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Fit Traveler Blog

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The Ultimate Guide: Planning A Trip

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Planning a road trip or any other trip for me is one of my favorite parts. The downfall is sometimes I research it so much that I feel like I have already been on that trip. I have always loved to travel, and I want to see it all. I have always struggled with FOMO before it became a thing. Road trips are my favorite way to travel followed by car camping.

Traveling by car is the best way to travel in my opinion because it gives me the freedom to come and go as I please. I can take the scenic route or stop at things that catch my eye. I love traveling in my SUV because I have started car camping, which eliminates the need for hotels. I have been able to wake up to some pretty views.

In this road trip guide, I am going to share how I plan my trips, where to stay, what to pack, and how to avoid mistakes.

Planning A Trip: Figure out Destination

This is the fun part of planning a trip. It’s figuring out where to go! There are so many places to go that the ideas are endless. Every trip I go on I probably add 10 or more new places to visit. I get inspiration from my surroundings.

Road Trip Inspiration

Inspiration for trips is literally everywhere. Pinterest. Travel Bloggers. Friends. Family. State Websites. Recommendations. Visitor Centers.

Planning A Trip: Transportation

There are several options when it comes to picking how you are going to take trips.

  • Renting RV – There are several websites available on renting an RV. I haven’t done this yet, but I have looked into for several trips.
  • Renting Car – I have friends and family who do this, but this has never made sense to me. There are several different reasons you might want to rent a car: not put the miles on your car, test drive a car you have always wanted, want something fun like a convertible in California.
  • Campervan, RV – I would love to have my own campervan or RV. I have looked into every now and again. I haven’t decided if I want to pull an RV or drive an RV. I have looked into RV that goes in truck bed. I haven’t looked in a while because I am having fun car camping
  • Car camping – This is my #1 or favorite way to travel. From spring to fall I am gone most weekends exploring. I like taking my own car because I am familiar with it and it’s the least expensive from my perspective. (

If you take your own car, make sure your car can handle the conditions, check your tires, fluids, get an oil change (if needed)

Planning A Trip: Length

most of my trips have been weekend trips. The most I have been away is 5 days.

Planning A Trip: Route

There are several apps and websites that can help track your trip, but I use Google maps. I use Google for everything else, and it’s free for right not. I didn’t always use google maps, but with longer trips it’s a lifesaver.

Quick Tutorial – How to Use Google Maps

Create an acct if you don’t have an account. Search for a location, select location, hit save under name of trip. When you pin the location there is a heart for favorites, flag for want to go, star for starred places. I haven’t messed around with this. I have just put everything under the name of the trip. Some people have created a key that works for them.

If you don’t want to plan a trip or want help you can purchase Google Maps from travel bloggers. I have purchased a few maps and they helped out with planning of the trip. Don’t forget to download Google Maps for offline access.

Planning A Trip: Budget

This is something I figure out early on because it does affect how many things I can see and do. In the past I haven’t created a budget for a trip, if I wanted it or wanted to see it I did it. Now I am more conscious of how much I spend

Planning A Trip: Where to Stay

The best thing about road trips is the accommodations are endless. You can stay at AirBnB, Vrbo, hotel, camping, car camping or RV life. I haven’t used Vrbo but I have used AirBnB to find unique places to stay. I have found some really fun places to stay. I have stayed a barbie themed place in Florida, bright colored hotel in Florida as well.

Camping and Car camping have several options available. National Parks, State Parks, gas stations like Loves and Flying J, rest stops, and apps like Campspot, and campendium.

Planning A Trip: Packing List

I am an overpacker and I’m really trying to get better. Some basics that I usually always have with me is water, power cords, flashlight, first aid, and blanket.

Planning A Trip: Mistakes To Avoid

  • Not giving yourself enough time
  • Planning too much
  • Not planning rest or gas stops

Planning A Trip: Best Apps for Road Trips

I use Campendium the most. I love that it’s free and people have left notes about the location. Hipcamp is one that I look at a lot but I haven’t used. I have a friend who uses Free Roam a lot but I haven’t used it. iOverlander is another one that I used a lot more. Here is another blog post that I wrote about my favorite travel apps.

Planning a Trip: Road Trips

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Hi! I'm Jessa! I'm here to talk about all things travel and healthy living without giving up all your favorites.

