’re trying to limit how much you pack. Scrubba’s portable wash bag takes up next-to-no space in my suitcase, weighs just 5.3 ounces, and is perfect for cleaning small-to-medium loads. The patented washboard-in-a-bag technology helps rub stains out of clothes in 1-2 minutes. The best part is that you can also use it as a laundry bag when it’s dry. 

Best Reusable Water Bottle

Thermoflask double wall vacuum insulated stainless steel water bottle.

The Thermoflask Double Stainless Steel Insulated Water Bottle will keep you hydrated on the go, whether you’re sightseeing, working remotely , or on a longhaul flight. At just 1.1 pounds, the 18-ounce model is easy to tote around thanks to its comfortable grip and convenient carrying handle, and the vacuum-insulated, stainless steel coating keeps beverages cold for 24 hours or hot for 12 hours. This was our best overall pick out of the 26 reusable water bottles we tested — we found that this one was the most durable and convenient to use. We love that it comes with two different lid styles: the chug cap is perfect for travelers looking to sip on the go, plus it’s leakproof, so there’s no need to stress if you need to throw it in your bag, and there’s also a straw lid that delivers a steady flow if that’s your ideal sipping style. 

Travel + Leisure / Conor Ralph

Best Hotspot Router

Glocalme g4 pro 4g lte mobile hotspot.

This mobile hotspot is a must for digital nomads and is helpful for anyone who needs stronger internet connectivity in more far-flung destinations. The GlocalMe G4 Pro 4G LTE Mobile Hotspot has a sleek, streamlined design and a proprietary Cloud SIM technology, which allows you to choose pay-as-you-go internet packages in 144 countries around the globe and connect up to 10 devices. The best part? The hotspot comes with one free gigabyte of international data, which you can use over the course of three months.

Best E-reader

Amazon kindle paperwhite.

As someone who spent years packing my personal item with books that I barely made a dent in, carrying an e-reader has helped to lighten my load and allows me more freedom of choice when it comes to picking out what I want to read, when I want to read it. Amazon’s 2023 edition is super compact — just 6.9 by 4.9 inches and 7.23 ounces — making it easy to slip into your purse. T+L editors love this model for its waterproof design and easy-to-read, 6.8-inch display. 

Handy travel accessories like compression packing cubes and toiletry bags are great for staying organized on longer journeys, helping you to condense and keep track of your belongings at a glance. Packing a foldable, multipurpose tote not only serves you well on day trips, you can also slip it into another bag in case you do a little too much shopping on the go. These are some of my favorite accessories for longer trips.

Best Packing Cubes

Gonex compression packing cubes.

This set of four packing cubes is essential for travelers looking to save space in their suitcase and stay organized on a longer journey by compressing their clothing into individual cubes. T+L editors named Gonex’s Compression Packing Cubes the best overall packing cube out of 23 tested thanks to its sturdy zippers, water-repellent nylon exterior, and resistance to tearing when overstuffed. The packing cubes come in four sizes: extra-large (17.3 x 13 x 3.54 inches), large (14.5 x 10.6 x 3.54 inches), medium (11.8 x 8.9 x 3.54 inches), and small (9.8 x 7.5 x 3.54 inches) to pack anything you need.

Travel + Leisure / Vicky Wasik

Best Toiletry Bag

Away large toiletry bag.

Away’s Large Toiletry Bag holds more than it looks like it would and has ample organizational features to help you keep track of all your travel essentials, from haircare products and makeup to cotton swabs. T+L editors managed to pack in makeup brushes, foundation, a compact mirror, and several toiletries with room to spare during testing, in turn ultimately voting this the best overall toiletry bag of the year. There’s a sleek exterior zip pocket to allow you easy access to your must-haves, plus several interior compartments, including a zippered pouch; two mesh linings; and a clear, cosmetic-style bag. The bag’s water-resistant nylon exterior is smooth to the touch, while the wipeable material that coats the inside helps to prevent dreaded spills. 

Travel + Leisure / Tamara Staples

Longchamp Large Le Pliage Tote

There’s no better foldable bag to keep in your luggage than an iconic Longchamp Le Pliage. I’ve tried everything from tote bags to squishable duffel bags and always come back to this classic for its durability, chic design, near-weightlessness (10 ounces for the large; 7.7 ounces for the medium ), and its two handy internal storage pockets. The bag sits at the bottom of my suitcase in case I overdo it on souvenirs and need extra space, or if I need a place to store a few days worth of clothes but don’t feel like lugging my luggage around on a weekend trip. I’m not alone in my obsession — T+L surveyed its team members, and six different people claimed it as their favorite lightweight travel tote thanks to the bag’s portability, sleek style, and built-to-last design. 

Best Daily Sunscreen

Supergoop unseen sunscreen spf 40.

A good go-to sunscreen is crucial for everyday skin protection, especially when you’re changing climates and might be traveling in destinations where the sun is stronger than you’re used to. Supergoop’s cult-favorite Unseen Sunscreen is velvety smooth and absorbs instantly, without leaving any sticky residue. It’s scentless, chemical-free, and boasts broad-spectrum SPF 40 to help protect your face from sun damage. It earned a spot as the best unscented sunscreen out of 24 face sunscreens tested by T+L for its lightweight and pleasant consistency, as well as its lack of white cast. 

Travel + Leisure / Jhett Thompson

Frequently Asked Questions

While the amount of clothing you bring will depend on whether you’re carrying on or checking a bag, a good rule of thumb is to pack one week’s worth of clothing and plan to do laundry. A baseline checklist might include four tops, three bottoms, three pairs of shoes (make sure to have a variety for different activities like sneakers, sandals, and hiking boots), a week’s worth of underwear and socks, plus a hat. From there, adjust to your own needs — maybe swapping a top and bottom for a dress, or adding in one or two workout outfits. Your packing list will also depend on where you’re traveling to and what activities you plan on doing there.

On shorter trips, when you’re less likely to be experiencing major climate swings, you can ditch some of your layers at home. For longer travel, layering is the most crucial thing to keep in mind while packing so that you can jet from place to place without worrying if you have weather-appropriate clothing. Lightweight jackets, scarves, rollable T-shirts, and loose-fitting pants are great pieces that can carry you through all sorts of scenarios on a trip that lasts longer than two weeks. 

Why Trust Travel + Leisure

Sophie Dodd is a T+L contributor with extensive commerce writing experience. As a freelance travel writer, she takes several extended trips throughout the year, and is well-versed in what it takes to pack for a variety of different adventures. Sophie relied on her personal experience as well as testing insights from our editors, who tried out dozens of products in the T+L lab and during their own travels in order to narrow down the best clothing, gear, and accessories worth packing for a long trip. 

Love a great deal? Sign up for our T+L Recommends newsletter and we'll send you our favorite travel products each week. 

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• Road Travel

How to Prepare for a Long Car Trip

Last Updated: June 14, 2022 Approved

This article was co-authored by Tom Eisenberg . Tom Eisenberg is the Owner and General Manager of West Coast Tires & Service in Los Angeles, California, a family-owned AAA-approved and certified auto shop. Tom has over 10 years of experience in the auto industry. Modern Tire Dealer Magazine voted his shop one of the Best 10 Operations in the Country. wikiHow marks an article as reader-approved once it receives enough positive feedback. In this case, 87% of readers who voted found the article helpful, earning it our reader-approved status. This article has been viewed 179,937 times.

One day your friend calls you up and asks if you want to take a trip with them. You say yes, pack excitedly, and then ask your friend how you're getting there. If they say you're going by car, you'd better be ready.

Getting Ready Ahead of the Trip

• Download what you need. Want the hottest new songs to listen to during the car ride? Download it. Want to get the new game that just came out? Download it. Want to watch the movie your friends say is awesome? Download it. Don't wait for the last minute to download new songs, apps, and movies.

• If you are one of several who drives, create a schedule to figure out who drives when and where.
• Plan when you will take rest stops and when you will get food.

• Pack comfortably.

• Pack a pillow to sleep well.
• You could go to your local library and check out books. Or get new books on your Kindle. Books are a good and easy way to pass time in the car. You could also get magazines or newspaper articles.
• Talk to your family. Find out who wants to watch which movie at what time. It can become a big problem when you all want to watch a different movie or listen to different music.

• Pretzels, chips
• Cheese sticks
• Veggies such as celery bite-sized pieces, carrot sticks and cherry tomatoes
• Fruit such as mandarins and apple slices.

• 6 Pack emergency supplies. In case there's a breakdown or accident, pack blankets, torches, a first aid kit including painkillers, drinking water and extra snacks.

On the Day of the Trip

• Don't fight over seating. Switch around and share the different places.
• Be considerate of anyone who gets very sick in the back seat––let them sit in the front.
• If the car is busy, try not to sit by someone who annoys you.

Expert Q&A

• If you are traveling for a long time, bring a bottle of water to keep you hydrated. Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 0
• Healthy food is key, but that doesn't mean no sweets. Bring a few candies or a tupperware of cookies, or make a special stop for sweets. This stop gives you something to look forward to besides arriving at your destination Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 1
• If you are bringing movies, bring ones that everyone will like to watch. Thanks Helpful 9 Not Helpful 0

• If you're prone to travel sickness, take a travel sickness tablet before leaving, and take the packet in your bag just in case. Even those who aren't sensitive to travel sickness can get queasy at times. Thanks Helpful 147 Not Helpful 19
• Check your car a couple days before hand so you don't have to worry about it breaking down on your trip. Thanks Helpful 116 Not Helpful 17
• Don't bring a bag of entertainment items that is too large; chances are, you won't use all the items in the overstuffed bag and it takes up valuable floor space, which will just make the car feel more stuffy and overcrowded. Thanks Helpful 14 Not Helpful 1
• Don't wait until the last minute to get gas, as there might not be a gas station around. Get gas when you can only go 5-10 miles, so you have enough gas to go to a gas station. Thanks Helpful 1 Not Helpful 1

You Might Also Like

• ↑ https://lifehacker.com/how-to-survive-long-road-trips-without-going-crazy-1699784546
• ↑ https://apassionandapassport.com/long-road-trip-checklist-tips-and-tricks/
• ↑ https://lifehacker.com/how-to-plan-the-perfect-road-trip-1581847075

About This Article

The key to making a long car trip fun is preparing the right entertainment and necessities. Pack things like tablets, handheld game consoles, books, and travel pillows. Don't forget some water and snacks, like pretzels, potato chips, fruit, gum, and mints. You should also bring some emergency supplies, like blankets, flashlights, extra food, and a first aid kit, in case you break down and have to spend the night on the roadside. Wear comfy clothes for the road trip so you don’t get too stiff. Plan a few rest stops throughout the journey so you can stretch your legs and use the restroom. If there are a few of you who can drive, consider taking shifts so the driver doesn't get too bored or tired. For more tips, including how to keep the car tidy on a long trip, read on! Did this summary help you? Yes No

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• Travel Tips

Travel Experts Share Their Post-Trip Recovery Tips

Remember to allot yourself that extra day of pto..

Published on 7/13/2023 at 10:09 AM

There’s nothing worse than feeling like you need a vacation… from your vacation. Trips, as marvelous and eye-opening as they can be, can also be taxing on the body, and the physical exhaustion coupled with the post-vacay blues always makes for a rough return to normal life. But there are a number of ways to make that transition a bit easier, like allotting yourself an extra day of PTO, resisting the urge to nap, and—as much as we might not want to—unpacking as soon as you get home.

We spoke to seasoned travelers about pressing the reset button after a long journey. Take their advice and the only thing weighing on your mind will be the cherished memory of trips passed.

“The best post-travel routine actually starts before you get home! Those daily rituals that help you feel your best—take them with you if you can. I find that having my morning matcha at the hotel or a cup of bone broth instead of airport food helps me stay balanced, especially when I’m not fully in control of my schedule. You’ll enjoy your trip without letting the wheels fall off entirely, and it’ll pay off on the other end.

Movement is also really important post-travel. I find it helps me get my sleep cycle and digestion back in sync after being off my routine. Try to get back to your regular workout schedule as soon as possible—your body will thank you.” — Lisa Odenweller, CEO and Founder, Kroma Wellness

“If I’ve been traveling internationally or for a longer period of time, I like to give myself at least one day to recover before I have to go back to work. During that day, I’ll unpack and catch up on anything I need to do to prepare for my work week, like shopping for groceries.” – Kori Perten, Senior Editor, Thrillist

​“For me, a trip ends a lot like how it started: with packing. As soon as I get home, I unpack and repack for the next trip. I have a double set of necessities I like to keep in my carry on, including travel-sized toiletries and makeup, so it's a matter of restocking to prepare for my next trip. That way, I don't have to worry about forgetting things, and it takes a lot of decision-making out of the whole process. I have a special place for travel items at home, including my passport, electronic adapters, and other specialty items like a travel-sized hair dryer or small umbrella to grab as needed.” – Juliana Broste, Travel Video Journalist, TravelingJules

“As someone who has traveled for more than 20 years and to more than 40 countries, I know a thing or two about readjusting and recovery. Although my techniques have changed over the years, my most recent habits include flying on overnight flights as much as I can [for] international travel; drinking a lot of water to stay hydrated before, during, and after my flight; and usually trying to give myself at least 12 hours to reset before I return to work or any other 'normal life' responsibility. If I can achieve the trifecta, then I'm good to go!” – Nicole Cueto, Advisor and Travel Expert, FORA

“It’s so tempting to sink straight into bed after a long-haul flight, especially if you don’t sleep well on planes. This can be a huge mistake. Your body will stick to its old rhythm, and you’ll end up lying awake all night and feeling fatigued the next day. If you really have to snooze, keep it short—a two-hour nap is enough of a boost without destroying your chances of a good night’s sleep.

