TRAVEL TIPS
Before going on a trip is a good idea to write down a list of all the things you want to bring along with you. With the excitement of the trip it easy to forget important necessities including medications if you take them. It is a good idea to pack for your trip days in advance. Waiting last minute can cause delays with your departure and leaving things behind.
GUIDES & CAMERA: Before you go on a trip, it is best to use a travel guide, that you can purchase from any bookstore. The two guides that I recommend are; "A Travelers Guide to 116 Michigan Lighthouse", and "A Guide to 199 Michigan Waterfalls", by Penrose. Both of these guides give directions and are outstanding. Also I recommend a Michigan Atlas, which has detailed maps. I also use Map Quest for directions to each destination. Also a GPS direction devise is helpful, if you have a known address to your destination. You should bring along a camera to take pictures of your trip. Bring plenty of memory cards along and spare batteries. There are many cameras to choose from, but a digital camera is best. With a digital camera you don't need film and you can download your pictures when you get home. When picking out a digital camera, make sure the camera is at least 6 mega pixels and has a decent zoom feature for close ups.
CLOTHING & FOOTWEAR: The next thing you need to consider is clothing and footwear. Hiking shoes work best for trails and hiking. Otherwise a comfortable pair of athletic shoes will do. As far as clothing is concerned, you should use your better judgment. I dress according to the season and prefer cotton wear to synthetic, because of comfort. With the weather changing at a moments notice in Michigan it a good idea to bring along warm outer gear, such as a jacket or sweatshirt.
NECESSITIES: Make sure you bring along insect repellent in the Spring, Summer and Fall. It is also advisable to bring along a rain jacket or cheap poncho that you can from any sporting good store. You may think about buying a cooler to put in your vehicle for cold beverages and food. Backpacks are great for hiking. You can carry along water bottles, snacks, trail maps and other belongings. They even have back packs that are designed for camera equipment. Also they do have insulated back packs to keep water and food cold. There are many backpacks to choose from, depending on your needs.
DRIVING & SAFETY: It is always a good idea to leave early, especially in summer and fall. You may run into detours or road work that will delay your trip. It is a good idea to pull over if you become tired while driving or have a travel companion drive for you. Before leaving find out what the weather will be like for you commute. Slick or icy roads could ruin your trip and you could possibly end up getting involved in an accident. Bring along your cell phone in case you need roadside assistance on your trip. You should bring an emergency road protection kit, with jumper cables, flares, flashlight and tools. A small first aid kit comes in handy if you become injured. A walking stick will keep you from falling down, when walking down steep hills or slops.