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# Peoria Area Farmers Market List Monday - Peori # Peoria Area Farmers Market List

Monday

- Peoria Metro Market: Everyday May - Oct 31 8am - 4700 N. University St., Peoria

Tuesday

- Morton: June 4 - August - from 3:30 pm until 6:30 pm - 225 E. Jefferson St., Morton
- Peoria Metro Market: Everyday May - Oct 31 8am - 4700 N. University St., Peoria

Wednesday

- Peoria Metro Market: Everyday May - Oct 31 8am - 4700 N. University St., Peoria
- Junction City: May 24th - ? - 3pm to 6pm -
- Sheridan: May 1 - September - from 3 pm until 6 pm - 3827 N. Sheridan Road, Peoria, situated outside of Relics and Sheridan Nursery.

Thursday

- Peoria Metro Market: Everyday May - Oct 31 8am - 4700 N. University St., Peoria
- Pekin: June 6 - August 29 - from 330pm to 630pm -551 S. 14th St., Pekin, in the Miller Center parking lot
- Pekin Fall Market: Two fall markets will also be held − Sept. 12 and Oct. 10
- 3rd THURSDAY ONLY - May 16th, June 20th, July 18th & August 15th - 3pm to 7pm -

Friday

- Peoria Metro Market: Everyday May - Oct 31 8am - 4700 N. University St., Peoria
- East Peoria: June 7 - August 30th - from 4pm to 7pm - 396 W. Washington St., East Peoria

Saturday

- Peoria Metro Market: Everyday May - Oct 31 8am - 4700 N. University St., Peoria
- Peoria Downtown - May 18 - Sept. 28 -  8 a.m. until 12pm - 212 SW Water St., Peoria, in the River Station parking lot.
- Germantown Hills: June 1 - Oct 26 - from 9am to 1pm - Germantown Hills Crossing
- Metamora: June 1 - September - from 8am to Noon - 113 E. Partridge St., Metamora

Sunday
Glow Wild at the @therealpeoriazoo Dates: Friday Glow Wild at the @therealpeoriazoo 
Dates: Friday - Sundays until April 27
Time: 5:30p-9:30p

We got there around 6:30pm, and didn’t leave until 9:15pm. The website says the walk will take about an hour, but you can go at your own pace. There are so many lanterns in each animal exhibit.

We started going through the Asian Trail, there was year of animals. The Africa section was my favorite, but I am not going to tell you why. But it was a nice surprise, and I was way too excited.

There were hands on activities throughout the zoo, but by the time we got to some of the areas it was closed.
-make your lantern
-paint rocks to be placed around the zoo
-tattoos
-music each night

🎟️Tickets:
Advance Online: Adults $19.95 | Kids $13.95
At the Door: Adults $25 | Kids $15
What are your “musts” when traveling? Let me k What are your “musts” when traveling? Let me know in the comments! 

These are the things I always have when I travel: (arrow down)

1. Spare credit card/bank card - I typically bring this, but before my last trip my regular bank card got hacked. Now I make sure to always have 2 cards with me. 
2. Portable charge/power banks - I have a charger that I keep in my car all the time. It's a 4 in 1 charger, but I also have portable charge that I keep in my bag. It has come in handy more times that I can count for me and other people. 
3. Reusable water bottle - I have my Stanley when I am driving. While I am hiking I use either a water bladder or a hydroflask. 
4. Reusable Bags - My favorite is the Mary Kay roll up bag. It has 4 plastic bags that holds everything I need for my morning/evening routine and shower time. 
5. Books - I will most always have a physical book along with my kindle app. I love to read. During my hikes I stop throughout for snacks and reading. 
6. Wet Wipes - My favorite is HyperGo because they have so many different scents. They are also 12x12 so usually 1 works for the whole body. 

In the reel - Things I won't travel without

Caption - What are your travel musts? let me know in the comments because I am going to compile a list and share later. 

Here are mine:

portable charger - I have a small bag where I keep all my cords & portable chargers. 

spare credit card - 

iPad - I have everything on there. books. writing. 

snacks -

reusable water bottle 

headphones -
If this Heisman, I don’t know what else is!!! If this Heisman, I don’t know what else is!!! 

I recently tried to camp with him but that FAILED!!! he actually likes using more to pee on then sleep in.
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