All it takes is a little preparation, and your boating day trip will be remembered for all the right reasons.

First things first: Make sure your boat has a properly fitting life jacket for everyone on board. Be sure you bring along a variety of snacks tough enough to survive being tossed about during the day. Have plenty of water and sports drinks, sunscreen, extra towels, and hats. A little preparation goes a long way, so think it through and make a list. It will make your day on the water that much more pleasant for you and the rest of the crew.

Are you embarking on a long-term boat trip this spring? Trips longer than a week or so have the potential to be some of the most fun and enjoyable you’ll ever take—but they do require some careful planning to carry out! We shared a few of our best tips for enjoying a long-term boat trip. 

Pack the essentials, but pack light. Even a spacious boat can start to feel cramped with lots of gear and more than a week at sea, so be sure to leave lots of space for your comfort… and all the goodies and souvenirs you’re sure to pick up along the way.

Make plans to dine out. By doing so, you’ll be able to get a unique taste of the cuisines of the areas you venture off to. You may even find your new favorite waterfront grill or a unique coffee spot in a small coastal town.

Try new things. Use this time to branch out and try the water sport you’ve always wondered about, or enjoy the new local fare. 

Roll with the unexpected. Plans may not always work the way you want them to thanks to the weather, navigational issues, and other factors—and that’s okay!

Now that you’re ready, it’s time to choose a direction. Pick up a copy of Atlantic Cruising Clubs Guide to the Pacific Northwest at amazon.com and go make new memories.