A trip to California is exciting. With its sandy beaches, towering redwoods, amusement parks and the glitzy movie industry, there is something for everyone to enjoy. Whether you spend every summer in California, or if this is your first time visiting the state, there are some things that will make your stay more comfortable and safer.
1. A Backup Power Source
California is certainly beautiful, but there are dangers, too. One of those is an unreliable power supply, particularly during the summer wildfire season. If you are planning to spend time in California during the summer, then you’ll want a backup power supply. That might be as simple as a generator and extra fuel if you are only worried about a few days at a time. Solar panels are a good choice to operate major appliances and recharge devices. They don’t require a lot of maintenance, so you won’t have to worry about year-round upkeep. A reliable water heater company in Calabasas can get you set up with a propane or gas system so you have hot water for showers and dishes even if the power is out. You might consider gas-powered cooking appliances like grills and stoves, too.
2. Outdoor Gear
It doesn’t matter whether you prefer to hit the beach, a lake or the hiking trails, California offers options for all of them -and more. That’s why a fully stocked outdoor gear kit is absolutely essential for your summer home stay. You’ll want to have towels, a beach chair and beach gear for trips to the water. Hiking boots, trekking poles and a trail guide will make wandering the miles of natural trails safer and more fun. A GPS locator can be invaluable if you get lost or disoriented during any serious exploring.
3. An Emergency Supply Kit
Emergencies happen, and there is no quicker way to derail an otherwise amazing vacation than to be caught off-guard in one. Any vacation home should have an emergency supply kit stocked and ready to go. While there are some basic recommendations for what should be in your kit, you’ll want to make sure it is appropriate for your family and their needs and preferences. For example, a couple of extra days of non-perishable food is important, but if no one will eat the canned tuna it doesn’t do you very much good. Keep in mind that you might need to take this emergency kit with you in the event an evacuation is ordered, so it will need to be portable enough to handle on the fly.
4. Sunscreen
There are numerous benefits associated with spending some time in the sun. It helps your body produce vitamin D, boosts your mood and helps relieve tension. UV light is also sanitizing, which means that many common germs don’t survive long when exposed. Too much sun exposure can also be quite dangerous. Besides causing painful sunburns, it contributes to certain types of cancer and premature aging of the skin. That is why sun protection is so important. The first line of defense is to avoid direct exposure to the sun during the middle of the day. That isn’t always possible, especially if you are enjoying lots of outdoor activities on your vacation. For when you are planning to be outdoors, wear a wide-brimmed hat and sunglasses to protect your face and eyes. Apply sunscreen with an SPF of 30 or higher to exposed skin. Reapply after prolonged sweating or exposure to water.
5. Market Bags
What summer trip to California would be complete without a little shopping at local markets? There are some pretty strict environmental regulations in the state, so be prepared with your own reusable market bags. Oft for natural fibers for a lower environmental impact. If you forget to bring some from home, many markets have a selection available of repurchase. Get a few early on and you can use them to carry all sorts of things throughout your stay.
Proper planning will make your vacation go more smoothly. Having the right supplies and being prepared for an emergency will allow you to relax and enjoy the scenery instead of worrying about what you forgot to pack.
