There are countless destinations within driving distance of Speedway, Indiana that make a terrific summer day trip, including the Indiana Dunes, Holiday World, and Cataract Falls. Indiana offers hills, forests, sand dunes, and lakeshores for the outdoor enthusiast, and plenty of terrific shopping and museums for those who prefer the action of the city. Once you’ve made the decision about where you’re going to go, it’s time to decide what to pack. How do you make your day of traveling as fun and stress-free as possible? Here are some tips!
Where are you going? City or country? Rugged forest or sandy beach? You’ll want to dress comfortably not only for the drive but for the destination as well. Additionally, if your day trip includes more formal dining, you’ll want to throw in a jacket or shoes to ensure you’ve dressed appropriately for that venue as well.
Decide what kind of bag to carry. You might also want to bring a bag or cooler to leave in the car. Is a shoulder bag sufficient, or will you prefer a backpack that’s sturdier and leaves both hands free? A lightweight day pack or cross-body bag is another option that’s comfortable and secure.
Lighten the load. You want to be prepared, but you don’t want to be lugging around a lot of extra stuff that will weigh you down and make it more difficult to find the items you do need. (If there’s absolutely zero chance of rain, go ahead and leave that umbrella at home!) If you’re taking the backpack or shoulder bag you carry on a daily basis, consider leaving non-essential items at home, such as work or school supplies.
Snack smart. Even if you’re going to a city destination, it’s a good idea to bring a snack and some water on a day trip in case of a delay, breakdown, or other unexpected bumps in the road. Apples, oranges, and granola bars are portable and more likely to survive the journey than a delicate zipper bag full of grapes or a melty chocolate bar.
Stow all your paperwork in one place. We’re lucky that most reservations and receipts are digital these days and easily stored in a mobile device, but if you do happen to have paper reservations, coupons, or other travel documents, make sure you store them in one place where they won’t get wet or crumpled. You might even store everything in a sealed zipper bag so that it’s safe and easy to find.
Here’s a helpful checklist you can use to make sure you're packing the essentials:
Sunblock
Hand Sanitizer
Chapstick
Insect repellent
A travel-size first-aid kit
Wet wipes and tissues
Change of shoes or socks
Towels
Sweater or light jacket for evening
Sunglasses
Hat
Umbrella or rain jacket
A cooler with snacks and drinks for the car
Water bottle
Electronics and chargers
Money clip or wallet with ID, credit card, and cash
A trash bag for the car
Ready for a new adventure? Come explore the Wilshaw Apartments. Located near the crossroads of I-65, I-69, I-70, and I-74, these apartments in Speedway are the perfect base for your summer day trips around Indiana. Call (317) 835-9195 to schedule a tour today.