Get some sunlight. Our bodies are designed to respond to daylight—we want to be awake when the sun’s out and asleep when it’s dark. No matter how tired you feel during the day, do your best to get out into the sun for a stroll to fight jet lag. When it’s finally bedtime, you might find that you don’t fall asleep right away—even if you’ve been on the verge of dropping off all day. If that’s the case, try to make your sleep area as relaxing as possible. Keep hold of the earplugs and eye mask from your amenity kit and put your electronics away. Give yourself a 30- to 60-minute wind-down period with no electronics, turn on the fan for a bit of white noise, and draw the curtains so it’s pitch dark.” – Laura Lindsay, Global Travel Trends Expert, Skyscanner

“If I'm adjusting to a significant time change, I'll sometimes use a free app called Timeshifter, which creates a sleep routine leading up to the return from a trip to help combat jet lag. It worked well when I returned home on a direct 15-hour flight from Sydney to Vancouver last year.” – Bianca Bujan, Travel Writer and Editor, Bits of Bee

“Because the body can only adjust to one to two hours of time change per day, it’s best to start acclimating to the post-travel time zone at least a few days before. So traveling from east to west, try to stay up later at night and get up a little later in the days prior to travel. The opposite is true when traveling west to east—get up earlier and go to bed earlier. Even with these strategies, recognize that when traveling east to west, you are likely to be up early and less alert later in the day for the first few days, so it’s best not to schedule any taxing activities later in the day. If [you’re] working, plan to go in early and leave early. When traveling from the west, avoid scheduling appointments in the morning as the brain will still be asleep.” – Dr. Gene Delaune, Senior Consultant, Allianz Travel Insurance

“After I get back from a trip, whether it’s an overnight or a two-week long adventure, I immediately do laundry. I’m lucky enough to have a washer and dryer in my apartment now, but even before then, I would always empty out my suitcase into the hamper and truck it over to the laundromat as soon as humanly possible. Sitting in a plane all day can make a person feel like human garbage, so having clothes that don’t smell like airplane is an easy way to feel refreshed and ready to re-enter home-mode.” – Meredith Heil, Editorial Director, Thrillist

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Road Trip Tips: 9 Ways to Help You Thrive While You Drive

Whether you’re planning a cross-country trip or just a quick weekend getaway, here are some road trips to keep in mind while making plans. Like any other type of travel, road trips can come with stressors and hurdles to navigate. These road trip tips will help you enjoy a safe and successful journey:

• Prepare for your trip.
• Bring healthy snacks.
• Stay hydrated.
• Plan your route.
• Plan your rest stops.
• Keep yourself alert.
• Keep passengers entertained.
• Stick to your budget.
• Drive safely.

1. Road trip preparation.

Conduct car maintenance.

To make your road trip as smooth and stress-free as possible, it’s important to take care of your vehicle. Before you hit the road, be sure to tackle these maintenance tips to ensure that your car is running smoothly:

• Change the oil, if needed, and perform a general maintenance inspection
• Top off your vehicle’s fluids
• Check the air conditioner/heater
• Inspect your tires
• Build a road trip toolkit, including jumper cables, emergency blankets, spare tire, and more [1]

Get plenty of sleep before you drive

It’s recommended to get at least 7 hours of sleep for two consecutive nights before the road trip to build up your energy reserves. Start driving in the morning after a good night’s sleep, not after a long day of work (unless you plan to stop). Take regular breaks along the way to stay fresh and alert, stopping roughly every 100 miles or 2 hours.

2. Bring healthy snacks.

Carrying along a variety of vitamin-packed, healthy foods will allow you to get by on smaller snacks throughout the long drive while skipping the fast-food stops. Here are some healthy snack ideas that will help you feel full and nourished to take on the road ahead.

Road trip snack ideas

• Protein bars
• Trail mix [2]

3. Stay hydrated.

Keep the water supply well-stocked for maximum energy. The only possible downside is the potential to make more bathroom stops. To learn more about what to bring on a road trip, check out this list of essential items and tools to keep in your car .

4. Plan your route.

It’s important to plan your route, either scenic or direct, by answering a few key questions first. How much time do you have to get there? How many miles can you comfortably drive? Will you stick to freeways or take the back roads? It’s helpful to start with Google Maps and browse the multiple routes that it will suggest. From there, you can filter to avoid highways or toll roads. Once you see the options and choose one, you can start to decide when, where, and how often to stop. [3]

5. Plan your rest stops.

One of the most crucial tips for road trips is to get out of your car and stretch your legs every two hours or so. Plan these stops into your long drive, whether they fall during mealtimes or can be timed to let you check out interesting sites.

Where and when to stop for gas

The top 5 most expensive states to buy gas in are California, Washington, Hawaii, Oregon, and Nevada. The states with the cheapest gas prices are Mississippi, Louisiana, Arkansas, Alabama, and Texas. [4] The cheapest day to get gas tends to be Mondays, while Wednesdays and Thursdays are the most expensive. [5] Filling up your tank in the morning or at night might save you a few bucks due to the temperature affecting the gas stored at the pump. [6]

Where to stop for food

It’s best to save money and time by buying food before the road trip at a grocery store to avoid the unhealthy choices at a gas station. If you prefer to buy food as you go, sample the local food at each stop. [7]

6. Keep yourself alert.

The repetitive process increases circulation and alertness. Try various brands and flavors to keep your taste buds guessing. [8]

Use energizing scents

During long-distance driving, keep a source of peppermint scent nearby. When you feel you need a boost, take a sniff.

Sit up straight

Ensure your seat is adjusted properly for your body and tilted for maximum blood flow. If you feel a driving “trance” coming on, sit up.

7. Keep passengers entertained.

Long drives, especially with kids, can often lead to bickering. That kind of aggravation leads to driver fatigue. Ensure children are entertained with books, puzzles, and other time-killing diversions. On the flip side, road trip games such as “Find the license plate” are great for keeping everyone engaged with one another.

Download apps for the long car trip

Downloading family-friendly and educational apps can help entertain the whole family without any cost to you. These apps include road trip bingo, fruit ninja, angry birds, heads up, and more. [9]

Listen to audiobooks

Audiobooks help keep the brain active without creating a dangerous distraction. For more defensive driving tips, check out these nine . In addition to safe driving habits, your insurance policy is critical to protecting you while driving. Learn more about Nationwide’s auto insurance coverage , including our 24/7 Roadside Assistance option.

8. Stick to your budget.

Road trips don’t have to be as expensive as you think.  Planning a budget for your trip can help keep costs under control. Important things to keep in mind for your budget include gas prices, entertainment, food, and housing accommodations. [10]

9. Drive safely.

Most importantly, drive safely during your road trip. Stay within the speed limits, stay aware of your surroundings, and other drivers on the road. Check the weather before you start driving, and if there’s extremely bad weather passing through, plan accordingly. [11]

[1] “Honest Guide to Car Maintenance Before a Road Trip,” honestaccurateauto.com/blog/honest-guide-to-car-maintenance-before-a-road-trip (accessed August 3, 2023).

[2] “30 Healthy Snacks for Your Next Epic Road Trip,” koa.com/blog/healthy-snacks-for-your-next-road-trip (accessed August 3, 2023).

[3] “How to Plan a Road Trip: The Best Step by Step Guide,” southernersays.com/2022/04/01/how-to-plan-a-road-trip (accessed August 3, 2023).

[4] “Today’s Gas Prices by State,” Kelly Anne Smith, forbes.com/advisor/personal-finance/gas-prices-by-state (accessed August 3, 2023).

[5] “Report: The Best and Worst Days of the Week to Buy Gas,” Craig Johnson, clark.com/cars/best-day-to-buy-gas (accessed August 3, 2023).

[6] “The Best Time of Day to Get Gas,” Jacob Wade, gobankingrates.com/saving-money/car/the-best-time-of-day-to-get-gas (accessed August 3, 2023).

[7] “25 Practical Tips for Long Road Trips,” Jason Barnette, roadtripsandcoffee.com/tips-for-long-road-trips (accessed August 3, 2023).

[8] “20 Tips to Stay Awake Driving – Ways to Stay Alert,” Sue Slaght, traveltalesoflife.com/20-tips-stay-awake-driving-ways-stay-alert (accessed August 3, 2023).

[9] “10+ WIFI Free Games That Are Perfect For Travel,” thesimpleparent.com/wifi-free-games (accessed August 3, 2023).

[10] “How to Budget for a Road Trip,” Melissa Klurman, rd.com/article/road-trip-cost (accessed August 3, 2023).

[11] “33 Essential Solo Road Trip Tips (The Road Trip Safety Guide),” nomadparadise.com/solo-road-trip-safety (accessed August 3, 2023).

Disclaimer: The information included here is designed for informational purposes only. It is not legal, tax, financial or any other sort of advice, nor is it a substitute for such advice. The information may not apply to your specific situation. We have tried to make sure the information is accurate, but it could be outdated or even inaccurate in parts. It is the reader’s responsibility to comply with any applicable local, state or federal regulations. Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company, its affiliates and their employees make no warranties about the information or guarantee of results, and they assume no liability in connection with the information provided. Nationwide and the Nationwide N and Eagle are service marks of Nationwide Mutual Insurance Company. © 2024 Nationwide

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Driving tips and other life stuff

Driving tips for long journeys

That moment in the WhatsApp group when someone says "Let's go on an adventure!" and someone else replies "Wooo, yeah, road trip!"

14,897 messages later you've FINALLY all agreed on where to go. There's just one small problem: it's a 6 hour drive away.

On a long journey, you're expecting a lot from your car - and from yourself - especially if you don't usually drive so far. So, here's how to make sure the journey's a smooth one.

Prep the car

Check everything's topped up.

At the very least, check your tyre pressure , fuel , oil and water before you set off. These are the most common things to give you car trouble on your way, so make sure you tick them off.

Breaking down on Christmas eve? Missing your little sister's graduation? Or just having a car full of mates stropping but pretending it's fine. Not want you want.

Pack a car kit

Summer or winter, there are some things you're going to need with you on a long journey:

Plan everything

So many things to go wrong: traffic, weather, missed turnings - do yourself a favour and plan as much as you can before you set off.

Have a route worked out

Use Google Maps or your satnav - but also use your actual mind. Having an awareness of the general route means you're in a much better position to find an alternative if your way is blocked by traffic.

Obviously you're not going to remember every bend and junction, but if you can pick out a few landmarks, buildings, bridges, tunnels - whatever stands out - it will help build a picture of where you're going.

Leave early

A survey we did found 58% of people felt calmer in the car when they had plenty of time to complete their journey. Don't push it to the limit - leave as much time as you can for all the little things that always go wrong.

Keep a map in your car

Yep, even if you have a satnav. You can't always rely on a fancy machine to get you out of a tricky situation - especially if you're in the middle of nowhere with no signal.

Knowing you got to your destination using your map skills alone will make you feel like an absolute hero. A real explorer right there.

Check the weather forecast

Before you leave. Bad weather makes everything slower and can even close off certain roads. If you don't know it's coming, getting stuck in major traffic is going to put a big dent in your travel time.

This is when you're going to really thank yourself for doing your car prep before you left too. Bad weather + a car that isn't playing ball + a route you're not familiar = one stressed out driver.

Stay focused

Any kind of road trip sounds great until you're 3 hours in, your back is starting to ache, your usual radio stations are no longer in range and your stomach is doing that weird baby whale sound.

Make sure you've got enough stuff to entertain yourself along the way. Download some podcasts and sort a driving playlist with a range of music to keep things interesting. Everyone loves a bit of Ed Sheeran but you might not feel so warm towards him by the end.

Tip: Buy some interesting snacks for if you get stuck in standstill. You're not going to want that soggy sandwich you left home with.

Don't drive tired

Driving after a long day or a late night has some pretty bad side effects: drowsiness, irritability, inattention...it's quite a lot like drink driving to be honest.

Plan on getting a good night's sleep before a long journey and avoid driving between midnight and 6am. You naturally feel like you should be sleeping, and that's a bad mental state to be in.

Long journeys can start to feel boring pretty quickly, so if you're already struggling on the enthusiasm scale it's going to be a really draining drive.

Take breaks

If you're driving for hours at a time, factor in 15 minute breaks every 2 hours. It's the minimum rest you need to stay alert.

If you start feeling drowsy at any time, stop at the next services to walk around. Don't rely on copious amounts of coffee or energy drinks either. Drinking a bottle of water, stretching your legs and getting some fresh air will do the trick.

Get more information on how being tired can affect your driving .

By Katey Gregory

Katey Joined ingenie in 2014 and is in charge of all things social and content. She passed her driving test in 2015 and her first car is a Toyota Yaris T3 named Tyrone.

Get help with your ingenie driving feedback:

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Everything You Need to Prepare for a Long Car Journey or Road Trip

I love road trips. Just saying or writing this word sends shivers of excitement down my spine. If you think I’m crazy, it’s probably because you grew up in a country where road trips are taken for granted, and the number of places you can drive to and go to are endless. To me, road trips are fun and exciting, no matter why I have to take them, but regardless of how you feel about road trips, it’s always good to prepare before you embark on one.

So how do you prepare for such a long drive? We each have our own way to ensure we’re ready, whether it’s a packing list, a box of games, some favorite foods, or a good road trip playlist. Need to plan a long drive for the first time? Looking for ways to make your drive cheaper, more interesting, or safer?

Below you’ll find a collection of tools that can help you make any road trip a good one. But remember, tools aren't enough, and as cheesy as it sounds, you definitely need to go into your trip with good spirits. Once you have that, collect your favorite tools from this list, and enjoy!

Should You Drive?

When planning a road trip, the first question you might ask yourself is " should I drive or fly? ". If you want to take a road trip for fun, the question might not be relevant, but if you actually need to get from point A to point B, you can’t always assume driving is the cheapest option. A website called TravelMath can help you find the best way to travel by factoring in cost, distance and time, and calculating the value of time vs. cost for each option.

