My Hurri-cation Experience and Road Travel Tips

Hey Everybody! I can't even BEGIN to tell you what I've been through. You guys know I evacuated for Hurricane Isaac.

Well, long story short, I had two great weeks in Cincinnati, but came back to half of my kitchen ceiling on the floor (insurance man came last Tuesday), a dead car battery (called AAA to replace), desktop needs a new part (computer guys is coming on the 2nd), hair blowdryer doesn't work (just bought a new one) and suffered from vertigo/and an allergic reaction that made my face blowup like I was in a boxing match (thank GOD for penicillin! the swelling is going down!) I'm taking care of things, but it has been overwhelming. Despite it all I'm THANKFUL! I missed you guys and I'm slowly catching up with everyone's blog.

I'll be covering my road trip to Cincinnati all week. I thought I would start by giving some traveling tips. I've evacuated so many times. My mom and I drove from Louisiana to Mississippi, Alabama, Tennessee, Kentucky and then Ohio (where my Aunt lives). It takes us about 12-14 hours. So here are some pics and here we GO!!!

BEFORE getting on the road! BEFORE driving out of town!

If possible, make sure your car is serviced (gas, oil change, air in the tires etc.). Take important papers and mementos with you (either in a tote or water resistant bag). UNLOAD, UNPLUG and LEAVE THE DOORS OPEN to your refrigerator! If not, trust me food will spoil, maggots will form and you will have to dispose of it all when you return (Hurricane Katrina). Make sure you can pay your bills online, through your phone or take upcoming bills with you. Stop by the bank and get some CASH! It's always good to have a little on you. Print out driving directions! I know almost every car/cellphone has GPS, but if for any reason it fails you'll have something to rely on. Wear comfortable clothes! The difference in temperature from Cincinnati and New Orleans is drastic this time of a year. So I wore some black leggings and a heather grey lightweight sweater. I've been contemplating selling my LV Speedy. Just not into monogram, but I'm thinking I should hold onto it because it's a classic.

Gas Stations! Road Food!

When driving, try to find gas stations with food marts! Why? Because they are usually bigger, safer, stocked and cleaner. Well, as clean as they can be. HaHaHa Unfortunately, they're loaded with processed food junk. So I suggest keeping some energy/healthy snacks, fruit and water in the car to munch on.

Here comes the SUN!

I don't think I have to remind everyone to bring sunglasses. With the sun beaming down and drying you out, don't forget to have lip balm, wear sunscreen, bring visine (eye drops), and if you wear contacts keep contact solution and your glasses nearby.

Stuff Happens! First Aid and Medicine!

Anything can happen while traveling. Cuts, insect bites or an allergic reaction is possible. So bring any prescription medications you may have (keep them close, keep them cool... not in the back of your vehicle), first aid cream, band-aids, neosporin, insect repellant, aspirin etc. These items can be expensive if purchased on the road, so it's good to have a ziploc bag filled with your own.

Stay Connected!

Have a cell phone? Most likely! Do you have a CAR cell phone charger that you can plug into your car's cigarette lighter? Hmmm! Buy one! It charges your cell phone and keeps you connected. Also make sure you bring your regular cell phone charger. Also if you have to evacuate, join Twitter! Subscribe to local and national weather/hurricane forecasters. Subscribe to local and state emergency response and preparedness agencies. They will tell you what's happening in your area and when it's safe to return. Also if you have a laptop, wireless connection etc. That is also helpful. I didn't take mine, because I had so much other stuff to bring.

Have FUN!

It can be stressful, just thinking about the storm that's approaching and friends you've left behind. So it's important to bring good music to play in the car and take in the sights you see on the road. My mom and I took turns driving. So when I wasn't driving, I tried to take pics of what I saw. I mainly saw trees, hills and rocks but a few interesting things appeared on the way :) Hope these tips helped!

In my next blog post, I'll show you my aunt's condominium.  
She's a vintage chic!

Do you have any tips when you travel by car?

...and the WINNER of the Starbucks and Mary Jo Matsumoto Caffeine Addiction nail lacquer Giveaway is...

Little Rus of Fashioned by Love Blog!

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