When you go on a road trip, do you overpack or underpack? How do you travel with children and pets? I've learned to go somewhere in the middle. Whether the destination is a 2-hour or over 16-hour trip, planning, organization and flexibility are key to keeping one's sanity.

　　当你准备自驾游时，你是会打包多带点行李还是尽量少点呢?你会怎么和孩子与宠物们出游呢?对于打包行李，我学会了折衷的做法。无论目的地是2小时或是超过16小时的车程，计划、组织和灵活性是使人清醒的关键。

　　Give yourself at least a week to prepare.

　　留出至少一周去准备

　　I usually start packing a week in advance, that way I'm not rushing at the last minute to get everything together. It's not even perfect but I do something as ridiculously simple as getting the suitcases out and laying them in the spare room or some open space and just start with one or two things I know I'll need.

　　我通常提前一周开始打包行李，这样我便不会在最后一刻把所有东西都塞到一起。这种做法不是最完美的，但我做的事出奇简单：我把旅行箱全拿出来，将他们放在空着的房间或是某个开放的空间，接下来就从我认为将会用到的一到两件东西开始往里面放。

　　Write a checklist.

　　写一张清单

　　I also have a checklist with boxes to tick off on Evernote. Those I use for the longer trips. By now I have it down pat though, so a mental checklist works too. If you're not sure where to get started, head over to Pinterest and search for "packing" or "travel lists" where there are many great detailed checklists you can then either use as is or tweak to fit your needs.

　　我的印象笔记(Evernote)里有张清单，列着一个个待完成的事项，是我用于较长途旅游的清单列表。现在我对它熟门熟路，所以也能打个腹稿。如果你不清楚从哪步开始做起，就打开Pinterest(以瀑布流形式展现图片的软件)，搜索“行李”或是“旅游清单”。那里有许多很棒很详细的清单，你要么可以直接拿来用要么在那基础上进行修改，来满足你的需求。

　　Pack food and drinks.

　　打包食物和饮品

　　Pack enough food that you're not hangry (hungry/angry) but not too much that you're overloaded. Pack healthier foods to eat on the road so you don't have to rely on junk food. We bring those coolers with wheels that you could put ice packs in and they'll keep food and drinks cool.

　　带上足够多的食物，这样你既不会饿到发火，也不会因带得过多而使行李超重。带上较为健康的食物在路上吃，那么你就不必拿垃圾食品填肚子。我们会带上那些有轮的制冷机，里面放好冰块，冷藏食物和饮品。

　　Pack enough for emergencies.

　　打包足够多应急物品

　　I've found having an emergency first kit, extra diapers, clothes, plastic bags, snacks and water bottles on hand is always a good idea. For pets, we keep meals, snacks, plastic bags, water and dishes handy. We also have hand sanitizer, wipes, paper towels, toilet paper and an empty jar for other emergencies.

　　我发现在手边准备一个急救箱、额外的尿布、衣服、塑料袋、零食还有水瓶总是不错的。我们为宠物准备了餐点、塑料袋、水和方便携带的餐碟。以防万一，我们还会带洗手液、湿巾、纸巾、厕纸和一个空罐子。

　　Pre-charge all devices.

　　给所有的设备提前充好电

　　Get all devices like cell phones, tablets, Kindle readers charged. Also have extra batteries or chargers on hand. Allow yourself plenty of time to get to your destination safely.

　　给所有的电子设备充好电，例如手机、平板、Kindle阅读器。并带上替换的电池或是移动电源。给你留出充足的时间来安全抵达目的地。

　　If you are able to, travel during off-peak hours so you're not neck-to-neck in traffic with other road travelers. Have Google Maps or other traffic apps ready for review so you could seekalternate routes in case you're stuck in traffic.

　　如果可以的话，避开人流高峰去旅游，这样你就不会同其他自驾出游者挤交通了。准备好查看谷歌地图或其他出行软件，万一交通拥堵，你便能找到替换路线。

　　Finally on the road, opt for safety above all things. Err on the side of caution and keep a good following distance if at all possible.

　　最终出行，一切安全为上。宁求稳妥。尽可能同前面的车保持恰当的车距。

　　Take breaks if you need to, especially if there are scenic points with picnic benches where you could eat.

　　如果你需要的话，沿途休息会，尤其当那有景点和可供野餐的沙滩时。

　　Enjoy the ride and the time spent with family. Think of the memories you create from traveling with those you love.

　　享受自驾游的过程以及与有家人相伴的时光。想想你在与爱的人一同旅游时创造的回忆。

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（编辑：何莹莹）