TravelMath gives each option a score, and lets you know if you’re better off driving or flying. You can also use this calculator to find information such as driving/flying distance, cost of driving from point A to point B, and other useful information. TravelMath supports destinations all over the world.

Plan a Road Trip Route

Now that you’re set on driving to your destination, it’s time to plan your route. In the past, I've already told you about several tools for planning fun road trips , which include planners for the US, Australia, Canada, and more.

There are several aspects to planning a road trip, and in the end it all comes down to personal preferences and priorities. Is saving money your first priority? Perhaps travelling in fair weather is most important to you? Do you want to see lots of attractions on the way? Or maybe you just care about getting there quickly?

If you care about the cost of the trip, you’re going to want to find the cheapest fuel stops possible. A website called FuelMyRoute can help you do just that. FuelMyRoute takes your start and end points, and the type of fuel you use, and find the best spots to re-fuel on your route.

You can decide how far out of your way you want to go for cheap fuel, set preferred brands, and more. Aside from the map you can see above, FuelMyRoute provides detailed driving directions and tells you exactly how much money you can save by stopping at the cheapest stations. Unfortunately, this website works only in the US.

If finding interesting attractions sits at the top of your list, don’t skip websites like  RoadTrippers (US only), which can help you find the best spots to stop.

But what fun will stopping and sightseeing be if it rains the entire way? You can’t control the weather, but you can be prepared for it with Weather Underground’s roadtrip planner.

This planning tool lets you see the weather all along your route, which can include one starting point and several destinations. The weather is displayed based on dates and times you provide. While you can get routes for places all over the world, I only got weather information for routes in the US.

Don’t Get Hungry

To me, food is the most important part of any road trip. You don’t necessarily have to plan ahead for this – just stopping at a random out-of-the-way diner can be an experience by itself – but sometimes there are places along your route you just don’t want to miss. There are several ways to find these, and two of them are Roadfood and TVFoodMaps .

If you’re a Food Network addict, TVFoodMaps can help you find places that appeared in various programs and that happen to be on your way. Just enter your starting point and destination, and get a list of places you can visit, complete with the name of the program they appeared on, a full address, and a link to the official website.

Roadfood, on the other hand, can help you find interesting places to eat sorted by US state or by category. Many of the places mentioned include must-eat dishes, ratings, reviews and more. If you sign up for a Roadfood Insider account, you can also access GPS support, offline information, Roadfood maps and Google Earth integration.

As with anything else you do, it’s important to stay safe during your roadtrip. Long drives can get boring, but that doesn’t mean you should be speeding or texting while driving. There are many ways to avoid messing around with your phone while driving, and still remain in communication with the world. So before you embark on your journey, check out these Android apps for safe driving or these iPhone tips and apps that will keep you safe on the road .

If you promise to drive safely, you might also want to install Trapster, which will help you avoid police traps and tickets. That doesn’t mean you can speed, though!

Need A Hotel?

There are hundreds of ways to find and book hotels, and we each have our own preferred way. However, if for some reason you get stuck and have no place to sleep, Hotel Tonight is a great app to have, and can save you from an otherwise sticky situation. The app, available for both iOS and Android, can help you find a hotel for tonight , for quite a reasonable price. It doesn’t work everywhere in the world, but can help you in major cities in the US, Canada, Mexico and Europe.

What do you need for a fun road trip? Music and games! Music is not so hard to come by nowadays, and with services such as Spotify, Pandora, 8Tracks, Songza, etc., you can listen to music easily all through your drive.

If you’re more into actual radio, you can check out the NPR road trip page which will help you find stations along your way.

When it comes to games, the best ones are those you can play together, without any additional devices, boards or parts. While you must know at least one such game, there’s a nice list of suggestions on RoadTripWise. You can also find some nice inspiration on Pinterest boards such as this Travel ideas and items one, this Family Road Trip Games one, and many others you can find if you search for "road trips".

If you’re set on playing games on your mobile device, you can find loads of excellent games on our best iPhone games page or best Android games page.

Bottom Line

Are you ready for your trip? If you find the idea of taking this long drive annoying, remember that road trips are a fantastic opportunity to put your attention on the outside world and forget your troubles for a while. After taking everything into account, the most important thing is to look up, enjoy the view, and experience your trip for what it is.

Do you know any other tools for planning a road trip? Do share them in the comments. Bon voyage!

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End-of-Life Stages Timeline

What to expect as someone nears death

• 40 to 90 Days Before
• 1 to 2 Weeks Before
• Days to Hours Before

Frequently Asked Questions

The dying process usually begins well before death takes place. It's common to move through certain end-of-life stages that follow a general timeline.

Being tuned in to the physical, mental, and emotional changes of your loved one can help you recognize the signs that they're dying. Knowing more about the end-of-life process may help you better prepare for what's to come.

Still, nothing about that process is certain or applicable to everyone. The dying journey has several milestones, but not everyone stops at them all. A healthcare practitioner may be able to give you a sense of your loved one's expected timeline as they move through these stages.

This article explains a typical end-of-life timeline and what happens to someone mentally, behaviorally, and physically. While some people may follow this closely, others may cycle through these stages far faster (even within days) or for months.

Signs: 40 to 90 Days Before Death

The dying process often comes into view about one to three months before death. Many of the experiences that take place at this first end-of-life stage are broadly common but the specifics can depend on the individual.

Physical Changes

As the body starts to slow down, a dying person may have the following physical signs:

• Reduced appetite
• Reduced thirst
• Increased sleeping
• Weight loss
• Mild sense of happiness and well-being ( euphoria ) due to natural changes in body chemistry

The reduced appetite and weight loss can be alarming, but it helps to know your loved one isn't suffering in any way by not eating. This is a natural and expected part of their journey.

The reason it's okay is that their body no longer needs as much energy. That need also decreases when they stop regular activities and start sleeping more.

Mental and Behavioral Changes

Social and cultural factors help shape a person's dying experience. For example, gender roles can be a factor.

Talking Openly About Death

Research suggests men are less likely than women to openly talk about their mortality and end-of-life wishes. One reason might be that men find it more difficult to ask for help and don't want to come across as "needy."

These differences aren't necessarily unique to one gender identity, though. Plenty of women struggle to talk about their death and don't want anyone to feel "burdened" by caring for them.

Religious and cultural backgrounds can influence how someone feels about the dying process. Depending on their beliefs, certain practices, rituals, and customs can be steps along the end-of-life timeline.

Withdrawal and Reflection

As they start to accept their mortality and realize death is approaching , they may start to withdraw. They're beginning the process of separating from the world and the people in it.

During this stage, your loved one may say no to visits from friends, neighbors, and even family. When they do accept visitors, it might be hard for them to interact. That may make you feel rejected, which is especially hard when you know your time with the person is limited.

This stage is also one of reflection. The dying person often thinks back over their life and revisits old memories. They might also be going over the things they regret.

Signs: 1 to 2 Weeks Before Death

Verywell / Cindy Chung

The dying process starts to move faster in the last week or two of life. The acceleration can be frightening for loved ones.

As death approaches, you may want to "correct" them if they say things that don't make sense—but it's better not to. At this stage, it's better to listen to and support your loved one rather than to risk upsetting them or starting an argument.

For example, your loved one might say that they see or hear a person who died before them. In those moments, just let your loved one tell you about it.

You might feel frustrated because you can't know for sure whether they're hallucinating, having a spiritual experience, or just getting confused. The uncertainty can be unsettling, but it's part of the process.

At this point in the end-of-life timeline, a dying person's body has a hard time maintaining itself. Your loved one may need help with just about any form of activity.

For example, they may have trouble swallowing medications or refuse to take them. If they have been taking pain medications, they may need liquid morphine now.

During this end-of-life stage, signs that death is near include:

• Body temperature that's one or more degrees lower than normal
• Lower blood pressure
• An irregular pulse that may slow down or speed up
• Increased sweating
• Skin color changes, with lips and nail beds that are pale, bluish, or, in people of color, purplish
• Breathing changes (e.g., a rattling sound and cough)
• Less or no talking
• Sudden arm or leg motions

During this stage of the end-of-life timeline, people tend to:

• Sleep most of the time
• Become confused
• Have altered senses
• Experience delusions (fearing hidden enemies, feeling invincible)
• Continue or begin having hallucinations (seeing or speaking to people who aren't present or who have died)
• Become restless (pick at bedsheets or clothing, have aimless or senseless movements)

It can be hard for you to witness these changes, but it's important that you remain supportive.

Signs: Days to Hours Before Death

In their last days or hours, the dying person may go through several possible stages.

Surge of Energy

The last few days before death can surprise family members. At this stage, your loved one may have a sudden surge of energy. They may want to get out of bed, talk to loved ones, or eat after having no appetite for days or weeks.

You may take these actions as signs that a dying person is getting better, but the energy will soon go away. It can be hurtful to watch this happen but know that this is a common step within the end-of-life timeline. These energy bursts are a dying person's final physical acts before moving on.

The surges of activity are usually short. The previous signs of being close to death return more strongly once the energy has been spent.

Breathing Changes

At this stage, a dying person's breathing becomes slower and less regular. Rapid breaths followed by periods of no breathing at all ( Cheyne-Stokes breathing) may occur. You may also hear a " rattling " sound when they breathe.

These changes can be unpleasant to witness but you should try to remember that these are not signs your loved one is uncomfortable.

Change in Appearance

Your loved one's hands and feet may start looking blotchy, purplish, or mottled. The changes in skin appearance may slowly move up their arms and legs.

Also, their lips and nail beds may turn bluish or purple, and their lips may droop.

Unresponsiveness

At this end-of-life stage, a dying person usually becomes unresponsive. They may have their eyes open but not be able to see their surroundings.

It's widely believed that hearing is the last sense to stop working. Knowing this can remind you that it's still valuable to sit with and talk to your dying loved one during this time.

Reaching the End

When your loved one stops breathing and their heart stops beating, death has occurred. They have reached the end of their journey.

Signs can be evident one to three months to three months before someone's death. Physical, mental, and behavioral changes are common.

In the week or two before death, the dying process speeds up. They may start being confused and periodically not making sense. Their bodily process may slow down or become erratic, but the person may also appear restless.

In the final days or hours of life, many people have a brief surge of energy and seem like they're doing better. However, once the surge passes, they may appear worse. You may notice breathing changes and skin discoloration.

Knowing these signs may help you prepare for your the end of a loved one's life and bring you comfort as you face the physical and mental changes that happen along the end-of-life timeline.

A Word From Verywell

Supporting a loved one at the end of their life can be difficult, but you don't have to go through it alone. Reach out to a hospice , social worker, or clergy member to help you navigate the process. They can help you recognize and understand some of the changes that are happening as your loved one moves through the process of death.

The pre-active stage of dying can last around two to three weeks. That said, there are many factors that contribute to how long the entire process of dying takes for each person, such as their illness and medications.

There are some physical signs at the end of life that means a person will die soon, including:

• Breathing changes (e.g., shortness of breath and wet respirations )
• Cold hands and feet 
• Constipation
• Decreased appetite and thirst
• Incontinence
• Restlessness

As the body slows down to prepare for death, the metabolism slows down and requires less food. The digestive tract is also less active, which means a dying person won't feel hungry or thirsty.

When a person near the end of life stops eating entirely, it is a sign that death is near. It can be as quick as a few days or up to 10 days. However, some people survive for a few weeks after they stop eating.

That's not necessary and is a personal choice. A dying person will become unconscious, but that does not always mean they are completely unaware of their surroundings. It may bring you (and perhaps, them) some comfort to stay, if you'd like to.

Foundation of America. Signs of Approaching Death .

Hospice Foundation of America. A Caregiver's Guide to the Dying Process .

Skulason B, Hauksdottir A, Ahcic K, Helgason AR. Death talk: gender differences in talking about one’s own impending death .  BMC Palliative Care . 2014;13(1). doi:10.1186/1472-684x-13-8

Hartogh GD. Suffering and dying well: on the proper aim of palliative care . Med Health Care Philos . 2017;20(3):413-424. doi:10.1007/s11019-017-9764-3

Department of Health, Victoria Government. Managing Physical Symptoms During Palliative Care ,

Wholihan D. Seeing the light: End-of-life experiences-visions, energy surges, and other death bed phenomena . Nurs Clin North Am . 2016;51(3):489-500. doi:10.1016/j.cnur.2016.05.005

Marie Curie Foundation. Final Moments of Life .

Blundon EG, Gallagher RE, Ward LM. Electrophysiological evidence of preserved hearing at the end of life . Sci Rep . 2020;10(1):10336. doi:10.1038/s41598-020-67234-9

Hospice Foundation of America. Signs of approaching death .

By Angela Morrow, RN Angela Morrow, RN, BSN, CHPN, is a certified hospice and palliative care nurse.

Is Your Car Road Trip Ready? Easy Checks Anyone Can Do – and What a Mechanic Should Look at – Before You Hit the Road

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Our 12-point checklist offers peace of mind on the road this summer.

Ah. The Great American Road Trip . Who doesn’t doesn’t need this more than ever these days? It’s worth cramming everyone and everything into your car for a trip to the lake or the beach and suffering yet another game of license plate bingo just to get away.

The fact is, this summer getting away by car may be your only way to travel. And the last thing you want is to have car trouble delay that much needed getaway. Make sure your car is road trip ready.

Related: Online Car Sales Are Changing How Cars are Sold, Maybe Forever

? Jill Robbins

12-Point Checklist To Get Your Car Summer Road Trip Ready

Pre-travel checklist for your car.

Few things can sour a road trip faster than a car that won’t go. There are no guarantees in life, but these 12 summer road trip planning tips for your car will go a long way toward giving you peace of mind and increasing the chances that the memories will be about who won the license plate game rather than how long it took the tow truck to arrive.

Some are things you can easily check on yourself; others require a professional But you should know what they are and ask specifically for them to be checked so you know your car is road-ready. We asked Audra Fordin , the founder of  Women Auto Know  and owner of Great Bear Auto in Queens, NY, for advice on what should be on your pre-travel checklist:

Related: 9 Old School Road Trip Games You Have to Play With Your Kids

Things you can do yourself, 1. check your owner’s manual for scheduled maintenance.

Your owner’s manual will have a list of scheduled maintenance items listed by age of the car and/or mileage. If you no longer have the printed manual, look at an electronic version online. If your car is due for any of those services — or will be due after your 2,000-mile odyssey — have them taken care of before you hit the road.

2. Check the Tire Pressure – In Every Tire  

Check the tire pressure. You’ll find the correct tire pressure for your car on a sticker on the driver’s side door jamb.

Improper tire pressure:

• Stresses the engine
• Adds unnecessary wear and tear on the brakes and suspension
• Causes uneven tire wear
• Makes your tires susceptible to tire blowouts
• Uses more fuel: Under-inflated tires reduces fuel economy by 1% for every 2 PSI (psi=pounds per square inch of pressure) of under-inflation

Do the penny test to see if you tires have enough tread. If not, consider buying new tires before you leave. Here’s how to do the penny test:

3. Change the Air Filter and Cabin Filter

Change the air filter and cabin filter if they haven’t been replaced lately (see your owner’s manual or look for a tutorial on YouTube). An air filter is like your lungs; imagine trying to breathe with your hand over your face. A restricted air filter can increase your fuel cost by 10 percent, putting stress on other components. And the quality of cabin air? On a seven-day-hundreds-of-miles-with-the-loves-of-your-life trip, priceless.

Related: So, You Think You Need New Tires. Here’s How to Know, and What to Do

4. buy new wiper blades and fill the washer fluid .

If your wiper blades haven’t been changed recently, buy a new set. Look for them at any auto parts store, or even your local Target or Walmart. Changing wiper blades is easy. Just follow the directions on the package. While you’re there, pick up a gallon of windshield washer fluid and top off the tank. You’ll be glad you did as soon as the first giant bug splats in the middle of the driver’s side windshield.

5. Check the Headlights, Taillights and Turn Signals

Make sure headlights, fog lights, taillights, turn signals and brake lights are all working. If any of the lights are burned out, you likely can replace them yourself. Bulbs only cost a few bucks. Or you can ask you mechanic to change it for you. (I once went to the neighborhood gas station that still does car repair work. A kid working there did it for me in 5 minutes. I tipped him $10 and headed on my merry way.)

If you look at the lights and they are still working, but the glow is hazy, dull, cloudy or  yellow, it may need nothing more than a good car wash. Clean headlights and tail lights make a huge difference for visibility. That’s something to remember each time you gas up during the trip as well. Those same bugs that splattered on your windshield also are splatting on your headlights. Give them a once-over with the window-washing squeegee as well.

Think it will all fit? ?Scotty Reiss

Things a Mechanic Should Do

6. determine why that dashboard light is on .

If you have any engine lights on, (e.g., service engine soon, brake, battery, oil, ABS, airbag) have them looked at by a mechanic. This shouldn’t wait until you are prepping for a road trip. Any time a light comes on, your car is trying to tell you something. Get it checked out–the sooner, the better. The longer you let the light stay on, the more expensive the trouble becomes.

7. Check the Radiator, Heater and Bypass Hoses

The hoses can all cause overheating and coolant leaks. If the hoses have any cracks or lumps, or look like they are about to break, have the mechanic replace them. A silly little hose ($15-$200 replacement) can do severe engine damage ($1500-$7000 damage). Not to mention the interrupt-your-vacation pain it will cause.

8. Check the Belts

Belts run all the accessories of your car (power steering, charging system, air conditioning, water pump). If a belt is dry, frayed, broken or worn, just replace it. Audra says it’s one of those things that causes cars to come into the shop on a tow truck. If your car has a timing belt, and you’re near its replacement mileage… replace it.  The damage that can be done by a belt breaking can be fatal to your engine. And your vacation.

9. Check the Brakes

Brakes must be in tip-top shape. Stopping is crucial – especially when you’re doing 55 mph on the highway and the person in front of you slams on the brakes.

?Anuja de Silva

10. Check the Suspension

Unless you want to feel like you’re on a roller coaster summer road trip, check your suspension. Struts and shocks influence the control and handling of your car by absorbing the impact and keeping the tires to the road. If you’re already bottoming-out, rebounding, or dipping, the long and winding road is going to make that 10 times worse–especially if you travel with someone who gets car sick .

11. Change the Oil and Top Off the Fluids

OK, you can do this yourself, but the price of having a garage or quick-change service station change your oil and fluids sometimes costs just slightly more than buying the products yourself. And they’re the ones who get dirty.

12. Check the Air Conditioning

Nothing says painful like driving 500 miles in summer heat with no A/C. Be sure yours is in good working order.

Have a thought or comment? Share it with us on social media! You can find us on Instagram , Facebook , Twitter and LinkedIn . And be sure to sign up for our email newsletter !

Car Shopping

Need a new car? Whether shopping for a new car or a used car we recommend using our car shopping service . 

Tire Shopping

Need new tires? We recommend Tire Rack . 

Need to get your car repaired? We recommend Repair Pal . Exclusively just for Girls Guide to Cars readers, call (877) 323-1708 to speak to RepairPal Car Genius for FREE automotive repair advice and if needed to find the right shop for you!

Cindy Richards is a Pulitzer Prize nominated journalist who serves as the Editor-in-Chief of the TravelingMom LLC companies, TravelingMom.com,... More about Cindy Richards

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Stay safe on long journeys with these essential car checks

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Heading out for a long car ride? Here’s what you should do to prepare for a safe and enjoyable journey.

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Age Co helps drivers over 50 find the right protection. We are 100% owned by Age UK and our profits go back to the charity.

Sweeping bends, stunning vistas and cosy roadside cafes serving refreshing cups of tea are just some of the joys to be found on the open road.

To make the most of your journey, you’ll want to know your car is in tip-top shape. Here are some simple checks to undertake before you head off. Get them done ahead of time and you can enjoy your road trip worry-free.

Check your car insurance

It’s illegal to drive without at least third-party car insurance , so make sure your cover is up to date. If you’re travelling abroad, check your policy first. You may need extra cover – especially if you’re venturing beyond the EU.

It’s a good idea to take copies of your policy details with you, stored somewhere safe in your car or luggage. If the worst should happen, you’ll have everything you need to make a claim.

Check your tyres

Give your tyres a visual inspection, looking for lumps, cracks or grazes that may indicate a problem.

The legal minimum tread depth is 1.6mm, which is roughly the size of the border on a 20p piece. If you don't have a coin or tread gauge to hand, most modern tyres now have nubs moulded into the grooves, which can indicate wear - if the tread depth meets their level, it's time to get a new tyre.

Remember to top up your tyre pressure , too. This helps you stay safe and improves fuel economy. You can use a portable air compressor at home, or head to your local fuel station and use theirs.

Check coolant and antifreeze levels

If you’re driving any distance, especially in hot weather, it’s vital your engine stays at the right temperature. Refer to your handbook to locate the coolant filler cap. It should be accessible in the engine bay.

Check the coolant level when the engine is cold. If it's below the maximum line, top it up with an off-the-shelf coolant – providing your car is compatible with most products. These usually incorporate antifreeze, which covers you for cold weather, too.

Be careful not to overfill the reservoir. Coolant expands as it heats, so car manufacturers allow room in the hopper for that.

Check the oil

With the bonnet open, give your oil a check. Make sure the engine is cool before you pull out the dipstick and wipe it clean with a cloth. Pop the dipstick back into its holster, leave it a few seconds, then pull it out again.

The oil level will display, with a minimum and maximum marker to help you see how much is there. If it looks on the low side, it’s time to top up.

Clean the windscreen and headlights, and fill screen wash

Give your windscreen a decent clean with warm soapy water. While you’re at it, clear your headlights and number plates, and check all your lightbulbs are working. Remember, you are legally required to have functioning lights and a visible registration plate.

It’s also worth filling your screen wash. Look for a blue cap (though some models do use yellow) on top of an opaque tank beneath your bonnet. Pour in ready-mixed washer fluid until it starts to back up. Don’t worry about splashes – they’ll soon dry off when you hit the road. 

If you have any doubts about the roadworthiness of your car or are unsure how to make these checks, consult your local garage in good time.

Pack the essentials

With your car in good shape, make sure you have everything you need for the journey ahead. A basic first aid kit is a good idea, including hand sanitiser, painkillers, plasters, antiseptic wipes and antihistamine tablets.

Also remember to pack any medication you might need, plenty of water, and a stash of snacks.

Think about anything you need to make your journey smoother. Some people like to take cushions and blankets to improve comfort. Remember to pack any accessibility gadgets and a map of your route. 

All these checks are quick and easy to make. Carry them out before your departure and you can feel confident that you've done everything you can to ensure a smooth journey.

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Simply let us know your Home and Car Insurance renewal dates or just share your email address to be in with a chance of winning. See the full terms and conditions via the form.

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Driving Safety: precautions and emergency

In our driving safety guide, you will find out what precautions you should take before and while driving, how to drive safely in difficult conditions and what to do in an emergency situation.

Precautions before driving

Driving safety in difficult conditions, what should you do in an emergency situation, check your tyres.

• Remember to check your tyre pressure once a month and before every long journey.
• Remember that there are two recommended pressures: the nominal pressure and the high load pressure when the vehicle is particularly loaded, for example with your luggage before a holiday departure.
• Before each long journey, we recommend that you have your tyres checked by a professional to make sure there is no premature wear.  

Material to keep in the car

Make sure you have the compulsory equipment in your vehicle (safety waistcoat(s), triangle, etc.) as well as the equipment needed to change a wheel in case of a puncture.

Other useful equipment:

• Jumper cables
• Blankets and gloves
• First aid kit
• Bottles of water, snack bars and nonperishable food  

Fatigue lowers concentration levels, extends reaction time and reduces hearing ability.

How to prevent driving fatigue:

• Take a minimum 15-minute break after driving for two hours and stretch.
• Don’t eat too much.
• Don’t stare at the centerline of the road all the time.
• Keep the vehicle well ventilated and at a comfortable temperature.

Impaired states

Sickness and medications can affect your driving.

Your focus on the road can be severely reduced by pain or strong emotional situations. If you are taking medication and are unsure about its effects, consult your doctor or pharmacist before driving.

Don’t drive under the influence of alcohol

Do not consume any alcohol before you drive and be aware of the legal limits. Designate a driver or hire a taxi if you have consumed alcohol.

Driving precautions on wet roads

Slow down. If more drivers followed this tip in the rain, accidents would dramatically decrease. Wet weather doesn’t receive the same attention as winter weather driving, but it should. Wet roads present similar dangers-less grip and longer stopping distance, for example.

Here are some tips for driving safely on wet roads:

• Make sure your tyres offer the proper amount of tread.
• Drive with two hands. Always.
• Slow down before turning, and maintain a consistent speed throughout the turn.
• While turning, don’t make any sudden steering wheel movements.
• Only brake in a straight line before the turn, and do so gradually. Be careful if you need to brake during the turn.
• Increase your distance from other cars significantly.
• If hydroplaning, do not accelerate or brake suddenly. Keep your foot lightly on the gas and steer the car forward until your tyres regain traction.  

Driving precautions on the highway

• Always observe highway speed limits.
• Activate your turning signal well in advance before changing lanes.
• Avoid sudden or erratic steering or you may lose control of your car and roll over.
• Take regular breaks. Don't drive while tired.  

Driving precautions at night

• Give your eyes some time to adjust to the light and shadows.
• Tilt your rear view mirror slightly to reduce the dazzling effect of the car headlights behind you. If your rear view mirror has the option, switch to night setting.
• Don't look directly at the headlights from cars traveling in the opposite direction.
• Don’t drive too fast: visibility is reduced at night, making it hard for you to see the road ahead.

Driving precautions in fog

Visibility deteriorates in fog:

• Turn on your low beam headlights and fog lights.
• Reduce your speed and refrain from passing other vehicles.
• Leave enough time to react in an emergency by keeping a safe braking distance from the vehicle in front of you.  

Driving precautions in wind

• Reduce your speed. Be prepared to stop at any time.
• Close all windows. An open window can attract airborne particles like dust that can affect visibility.
• Keep an eye out for obstacles or debris being blown on to the road.
• Be aware that people may not hear your horn during strong windy conditions.
• If you’re carrying cargo on your vehicle, make sure it’s tied down securely.
• Be very careful passing taller vehicles especially in exposed areas or on bridges.  

Driving precautions in mountain areas

Before driving:.

• Prior to setting off, check your brakes; test them and check the brake fluid.
• Carry the tools necessary in case you break down (for a full list see Precautions and Emergencies).
• Check the condition of your spare tyre: the appropriate pressure is especially important.
• Carry extra food, appropriate clothing and emergency aids.
• Check the weather and road conditions in the mountain area and choose your route wisely.
• Tell at least one other person where and when you are traveling and when you are due back so they can alert emergency services If you don't return on time.  

While driving:

• Blow your horn in advance if your view is blocked during cornering.
• Drive carefully and slow down in turns, especially when your view is blocked.
• Never speed or pass in sharp turns where you may not see oncoming vehicles.  

Driving precautions in mud

• Simple ways to decide if you can get across the mud:
• When there’s heavy mud on the road or if you’re driving off-road, stop your vehicle and inspect the hardness and depth of the mud before driving through it.
• Observe tyre tracks of other vehicles to gauge the depth and consistency of the mud.
• Determine the type of vehicles that have left the track from the sizes and widths of the track. Use that information as a reference to decide if you can get across.

General advice in emergency situations

• Remain calm and do not panic; it will help you make rational, calm decisions.
• Try to brake in a straight line if possible.
• If you are driving at a high speed when the emergency occurs, try to avoid sudden steering since it may result in accidents that can otherwise be avoided.
• You can steer far more effectively at slower speeds. Slow down as much as possible to reduce the impact of a potential collision.
• Your main priority is to save lives. If an accident is unavoidable, take priority actions that ensure the safety of human life first.
• Turn on your hazard lights as soon as possible.
• Make sure you have emergency numbers and insurance numbers on hand at all times.  

Regaining steering control

• Release the accelarator gently.
• Steer the car in the direction where the back of the car is sliding.
• Shift to a lower gear quickly and use the engine to slow down.
• Turn on hazard lights as quickly as you can until you regain control.
• Apply hand brake if necessary.  

Brakes are not working

• Hold the steering wheel firmly.
• If this happens before entering a turn, try to control the direction first.
• Then try to slow down: shift down gears step by step to slow down.
• Use the handbrake/emergency brake to stop the car if the speed is below 20 mph.
• Turn on your hazard lights if applicable.
• Use upward slopes or hills to help stop the car.
• If your brakes stop working when going up a hill, shift quickly to lower gear, then use the handbrake/emergency brake to park the car.
• If available, park in an emergency parking lane, or hard shoulder. If not, then park away from fast traffic and ensure your hazard lights are turned on.  

How to avoid it:

• Test brakes before your trip.
• Always test your brakes when you first start down a steep hill or if you have driven through deep water.  

Tyre blowout

• The loud noise will surprise you but try to stay calm.
• Always keep both hands on the steering wheel and grip firmly. This may save your life in case of a sudden rapid deflation.
• Don’t slam the brakes, keep your foot on the accelerator to maintain the momentum of the vehicle.
• Keep the direction of the car as straight as possible.
• Brake slowly to maintain control of the vehicle and lower the speed.
• Bring the car to a stop in a safe place.
• Turn on your hazard lights.
• Put on your safety waistcoat.
• Place the warning triangle.
• If you are on the motorway, get to the safety of the other side of the barrier to call your breakdown service.

Tire Blowouts | Michelin Tires Canada

Note on the video: The footage is shot at a professional course with a professional driver and tyre-explosive testing equipment.

Prevention is better than cure! To minimise the risk of problems on the road, have your vehicle checked regularly by a professional and before a long journey.

Find a professional near you

Ask the Car Expert

Motoring made simple

What sort of car check should I do before a long journey?

Taking the time to do a car check before setting off could save you from an untimely interruption to your journey. Breaking down will leave you and your passengers frazzled before your holiday has even started.

What should I do if I find a problem with my car?

We recommend you check your car over at least a week before your long journey. That way, if you discover a potential problem you have enough time to get it sorted.

Look after your car, and it’ll look after you

Check the following:

• Water – check the levels of your engine coolant and windscreen washer fluid . Top up where required. Always use a proper screenwash. In winter make sure you top it up with screenwash that has an anti-freeze additive in it
• Electrics – check all electrical features: horn, wipers, locking systems etc…
• Lights – check that all lights, indicators and brake lights are working. Replace any blown bulbs
• Paperwork. Is your breakdown cover up to date? Breakdown cover is less expensive to buy before you break down, rather than leaving it until you really need it. Is your MOT in order ? And are your tax and motor insurance up to date? Do you have your insurance details noted down in case of an accident?
• Tyres ‑ check they’re fit for purpose . The legal limit for tread depth is 1.6mm. And are they at the correct pressure? Some experts advise a visual check of tyres before every journey. Check the wiper blades too.
• Engine oil – check the level once a month or before a long journey.

Consider this

If you’re worried your car may break down when you’re on holiday, there are two options:

• Get your car serviced. A car that is regularly serviced and maintained performs better and is usually less likely to break down. If your car has had a few breakdowns, it could be because it hasn’t been maintained according to the correct service schedules for the make and model. Put it right and book your car in for a service immediately. If you don’t know when your car is due for a service, refer to your user manual or the documentation that you were given at the time of sale. If you’re unable to find the appropriate paperwork for the maintenance schedule of your car, then contact the brand’s dealer or manufacturer. They should advise when your service intervals are and what type of service you require next and when.
• Get breakdown cover. For relatively little money you can take out breakdown cover. If you’re doing a long journey, a breakdown can be a major inconvenience, particularly if you are carrying very young or very old passengers. Taking out breakdown cover will give you peace of mind and some companies offer extras like courtesy cars for a small extra fee. It’ll mean you don’t have to put your holiday on hold while your car is in the garage. If you’re taking your car to the continent, always check your breakdown cover is valid abroad.

I’ve been writing about cars and motoring for more than 25 years. My career started on a long-departed classic car weekly magazine called AutoClassic. I’ve since pitched up at Autosport, Auto Express, the News of the World, Sunday Times and most recently the Daily Telegraph. When I’m not writing about cars and motoring, I’m probably doing some kind of sport or working in my garden.

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What the New Overtime Rule Means for Workers

One of the basic principles of the American workplace is that a hard day’s work deserves a fair day’s pay. Simply put, every worker’s time has value. A cornerstone of that promise is the  Fair Labor Standards Act ’s (FLSA) requirement that when most workers work more than 40 hours in a week, they get paid more. The  Department of Labor ’s new overtime regulation is restoring and extending this promise for millions more lower-paid salaried workers in the U.S.

Overtime protections have been a critical part of the FLSA since 1938 and were established to protect workers from exploitation and to benefit workers, their families and our communities. Strong overtime protections help build America’s middle class and ensure that workers are not overworked and underpaid.

Some workers are specifically exempt from the FLSA’s minimum wage and overtime protections, including bona fide executive, administrative or professional employees. This exemption, typically referred to as the “EAP” exemption, applies when: 

1. An employee is paid a salary,  

2. The salary is not less than a minimum salary threshold amount, and 

3. The employee primarily performs executive, administrative or professional duties.

While the department increased the minimum salary required for the EAP exemption from overtime pay every 5 to 9 years between 1938 and 1975, long periods between increases to the salary requirement after 1975 have caused an erosion of the real value of the salary threshold, lessening its effectiveness in helping to identify exempt EAP employees.

The department’s new overtime rule was developed based on almost 30 listening sessions across the country and the final rule was issued after reviewing over 33,000 written comments. We heard from a wide variety of members of the public who shared valuable insights to help us develop this Administration’s overtime rule, including from workers who told us: “I would love the opportunity to...be compensated for time worked beyond 40 hours, or alternately be given a raise,” and “I make around $40,000 a year and most week[s] work well over 40 hours (likely in the 45-50 range). This rule change would benefit me greatly and ensure that my time is paid for!” and “Please, I would love to be paid for the extra hours I work!”

The department’s final rule, which will go into effect on July 1, 2024, will increase the standard salary level that helps define and delimit which salaried workers are entitled to overtime pay protections under the FLSA. 

Starting July 1, most salaried workers who earn less than $844 per week will become eligible for overtime pay under the final rule. And on Jan. 1, 2025, most salaried workers who make less than $1,128 per week will become eligible for overtime pay. As these changes occur, job duties will continue to determine overtime exemption status for most salaried employees.

The rule will also increase the total annual compensation requirement for highly compensated employees (who are not entitled to overtime pay under the FLSA if certain requirements are met) from $107,432 per year to $132,964 per year on July 1, 2024, and then set it equal to $151,164 per year on Jan. 1, 2025.

Starting July 1, 2027, these earnings thresholds will be updated every three years so they keep pace with changes in worker salaries, ensuring that employers can adapt more easily because they’ll know when salary updates will happen and how they’ll be calculated.

The final rule will restore and extend the right to overtime pay to many salaried workers, including workers who historically were entitled to overtime pay under the FLSA because of their lower pay or the type of work they performed. 

We urge workers and employers to visit  our website to learn more about the final rule.

Jessica Looman is the administrator for the U.S. Department of Labor’s Wage and Hour Division. Follow the Wage and Hour Division on Twitter at  @WHD_DOL  and  LinkedIn .  Editor's note: This blog was edited to correct a typo (changing "administrator" to "administrative.")

• Wage and Hour Division (WHD)
• Fair Labor Standards Act
• overtime rule

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When is Passover 2024? What to know about the Jewish holiday and why it's celebrated

Grab the seder plate and start prepping the matzo, the eight-day celebration of Passover , or Pesach, starts this Monday. 

The major  Jewish holiday happens during the month of Nisan on the Hebrew calendar. It usually falls on a day in spring in March or April. This year, the holiday will begin a couple of weeks after it did in 2023.

The week is marked by a ceremony that celebrates the Jewish Festival of Freedom. It starts with a traditional seder meal that is choreographed with a script. It allows those partaking in the holiday to reflect on their rich background while enjoying  a few bowls of matzoh ball soup .

Pesach, which is Hebrew for "Passover", demands that Jewish people become engrossed with their ancient story and revel in both the bitter and the sweet aspects of their history. 

But what is Passover and should you wish a Jewish friend or coworker a happy Passover? Here’s what you need to know.   

Passover 2024: More details on the Jewish holiday

When is Passover 2024?  

This year,  Passover begins before sundown on Monday, April 22, and ends after nightfall on April 30 in the United States. Many Jewish communities will hold seders the first two nights of the springtime holiday.

Last year, however, it began at sundown Wednesday, on April 5, and ended at sundown Thursday, April 13. 

Passover is sacred and widely celebrated

The holiday is observed with seders among families, friends and communities, as well as other sacred traditions.  

Passover “is one of the most widely celebrated of Jewish holidays,” Aaron Kaufman, executive director of Penn State Hillel, previously explained to USA TODAY. “It commemorates the Israelites’ exodus from Egypt as told in the Bible.” 

What is Purim?  Everything to know about the Jewish holiday, from costumes to hamantaschen

What is Passover?  

Rabbi Benjamin Berger, vice president of Jewish education at Hillel International, said Passover is known as the “festival of freedom.”  

“It's a celebration of not only the freedom of the Jewish people emerging from slavery in Egypt, and a tradition that results that is about remembering, and really putting ourselves in the shoes of those slaves and those who experienced the release from bondage, but also it reminds us of the freedom of all people,” he said.   

“Anyone who's experiencing oppression of some sort, whether it's external, from other people, or internal, from our own sense of the things that oppress us internally,” he added.  

Rabbi Maya Zinkow, senior Jewish educator at UC Berkeley Hillel, told USA TODAY Passover "celebrates the movement from slavery to liberation."

"So, we commemorate the time when the Jewish people really became a Jewish people. It's really the story of the birth of our peoplehood,” she said.  

How is Passover celebrated?  

Jewish people observing Passover will often gather for a seder, which Kaufman called “the ritual combination of service and dinner.” 

Some Jewish families or groups will display a seder plate, the “centerpiece” of seders that hold symbolic foods marking the holiday, Zinkow said. For example, maror, or bitter herbs, represent the bitterness of slavery.  

Seders involve moving through a book called a Haggadah, which contains stories, prayers, poetry and other teachings.   

• One element of seders is the recitation of the “four questions,” which are “about how this night is different than all other nights,” Berger said.   

But different families or communities will use different Haggadahs during Passover. Zinkow explained that during Passover “we are really meant to envision ourselves as a part of the story. And the thing that helps us do that is the Haggadah.”    

“Every single Haggadah will have the same general order of events. Every single Hagaddah is going to have the same central component, but they each have a different take on the story,” she noted.  

“And so if every single Jew is obligated to see themselves as a part of the story, the Haggadah is meant to help us do that, right? So, a feminist Hagaddah can help women see themselves as central to the story. A queer Haggadah can help queer people locate themselves in a story.  All kinds of communities, from marginalized communities to people who have maybe no trouble seeing themselves as a part of the story,” she added.  

What foods are eaten (or not eaten) during Passover?  

Many Jews during Passover do not eat certain leavened foods, known as chametz . Kaufman explained that the dietary changes “reflect the plight of the Israelites as they left Egypt,”

Matzo, an unleavened bread, “is the key and most well-known symbol of Passover,” Berger said.

Kaufman explained that “As the story goes, the Israelites had to leave Egypt so quickly, they didn't have time to bake their breads.”  

“They needed provisions for the long journey through the desert. So they had their dough, and they just threw it in their packs, and it baked on their backs in the heat of the sun into this flat cracker-like substance,” he said. 

Berger noted that “we call it the bread of affliction in order to commemorate that experience."

"But at the same time, we also call it the bread of freedom because our ability to sit wherever we sit in the homes that we sit in around the table, and actually to eat it in a way that satiates us,” he added. “That is considered one of the greatest luxuries because it means that we're alive, and we have the ability to eat in freedom.” 

What is the afikomen?

The afikomen is also part of many seders.   

“At the beginning of the seder, one part of the ritual is there's three pieces of matzo on the table, and one is broken in half and set aside, and that becomes afikomen. And it is the last thing we eat at the Passover seder meal,” Kaufman said.  

In some families, the afikomen is hidden. Sometimes parents hide the piece of matzo, and children search for it. But in other families, children are in charge of hiding the afikomen while parents have to look.  

Should I say “Happy Passover” or other greetings?  

If you want to greet a loved one who is celebrating Passover, “Happy Passover” is an appropriate sentiment.  

You could also say “chag sameach,” which means happy holiday in Hebrew, or chag kasher v’semeach, which means have a happy and kosher Passover.  

Congress approved a TikTok ban. Why it could still be years before it takes effect.

TikTok’s fate in the U.S. has never been more in doubt after Congress approved a bill that gives its parent company two options: sell it to an approved buyer or see it banned.

President Joe Biden signed the legislation into law on Wednesday. 

But it could take years for the TikTok ban to actually go into effect, since its Chinese-owned parent company, ByteDance, is likely to challenge the statute in court. 

And even if it survives a legal challenge, no one is quite sure what would happen next. 

How soon could a potential ban take effect?

It would probably be several years from now.

According to the statute’s language, ByteDance would have nine months to divest and find an American buyer for TikTok once the bill is signed into law. 

On top of that, the president can push back the deadline by an additional 90 days. 

That means, without a sale, the soonest TikTok could shut down in the U.S. would be more than one year from now.  

But it’s more complicated than that. 

If ByteDance sues to block the implementation of the statute — which it has said it would do — the bill will be taken up by the D.C. Circuit Court of Appeals, according to Isaac Boltansky, director of policy for the financial services firm BTIG.

Boltansky said ByteDance would file a suit no later than this fall. And while the case is under judicial review, the “clock” on any ban is effectively paused, he said. 

Once the D.C. court issues its ruling, whichever side loses is likely to request a review by the U.S. Supreme Court.

That would forestall the ban by another year — meaning nothing would go into effect until 2026, Boltansky said.

TikTok will argue that the ban is unconstitutional and that it’s also taken steps to protect American users’ data. The app has already launched an aggressive lobbying campaign, featuring a number of small-business owners and influencers who say it's their lifeblood.

“We have got to make enough noise so that they don’t take away our voice,” TikTok user @dadlifejason, who has 13.8 million followers, says in a TikTok ad shared on social media.

What about finding a buyer?

The bill stipulates that TikTok can continue to operate in the U.S. if ByteDance sells the app to a U.S.-approved firm. 

While large U.S. tech companies would love to get their hands on the platform, Boltansky said that Biden administration regulators — not to mention GOP critics of Big Tech firms — have no interest in expanding the power, reach or influence of such companies.  

Some other outside groups might emerge. At least one led by Steve Mnuchin, who was Treasury secretary in the Trump administration, has already sought to make a bid, telling CNBC in March that he was putting together an investor group . The Wall Street Journal has also reported that former Activision Blizzard CEO Bobby Kotick was looking for potential buyer partners. While ByteDance, which owns other companies, is worth hundreds of billions of dollars, TikTok would fetch less than that, experts say — especially if it is sold without its powerful recommendation algorithm.  

But Boltansky believes ByteDance is unlikely to agree to any kind of sale. The Chinese government has said as much, arguing that it regards the algorithm as a national security asset. And without that, TikTok becomes much less appealing to potential buyers.    

So is TikTok in the U.S. going away?

It might — but the ultimate impact may be limited. The fact is, most TikTok users already have a presence on other platforms, so the impact on their livelihoods to the extent that they operate businesses on TikTok could be limited.

According to a survey from the financial services group Wedbush, approximately 60% of TikTok user respondents said they’d simply migrate to Instagram (or Facebook) in the event of a sale, while 19% said they’d go to YouTube. 

Analysts with financial services company Bernstein arrived at similar estimates. In a note to clients, they forecast that Meta, which owns Instagram and Facebook, would take over as much as 60% of TikTok’s U.S. ad revenue, with YouTube gaining 25%. Snapchat would also benefit, they said. 

Why did lawmakers feel they needed to take this drastic step?

Boltansky said many political pundits remain surprised that the bill got over the finish line. But a wave of anxiety about both Chinese influence and the impact of social media on youth converged to get it passed.

“This has been noteworthy,” Boltansky said. “Everyone is so conditioned to D.C. doing nothing or the bare minimum to keep the lights on.”

As tensions with Beijing have grown, congressional lawmakers, along with top law enforcement officials, have warned that TikTok is controlled by the Chinese Communist Party (CCP) and is a national security threat to the United States.

“It screams out with national security concerns,” FBI Director Christopher Wray testified on Capitol Hill last year

U.S. officials fear that the Chinese government is using TikTok to access data from, and spy on, its American users, spreading disinformation and conspiracy theories.

It felt like a TikTok ban was moving slowly, then quickly. What happened?

The House passed its standalone TikTok bill on a big bipartisan vote in March. But the Senate appeared in no hurry to take up the measure as Commerce Chair Maria Cantwell, D-Wash., drafted her own legislation.

That all changed when Speaker Mike Johnson, R-La., working with the White House, rolled out his $95 billion foreign aid supplemental plan last week that included billions of dollars for Ukraine, Israel and Taiwan. 

Included in that sweeping aid package: the House’s TikTok bill, with some minor changes. Johnson pushed the package through his chamber, then sent the House on a recess, forcing the Senate to take it or leave it.

Rather than further delay the critical, long-stalled military and humanitarian aid, the Democratic-controlled Senate is moving to quickly pass the package — including the TikTok bill and other Johnson priorities.

Rob Wile is a breaking business news reporter for NBC News Digital.

Scott Wong is a senior congressional reporter for NBC News.

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The Crackdown on Student Protesters

Columbia university is at the center of a growing showdown over the war in gaza and the limits of free speech..

This transcript was created using speech recognition software. While it has been reviewed by human transcribers, it may contain errors. Please review the episode audio before quoting from this transcript and email [email protected] with any questions.

[TRAIN SCREECHING]

Well, you can hear the helicopter circling. This is Asthaa Chaturvedi. I’m a producer with “The Daily.” Just walked out of the 116 Street Station. It’s the main station for Columbia’s Morningside Heights campus. And it’s day seven of the Gaza solidarity encampment, where a hundred students were arrested last Thursday.

So on one side of Broadway, you see camera crews. You see NYPD officers all lined up. There’s barricades, steel barricades, caution tape. This is normally a completely open campus. And I’m able to — all members of the public, you’re able to walk through.

[NON-ENGLISH SPEECH]

Looks like international media is here.

Have your IDs out. Have your IDs out.

Students lining up to swipe in to get access to the University. ID required for entry.

Swipe your ID, please.

Hi, how are you, officer? We’re journalists with “The New York Times.”

You’re not going to get in, all right? I’m sorry.

Hi. Can I help please?

Yeah, it’s total lockdown here at Columbia.

Please have your IDs out ready to swipe.

From “The New York Times,” I’m Michael Barbaro. This is “The Daily.” Today, the story of how Columbia University has become the epicenter of a growing showdown between student protesters, college administrators, and Congress over the war in Gaza and the limits of free speech. I spoke with my colleague, Nick Fandos.

[UPBEAT MUSIC]

It’s Thursday, April 25.

Nick, if we rewind the clock a few months, we end up at a moment where students at several of the country’s best known universities are protesting Israel’s response to the October 7 attacks, its approach to a war in Gaza. At times, those protests are happening peacefully, at times with rhetoric that is inflammatory. And the result is that the leaders of those universities land before Congress. But the president of Columbia University, which is the subject we’re going to be talking about today, is not one of the leaders who shows up for that testimony.

That’s right. So the House Education Committee has been watching all these protests on campus. And the Republican Chairwoman decides, I’m going to open an investigation, look at how these administrations are handling it, because it doesn’t look good from where I sit. And the House last winter invites the leaders of several of these elite schools, Harvard, Penn, MIT, and Columbia, to come and testify in Washington on Capitol Hill before Congress.

Now, the President of Columbia has what turns out to be a very well-timed, pre-planned trip to go overseas and speak at an international climate conference. So Minouche Shafik isn’t going to be there. So instead, the presidents of Harvard, and Penn, and MIT show up. And it turned out to be a disaster for these universities.

They were asked very pointed questions about the kind of speech taking place on their campuses, and they gave really convoluted academic answers back that just baffled the committee. But there was one question that really embodied the kind of disconnect between the Committee — And it wasn’t just Republicans, Republicans and Democrats on the Committee — and these college presidents. And that’s when they were asked a hypothetical.

Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Penn’s rules or code of conduct? Yes or no?

If the speech turns into conduct, it can be harassment.

And two of the presidents, Claudine Gay of Harvard and Elizabeth Magill of the University of Pennsylvania, they’re unwilling to say in this really kind of intense back and forth that this speech would constitute a violation of their rules.

It can be, depending on the context.

What’s the context?

Targeted at an individual. Is it pervasive?

It’s targeted at Jewish students, Jewish individuals. Do you understand your testimony is dehumanizing them?

And it sets off a firestorm.

It does not depend on the context. The answer is yes. And this is why you should resign. These are unacceptable answers across the board.

Members of Congress start calling for their resignations. Alumni are really, really ticked off. Trustees of the University start to wonder, I don’t know that these leaders really have got this under control. And eventually, both of them lose their jobs in a really high profile way.

Right. And as you’ve hinted at, for somewhat peculiar scheduling reasons, Columbia’s President escapes this disaster of a hearing in what has to be regarded as the best timing in the history of the American Academy.

Yeah, exactly. And Columbia is watching all this play out. And I think their first response was relief that she was not in that chair, but also a recognition that, sooner or later, their turn was going to come back around and they were going to have to sit before Congress.

Why were they so certain that they would probably end up before Congress and that this wasn’t a case of completely dodging a bullet?

Well, they remain under investigation by the committee. But also, as the winter wears on, all the same intense protests just continue unabated. So in many ways, Columbia’s like these other campuses. But in some ways, it’s even more intense. This is a university that has both one of the largest Jewish student populations of any of its peers. But it also has a large Arab and Muslim student population, a big Middle Eastern studies program. It has a dual degree program in Tel Aviv.

And it’s a university on top of all that that has a real history of activism dating back to the 1960s. So when students are recruited or choose to come to Columbia, they’re actively opting into a campus that prides itself on being an activist community. It’s in the middle of New York City. It’s a global place. They consider the city and the world, really, like a classroom to Columbia.

In other words, if any campus was going to be a hotbed of protest and debate over this conflict, it was going to be Columbia University.

Exactly. And when this spring rolls around, the stars finally align. And the same congressional committee issues another invitation to Minouche Shafik, Columbia’s President, to come and testify. And this time, she has no excuse to say no.

But presumably, she is well aware of exactly what testifying before this committee entails and is highly prepared.

Columbia knew this moment was coming. They spent months preparing for this hearing. They brought in outside consultants, crisis communicators, experts on anti-Semitism. The weekend before the hearing, she actually travels down to Washington to hole up in a war room, where she starts preparing her testimony with mock questioners and testy exchanges to prep her for this. And she’s very clear on what she wants to try to do.

Where her counterparts had gone before the committee a few months before and looked aloof, she wanted to project humility and competence, to say, I know that there’s an issue on my campus right now with some of these protests veering off into anti-Semitic incidents. But I’m getting that under control. I’m taking steps in good faith to make sure that we restore order to this campus, while allowing people to express themselves freely as well.

So then the day of her actual testimony arrives. And just walk us through how it goes.

The Committee on Education and Workforce will come to order. I note that —

So Wednesday morning rolls around. And President Shafik sits at the witness stand with two of her trustees and the head of Columbia’s new anti-Semitism task force.

Columbia stands guilty of gross negligence at best and at worst has become a platform for those supporting terrorism and violence against the Jewish people.

And right off the bat, they’re put through a pretty humbling litany of some of the worst hits of what’s been happening on campus.

For example, just four days after the harrowing October 7 attack, a former Columbia undergraduate beat an Israeli student with a stick.

The Republican Chairwoman of the Committee, Virginia Foxx, starts reminding her that there was a student who was actually hit with a stick on campus. There was another gathering more recently glorifying Hamas and other terrorist organizations, and the kind of chants that have become an everyday chorus on campus, which many Jewish students see as threatening. But when the questioning starts, President Shafik is ready. One of the first ones she gets is the one that tripped up her colleagues.

Does calling for the genocide of Jews violate Columbia’s code of conduct, Mr. Greenwald?

And she answers unequivocally.

Dr. Shafik?

Yes, it does.

And, Professor —

That would be a violation of Columbia’s rules. They would be punished.

As President of Columbia, what is it like when you hear chants like, by any means necessary or Intifada Revolution?

I find those chants incredibly distressing. And I wish profoundly that people would not use them on our campus.

And in some of the most interesting exchanges of the hearing, President Shafik actually opens Columbia’s disciplinary books.

We have already suspended 15 students from Columbia. We have six on disciplinary probation. These are more disciplinary actions that have been taken probably in the last decade at Columbia. And —

She talks about the number of students that have been suspended, but also the number of faculty that she’s had removed from the classroom that are being investigated for comments that either violate some of Columbia’s rules or make students uncomfortable. One case in particular really underscores this.

And that’s of a Middle Eastern studies professor named Joseph Massad. He wrote an essay not long after Hamas invaded Israel and killed 1,200 people, according to the Israeli government, where he described that attack with adjectives like awesome. Now, he said they’ve been misinterpreted, but a lot of people have taken offense to those comments.

Ms. Stefanik, you’re recognized for five minutes.

Thank you, Chairwoman. I want to follow up on my colleague, Rep Walberg’s question regarding Professor Joseph Massad. So let me be clear, President —

And so Representative Elise Stefanik, the same Republican who had tripped up Claudine Gay of Harvard and others in the last hearing, really starts digging in to President Shafik about these things at Columbia.

He is still Chair on the website. So has he been terminated as Chair?

Congresswoman, I —

And Shafik’s answers are maybe a little surprising.

— before getting back to you. I can confirm —

I know you confirmed that he was under investigation.

Yes, I can confirm that. But I —

Did you confirm he was still the Chair?

He says that Columbia is taking his case seriously. In fact, he’s under investigation right now.

Well, let me ask you this.

I need to check.

Will you make the commitment to remove him as Chair?

And when Stefanik presses her to commit to removing him from a campus leadership position —

I think that would be — I think — I would — yes. Let me come back with yes. But I think I — I just want to confirm his current status before I write —

We’ll take that as a yes, that you will confirm that he will no longer be chair.

Shafik seems to pause and think and then agree to it on the spot, almost like she is making administrative decisions with or in front of Congress.

Now, we did some reporting after the fact. And it turns out the Professor didn’t even realize he was under investigation. So he’s learning about this from the hearing too. So what this all adds up to, I think, is a performance so in line with what the lawmakers themselves wanted to hear, that at certain points, these Republicans didn’t quite know what to do with it. They were like the dog that caught the car.

Columbia beats Harvard and UPenn.

One of them, a Republican from Florida, I think at one point even marvelled, well, you beat Harvard and Penn.

Y’all all have done something that they weren’t able to do. You’ve been able to condemn anti-Semitism without using the phrase, it depends on the context. But the —

So Columbia’s president has passed this test before this committee.

Yeah, this big moment that tripped up her predecessors and cost them their jobs, it seems like she has cleared that hurdle and dispatched with the Congressional committee that could have been one of the biggest threats to her presidency.

Without objection, there being no further business, the committee stands adjourned. [BANGS GAVEL]

But back on campus, some of the students and faculty who had been watching the hearing came away with a very different set of conclusions. They saw a president who was so eager to please Republicans in Congress that she was willing to sell out some of the University’s students and faculty and trample on cherished ideas like academic freedom and freedom of expression that have been a bedrock of American higher education for a really long time.

And there was no clearer embodiment of that than what had happened that morning just as President Shafik was going to testify before Congress. A group of students before dawn set up tents in the middle of Columbia’s campus and declared themselves a pro-Palestinian encampment in open defiance of the very rules that Dr. Shafik had put in place to try and get these protests under control.

So these students in real-time are beginning to test some of the things that Columbia’s president has just said before Congress.

Exactly. And so instead of going to celebrate her successful appearance before Congress, Shafik walks out of the hearing room and gets in a black SUV to go right back to that war room, where she’s immediately confronted with a major dilemma. It basically boils down to this, she had just gone before Congress and told them, I’m going to get tough on these protests. And here they were. So either she gets tough and risks inflaming tension on campus or she holds back and does nothing and her words before Congress immediately look hollow.

And what does she decide?

So for the next 24 hours, she tries to negotiate off ramps. She consults with her Deans and the New York Police Department. And it all builds towards an incredibly consequential decision. And that is, for the first time in decades, to call the New York City Police Department onto campus in riot gear and break this thing up, suspend the students involved, and then arrest them.

To essentially eliminate this encampment.

Eliminate the encampment and send a message, this is not going to be tolerated. But in trying to quell the unrest, Shafik actually feeds it. She ends up leaving student protesters and the faculty who support them feeling betrayed and pushes a campus that was already on edge into a full blown crisis.

[SLOW TEMPO MUSIC]

After the break, what all of this has looked like to a student on Columbia’s campus. We’ll be right back.

[PHONE RINGS]

Is this Isabella?

Yes, this is she.

Hi, Isabella. It’s Michael Barbaro from “The Daily.”

Hi. Nice to meet you.

Earlier this week, we called Isabella Ramírez, the Editor in Chief of Columbia’s undergraduate newspaper, “The Columbia Daily Spectator,” which has been closely tracking both the protests and the University’s response to them since October 7.

So, I mean, in your mind, how do we get to this point? I wonder if you can just briefly describe the key moments that bring us to where we are right now.

Sure. Since October 7, there has certainly been constant escalation in terms of tension on campus. And there have been a variety of moves that I believe have distanced the student body, the faculty, from the University and its administration, specifically the suspension of Columbia’s chapters of Students for Justice in Palestine and Jewish Voice for Peace. And that became a huge moment in what was characterized as suppression of pro-Palestinian activism on campus, effectively rendering those groups, quote, unquote, unauthorized.

What was the college’s explanation for that?

They had cited in that suspension a policy which states that a demonstration must be approved within a certain window, and that there must be an advance notice, and that there’s a process for getting an authorized demonstration. But the primary point was this policy that they were referring to, which we later reported, was changed before the suspension.

So it felt a little ad hoc to people?

Yes, it certainly came as a surprise, especially at “Spectator.” We’re nerds of the University in the sense that we are familiar with faculty and University governance. But even to us, we had no idea where this policy was coming from. And this suspension was really the first time that it entered most students’ sphere.

Columbia’s campus is so known for its activism. And so in my time of being a reporter, of being an editor, I’ve overseen several protests. And I’ve never seen Columbia penalize a group for, quote, unquote, not authorizing a protest. So that was certainly, in our minds, unprecedented.

And I believe part of the justification there was, well, this is a different time. And I think that is a reasonable thing to say. But I think a lot of students, they felt it was particularly one-sided, that it was targeting a specific type of speech or a specific type of viewpoint. Although, the University, of course, in its explicit policies, did not outline, and was actually very explicit about not targeting specific viewpoints —

So just to be super clear, it felt to students — and it sounds like, journalistically, it felt to you — that the University was coming down in a uniquely one-sided way against students who were supporting Palestinian rights and may have expressed some frustrations with Israel in that moment.

Yes. Certainly —

Isabella says that this was just the beginning of a really tense period between student protesters and the University. After those two student groups were suspended, campus protests continued. Students made a variety of demands. They asked that the University divest from businesses that profit from Israel’s military operations in Gaza. But instead of making any progress, the protests are met with further crackdown by the University.

And so as Isabella and her colleagues at the college newspaper see it, there’s this overall chilling effect that occurs. Some students become fearful that if they participate in any demonstrations, they’re going to face disciplinary action. So fast forward now to April, when these student protesters learned that President Shafik is headed to Washington for her congressional testimony. It’s at this moment that they set out to build their encampment.

I think there was obviously a lot of intention in timing those two things. I think it’s inherently a critique on a political pressure and this congressional pressure that we saw build up against, of course, Claudine Gay at Harvard and Magill at UPenn. So I think a lot of students and faculty have been frustrated at this idea that there are not only powers at the University that are dictating what’s happening, but there are perhaps external powers that are also guiding the way here in terms of what the University feels like it must do or has to do.

And I think that timing was super crucial. Having the encampment happen on the Wednesday morning of the hearing was an incredible, in some senses, interesting strategy to direct eyes to different places.

All eyes were going to be on Shafik in DC. But now a lot of eyes are on New York. The encampment is set up in the middle of the night slash morning, prior to the hearing. And so what effectively happens is they caught Shafik when she wasn’t on campus, when a lot of senior administration had their resources dedicated to supporting Shafik in DC.

And you have all of those people not necessarily out of commission, but with their focus elsewhere. So the encampment is met with very little resistance at the beginning. There were public safety officers floating around and watching. But at the very beginning hours, I think there was a sense of, we did it.

[CHANTING]: Disclose! Divest! We will not stop! We will not rest. Disclose! Divest! We will not stop!

It would be quite surprising to anybody and an administrator to now suddenly see dozens of tents on this lawn in a way that I think very purposely puts an imagery of, we’re here to stay. As the morning evolved and congressional hearings continued —

Minouche Shafik, open your eyes! Use of force, genocide!

Then we started seeing University delegates that were coming to the encampment saying, you may face disciplinary action for continuing to be here. I think that started around almost — like 9:00 or 10:00 AM, they started handing out these code of conduct violation notices.

Hell no! Hell no! Hell no!

Then there started to be more public safety action and presence. So they started barricading the entrances. The day progressed, there was more threat of discipline. The students became informed that if they continue to stay, they will face potential academic sanctions, potential suspension.

The more they try to silence us, the louder we will be! The more they —

I think a lot of people were like, OK, you’re threatening us with suspension. But so what?

This is about these systems that Minouche Shafik, that the Board of Trustees, that Columbia University is complicit in.

What are you going to do to try to get us out of here? And that was, obviously, promptly answered.

This is the New York State Police Department.

We will not stop!

You are attempting participate in an unauthorized encampment. You will be arrested and charged with trespassing.

My phone blew up, obviously, from the reporters, from the editors, of saying, oh my god, the NYPD is on our campus. And as soon as I saw that, I came out. And I saw a huge crowd of students and affiliates on campus watching the lawns. And as I circled around that crowd, I saw the last end of the New York Police Department pulling away protesters and clearing out the last of the encampment.

[CHANTING]: We love you! We will get justice for you! We see you! We love you! We will get justice for you! We see you! We love you! We will get justice for you! We see you! We love you! We will get justice for you!

It was something truly unimaginable, over 100 students slash other individuals are arrested from our campus, forcefully removed. And although they were suspended, there was a feeling of traumatic event that has just happened to these students, but also this sense of like, OK, the worst of the worst that could have happened to us just happened.

And for those students who maybe couldn’t go back to — into campus, now all of their peers, who were supporters or are in solidarity, are — in some sense, it’s further emboldened. They’re now not just sitting on the lawns for a pro-Palestinian cause, but also for the students, who have endured quite a lot.

So the crackdown, sought by the president and enforced by the NYPD, ends up, you’re saying, becoming a galvanizing force for a broader group of Columbia students than were originally drawn to the idea of ever showing up on the center of campus and protesting?

Yeah, I can certainly speak to the fact that I’ve seen my own peers, friends, or even acquaintances, who weren’t necessarily previously very involved in activism and organizing efforts, suddenly finding themselves involved.

Can I — I just have a question for you, which is all journalism, student journalism or not student journalism, is a first draft of history. And I wonder if we think of this as a historic moment for Columbia, how you imagine it’s going to be remembered.

Yeah, there is no doubt in my mind that this will be a historic moment for Colombia.

I think that this will be remembered as a moment in which the fractures were laid bare. Really, we got to see some of the disunity of the community in ways that I have never really seen it before. And what we’ll be looking to is, where do we go from here? How does Colombia repair? How do we heal from all of this? so That is the big question in terms of what will happen.

Nick, Isabella Ramírez just walked us through what this has all looked like from the perspective of a Columbia student. And from what she could tell, the crackdown ordered by President Shafik did not quell much of anything. It seemed, instead, to really intensify everything on campus. I’m curious what this has looked like for Shafik.

It’s not just the students who are upset. You have faculty, including professors, who are not necessarily sympathetic to the protesters’ view of the war, who are really outraged about what Shafik has done here. They feel that she’s crossed a boundary that hasn’t been crossed on Columbia’s campus in a really long time.

And so you start to hear things by the end of last week like censure, no confidence votes, questions from her own professors about whether or not she can stay in power. So this creates a whole new front for her. And on top of it all, as this is going on, the encampment itself starts to reform tent-by-tent —

— almost in the same place that it was. And Shafik decides that the most important thing she could do is to try and take the temperature down, which means letting the encampment stand. Or in other words, leaning in the other direction. This time, we’re going to let the protesters have their say for a little while longer.

The problem with that is that, over the weekend, a series of images start to emerge from on campus and just off of it of some really troubling anti-Semitic episodes. In one case, a guy holds up a poster in the middle of campus and points it towards a group of Jewish students who are counter protesting. And it says, I’m paraphrasing here, Hamas’ next targets.

I saw an image of that. What it seemed to evoke was the message that Hamas should murder those Jewish students. That’s the way the Jewish students interpreted it.

It’s a pretty straightforward and jarring statement. At the same time, just outside of Columbia’s closed gates —

Stop killing children!

— protestors are showing up from across New York City. It’s hard to tell who’s affiliated with Columbia, who’s not.

Go back to Poland! Go back to Poland!

There’s a video that goes viral of one of them shouting at Jewish students, go back to Poland, go back to Europe.

In other words, a clear message, you’re not welcome here.

Right. In fact, go back to the places where the Holocaust was committed.

Exactly. And this is not representative of the vast majority of the protesters in the encampment, who mostly had been peaceful. They would later hold a Seder, actually, with some of the pro-Palestinian Jewish protesters in their ranks. But those videos are reaching members of Congress, the very same Republicans that Shafik had testified in front of just a few days before. And now they’re looking and saying, you have lost control of your campus, you’ve turned back on your word to us, and you need to resign.

They call for her outright resignation over this.

That’s right. Republicans in New York and across the country began to call for her to step down from her position as president of Columbia.

So Shafik’s dilemma here is pretty extraordinary. She has set up this dynamic where pleasing these members of Congress would probably mean calling in the NYPD all over again to sweep out this encampment, which would mean further alienating and inflaming students and faculty, who are still very upset over the first crackdown. And now both ends of this spectrum, lawmakers in Washington, folks on the Columbia campus, are saying she can’t lead the University over this situation before she’s even made any fateful decision about what to do with this second encampment. Not a good situation.

No. She’s besieged on all sides. For a while, the only thing that she can come up with to offer is for classes to go hybrid for the remainder of the semester.

So students who aren’t feeling safe in this protest environment don’t necessarily have to go to class.

Right. And I think if we zoom out for a second, it’s worth bearing in mind that she tried to choose a different path here than her counterparts at Harvard or Penn. And after all of this, she’s kind of ended up in the exact same thicket, with people calling for her job with the White House, the Mayor of New York City, and others. These are Democrats. Maybe not calling on her to resign quite yet, but saying, I don’t know what’s going on your campus. This does not look good.

That reality, that taking a different tack that was supposed to be full of learnings and lessons from the stumbles of her peers, the fact that didn’t really work suggests that there’s something really intractable going on here. And I wonder how you’re thinking about this intractable situation that’s now arrived on these college campuses.

Well, I don’t think it’s just limited to college campuses. We have seen intense feelings about this conflict play out in Hollywood. We’ve seen them in our politics in all kinds of interesting ways.

In our media.

We’ve seen it in the media. But college campuses, at least in their most idealized form, are something special. They’re a place where students get to go for four years to think in big ways about moral questions, and political questions, and ideas that help shape the world they’re going to spend the rest of their lives in.

And so when you have a question that feels as urgent as this war does for a lot of people, I think it reverberates in an incredibly intense way on those campuses. And there’s something like — I don’t know if it’s quite a contradiction of terms, but there’s a collision of different values at stake. So universities thrive on the ability of students to follow their minds and their voices where they go, to maybe even experiment a little bit and find those things.

But there are also communities that rely on people being able to trust each other and being able to carry out their classes and their academic endeavors as a collective so they can learn from one another. So in this case, that’s all getting scrambled. Students who feel strongly about the Palestinian cause feel like the point is disruption, that something so big, and immediate, and urgent is happening that they need to get in the faces of their professors, and their administrators, and their fellow students.

Right. And set up an encampment in the middle of campus, no matter what the rules say.

Right. And from the administration’s perspective, they say, well, yeah, you can say that and you can think that. And that’s an important process. But maybe there’s some bad apples in your ranks. Or though you may have good intentions, you’re saying things that you don’t realize the implications of. And they’re making this environment unsafe for others. Or they’re grinding our classes to a halt and we’re not able to function as a University.

So the only way we’re going to be able to move forward is if you will respect our rules and we’ll respect your point of view. The problem is that’s just not happening. Something is not connecting with those two points of view. And as if that’s not hard enough, you then have Congress and the political system with its own agenda coming in and putting its thumb on a scale of an already very difficult situation.

Right. And at this very moment, what we know is that the forces that you just outlined have created a dilemma, an uncertainty of how to proceed, not just for President Shafik and the students and faculty at Columbia, but for a growing number of colleges and universities across the country. And by that, I mean, this thing that seemed to start at Columbia is literally spreading.

Absolutely. We’re talking on a Wednesday afternoon. And these encampments have now started cropping up at universities from coast-to-coast, at Harvard and Yale, but also at University of California, at the University of Texas, at smaller campuses in between. And at each of these institutions, there’s presidents and deans, just like President Shafik at Columbia, who are facing a really difficult set of choices. Do they call in the police? The University of Texas in Austin this afternoon, we saw protesters physically clashing with police.

Do they hold back, like at Harvard, where there were dramatic videos of students literally running into Harvard yard with tents. They were popping up in real-time. And so Columbia, really, I think, at the end of the day, may have kicked off some of this. But they are now in league with a whole bunch of other universities that are struggling with the same set of questions. And it’s a set of questions that they’ve had since this war broke out.

And now these schools only have a week or two left of classes. But we don’t know when these standoffs are going to end. We don’t know if students are going to leave campus for the summer. We don’t know if they’re going to come back in the fall and start protesting right away, or if this year is going to turn out to have been an aberration that was a response to a really awful, bloody war, or if we’re at the beginning of a bigger shift on college campuses that will long outlast this war in the Middle East.

Well, Nick, thank you very much. Thanks for having me, Michael.

We’ll be right back.

Here’s what else you need to know today. The United Nations is calling for an independent investigation into two mass graves found after Israeli forces withdrew from hospitals in Gaza. Officials in Gaza said that some of the bodies found in the graves were Palestinians who had been handcuffed or shot in the head and accused Israel of killing and burying them. In response, Israel said that its soldiers had exhumed bodies in one of the graves as part of an effort to locate Israeli hostages.

And on Wednesday, Hamas released a video of Hersh Goldberg-Polin, an Israeli-American dual citizen, whom Hamas has held hostage since October 7. It was the first time that he has been shown alive since his captivity began. His kidnapping was the subject of a “Daily” episode in October that featured his mother, Rachel. In response to Hamas’s video, Rachel issued a video of her own, in which she spoke directly to her son.

And, Hersh, if you can hear this, we heard your voice today for the first time in 201 days. And if you can hear us, I am telling you, we are telling you, we love you. Stay strong. Survive.

Today’s episode was produced by Sydney Harper, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Olivia Natt, Nina Feldman, and Summer Thomad, with help from Michael Simon Johnson. It was edited by Devon Taylor and Lisa Chow, contains research help by Susan Lee, original music by Marion Lozano and Dan Powell, and was engineered by Chris Wood. Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. That’s it for “The Daily.” I’m Michael Barbaro. See you tomorrow.

• April 26, 2024   •   21:50 Harvey Weinstein Conviction Thrown Out
• April 25, 2024   •   40:33 The Crackdown on Student Protesters
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• April 23, 2024   •   30:30 A Salacious Conspiracy or Just 34 Pieces of Paper?
• April 22, 2024   •   24:30 The Evolving Danger of the New Bird Flu
• April 19, 2024   •   30:42 The Supreme Court Takes Up Homelessness
• April 18, 2024   •   30:07 The Opening Days of Trump’s First Criminal Trial
• April 17, 2024   •   24:52 Are ‘Forever Chemicals’ a Forever Problem?
• April 16, 2024   •   29:29 A.I.’s Original Sin
• April 15, 2024   •   24:07 Iran’s Unprecedented Attack on Israel
• April 14, 2024   •   46:17 The Sunday Read: ‘What I Saw Working at The National Enquirer During Donald Trump’s Rise’
• April 12, 2024   •   34:23 How One Family Lost $900,000 in a Timeshare Scam

Hosted by Michael Barbaro

Featuring Nicholas Fandos

Produced by Sydney Harper ,  Asthaa Chaturvedi ,  Olivia Natt ,  Nina Feldman and Summer Thomad

With Michael Simon Johnson

Edited by Devon Taylor and Lisa Chow

Original music by Marion Lozano and Dan Powell

Engineered by Chris Wood

Listen and follow The Daily Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon Music

Columbia University has become the epicenter of a growing showdown between student protesters, college administrators and Congress over the war in Gaza and the limits of free speech.

Nicholas Fandos, who covers New York politics and government for The Times, walks us through the intense week at the university. And Isabella Ramírez, the editor in chief of Columbia’s undergraduate newspaper, explains what it has all looked like to a student on campus.

On today’s episode

Nicholas Fandos , who covers New York politics and government for The New York Times

Isabella Ramírez , editor in chief of The Columbia Daily Spectator

Background reading

Inside the week that shook Columbia University .

The protests at the university continued after more than 100 arrests.

There are a lot of ways to listen to The Daily. Here’s how.

We aim to make transcripts available the next workday after an episode’s publication. You can find them at the top of the page.

Research help by Susan Lee .

The Daily is made by Rachel Quester, Lynsea Garrison, Clare Toeniskoetter, Paige Cowett, Michael Simon Johnson, Brad Fisher, Chris Wood, Jessica Cheung, Stella Tan, Alexandra Leigh Young, Lisa Chow, Eric Krupke, Marc Georges, Luke Vander Ploeg, M.J. Davis Lin, Dan Powell, Sydney Harper, Mike Benoist, Liz O. Baylen, Asthaa Chaturvedi, Rachelle Bonja, Diana Nguyen, Marion Lozano, Corey Schreppel, Rob Szypko, Elisheba Ittoop, Mooj Zadie, Patricia Willens, Rowan Niemisto, Jody Becker, Rikki Novetsky, John Ketchum, Nina Feldman, Will Reid, Carlos Prieto, Ben Calhoun, Susan Lee, Lexie Diao, Mary Wilson, Alex Stern, Dan Farrell, Sophia Lanman, Shannon Lin, Diane Wong, Devon Taylor, Alyssa Moxley, Summer Thomad, Olivia Natt, Daniel Ramirez and Brendan Klinkenberg.

Our theme music is by Jim Brunberg and Ben Landsverk of Wonderly. Special thanks to Sam Dolnick, Paula Szuchman, Lisa Tobin, Larissa Anderson, Julia Simon, Sofia Milan, Mahima Chablani, Elizabeth Davis-Moorer, Jeffrey Miranda, Renan Borelli, Maddy Masiello, Isabella Anderson and Nina Lassam.

Nicholas Fandos is a Times reporter covering New York politics and government. More about Nicholas Fandos

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Biden to speak about abortion in Tampa. Everything to know about Florida’s abortion laws

President Joe Biden will be in Tampa on Tuesday, April 23, to talk about the increasingly restrictive abortion bans in Florida and other GOP-led states. Meanwhile, his opponent in this year's presidential race is on trial in a New York City courtroom over whether he falsified business records to hide a hush money payment to porn star  Stormy Daniels  ahead of the 2016 election.

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Florida abortion rulings: A win for both sides, but voters have last say with Amendment 4

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Before the 15-week ban, the Roe v. Wade standard had applied across the country for decades. Abortions were legal:

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A full-term pregnancy is considered to be 39-40 weeks.

Protection for abortion travelers: Biden's new HIPAA rule shields medical records for out-of-state abortions

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Abortions in Florida: Now that Roe v. Wade is gone, here's what's legal and what's not

How many people got abortions in 2023? New report finds increase despite bans

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Yes. As of April 2022 , the state requires anyone seeking an abortion to wait 24 hours after an initial doctor’s visit before returning to undergo the procedure.

What does the Florida 6-week abortion ban do?

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When do most people find out they're pregnant?

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Does Florida's 6-week abortion law include exemptions for danger to the mother?

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This requires physicians willing to risk possible fines, loss of license and even imprisonment to go on record against oversight committees and the state. Attempts by Democrats to  clarify the conditions  under which a physician may make that call without risking their medical license were struck down.

Does the 6-week abortion ban in Florida include exemptions for a fetus that has died or is going to die?

Yes. If two physicians have certified in writing that in reasonable medical judgment, the fetus has a fatal fetal abnormality, the pregnancy may be terminated. However, the bill included new language requiring that the pregnancy must not have "progressed to the third trimester," which could be interpreted to mean that abortions for fatal fetal abnormalities are banned after 27 weeks.

Does the 6-week abortion ban in Florida include exemptions for rape or incest?

Abortions are permitted in the case of rape, incest or human trafficking but only up to 15 weeks, and only if the pregnant person has copies of "a restraining order, police report, medical record, or other court order or documentation" to provide evidence that they are a victim of rape or incest.

If the pregnant person is a minor, the physician must report the incident of rape or incest to the central abuse hotline.

Abortion rights battle: Abortion rights inspire these young voters like no other issue. How they're fighting ahead of 2024.

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For anyone except licensed doctors administering them to you in person, yes.

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The 6-week abortion law clearly states that abortions may only be performed by a physician in the same room.  Telehealth sessions are specifically banned.

Can I go to jail for getting an abortion after 6 weeks in Florida?

Anyone willfully performing or actively helping someone get an abortion outside of the restrictions will be committing a third-degree felony, punishable by fines and imprisonment of five years. It is unclear if the pregnant person is also liable.

When does Florida's 6-week abortion ban go into effect?

May 1, 2024, 30 days after the Florida Supreme Court's ruling.

What would Amendment 4, Florida's abortion amendment do?

The proposed amendment submitted by Floridians Protecting Freedom that will appear on November's ballot reads:

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Fetal viability has been put at about 24 weeks.

For the amendment to pass it must win by a supermajority, or at least 60% of the vote. According to an exclusive USA TODAY/Ipsos poll of more than 1,000 Floridians, half said they would vote in favor.

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Don’t Be Intimidated By Peel-And-Stick Wallpaper—9 Things To Know Before Installing It In Your Home

You’ll be a DIY pro in no time!

• What You'll Need
• Advice To Consider Before Installing Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

ANNIE SCHLECHTER; STYLING: MATTHEW GLEASON

Tired of that blank wall or boring shelf? Whether you're looking to add interest to the back of a bookshelf or install a whole wall, peel-and-stick wallpaper is a DIY-approved and affordable way to bring personality into your space. Thanks to the self-adhesive backing, it’s said to be a cleaner and easier process than installing traditional wallpaper; however, there’s a little more to it than just tearing off the protective backing. Here are 9 things to keep in mind before embarking on your peel-and-stick wallpaper project to ensure the smoothest installation process and help you work like a DIY pro.

The Benefits of Peel-and-Stick Wallpaper

If you’re looking to add color or pattern to your home, removable wallcoverings are a renter-friendly and typically more cost effective alternative to traditional wallpaper. The DIY method means you’re not only saving money on the material itself, but also saving on labor costs when you install it yourself. Plus it involves fewer tools and no messy glue or paste needed.

What You'll Need To Properly Install Peel-And-Stick Wallpaper

• Peel-and-stick wallpaper
• Utility knife
• Measuring tape or ruler
• Level or straightedge 
• Smoothing tool

Brian Woodcock; Styling: Page Mullins

Advice To Consider Before Installing Peel-And-Stick Wallpaper 

• Phone a friend. “Installing peel-and-stick wallpaper is definitely a two person job, so don’t attempt it alone,” says Senior Lifestyle Editor Ivy Odom, who installed removable wallpaper in her work from home space.
• Measure twice, cut once. Be sure to double check the measurements of your space before cutting the section of paper.
• Buy more than you need. Take into account potential mistakes and any spots that might require more cutting to fit like doors, windows, and shelves. It's better to have a little extra wallpaper that can be repurposed than an unfinished project.
• Prepare your surface. Be wary of anything recently painted and stay away from matte or flat finishes to minimize any damage upon later removal. It’s best to install peel-and-stick wallpaper on smooth surfaces with an eggshell, satin, or semi-gloss finish. Best practices may vary according to your specific paper, so always revert to the instructions for your product when preparing your space.
• Temperature control. Let the wallcovering acclimate to the temperature of the room where you plan to use it for at least a day ahead of installation. This will help it adhere best.
• Don’t peel off the backing all at once. “You want to start from the top and have one person very carefully pull the backing off slowly and evenly while the other uses a wide flat spatula to smooth it out,” says Odom.
• Slow and steady is key. Smooth the panels as you go with a clean plastic spackle tool. Odom suggests using something like this , to help you keep air bubbles and wrinkles at bay as you remove the backing.
• Consider your pattern. “Lining up the pattern is the hardest part, so if that intimidates you, choose a wallpaper with a more abstract pattern that doesn’t have to line up perfectly,” suggests Odom. “You might have to cut it a little longer and trim as needed, but if you match it up at the top then it should match all the way down.”
• Ensure straight lines. “In addition to a sharp blade to cut with, a grid ruler, like this one , also came in handy for measuring when cutting,” adds Senior Social Media Editor Brennan Long, who installed Society Social grasscloth peel-and-stick on the back of her bookshelves.

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