Road Trip Essentials You Can’t Leave Home Without
The open road beckons, promising adventure around every bend. The wind in your hair, the sun on your shoulders, endless memories waiting to be made—it's road trip season! But leaving the comforts of home behind doesn't mean you have to rough it.
With the right gear, your home away from home on wheels can be cozy, convenient, and downright fun. We've rounded up the ultimate must-have items to make your next road trip the journey of a lifetime.
Snacks and Drinks
Road trips are all about the journey, but having great snacks and drinks makes the ride even more enjoyable. Stop less and snack more with these road trip food and beverage essentials:
1. Pack non-perishable snacks.
Stock up on granola bars, nuts, jerky, and other non-perishable bites to keep you fueled between stops without refrigeration. Having snacks on hand prevents extra stops and keeps energy steady wherever the road leads.
2. Bring a cooler with beverages.
An insulated cooler filled with water, juice, soda, and other thirst-quenching drinks is a road trip must-have. Staying hydrated makes driving more comfortable and brings a picnic vibe to any pit stop.
3. Use a reusable water bottle.
Bring along a reusable water bottle that can be easily refilled at water fountains, gas stations, restaurants, and more. Having your own bottle allows you to stay hydrated without extra stops and reduces waste.
4. Bring a travel mug for hot drinks.
A travel mug keeps coffee, tea, or other caffeinated beverages hot and ready for early starts or late-night miles. Having your own mug means you can get your daily dose wherever the road takes you.
Entertainment
Entertainment is essential for passing the time on long road trips. Keep boredom at bay with these entertaining essentials:
1. Bring good music.
Bluetooth speakers allow you to wirelessly play music from your phone and sing along to upbeat playlists. Good tunes make time pass quickly and keep the energy high.
2. Download audiobooks, podcasts & playlists.
Pass miles by getting lost in engrossing audiobooks and binge-worthy podcasts downloaded beforehand. Create playlists for every mood and scenario. You'll always have something new to listen to.
3. Pack a tablet loaded with movies & TV.
Load up a tablet with downloaded movies and shows for backseat viewing during long stretches between stops. Portable entertainment helps occupy passengers so the miles fly by.
4. Pack old-fashioned road trip games.
Bring books on road trip games like I Spy, alphabet spotting, license plate game, car bingo, and more for fun the old-fashioned way. Analog entertainment options provide sweet moments of distraction.
Comfort Items
Stay cozy and care for road trip needs with these comforting essentials:
1. Pack neck pillows and cozy blankets.
Neck pillows and warm blankets let passengers snooze comfortably during long stretches in the car. Being able to nap makes the time pass quickly.
2. Bring motion sickness pills and pain relievers.
Motion sickness pills and general pain relievers like ibuprofen help treat headaches, soreness, nausea, and other ailments that may pop up. Being prepared provides relief.
3. Carry hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes.
Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes are essential for maintaining cleanliness and minimizing germs in confined spaces. Keeping hands clean gives peace of mind.
4. Prepare tissues and napkins.
Stock up on tissues and napkins to easily contain any spills or drips. They also tend to have runny noses from allergies or colds. Absorbing messes makes the ride more pleasant.
Navigation and Driving Aids
Stay on course and drive with ease with these road trip navigational aids:
1. Pack a phone mount and charger.
A phone mount lets you securely attach your phone to the dash, keeping it in sight for easy map viewing and hands-free directions. A charger cord will keep your phone up all day, preventing your navigation and music from dying mid-drive.
2. Bring a portable GPS.
Consider packing a portable GPS device as a backup in case you end up in areas with spotty cell service where phone maps stop working. A standalone GPS will ensure you can still navigate remote backroads and find your way if you lose signal.
3. Carry a backup battery pack.
Since power outlets can be hard to come by on the go, bring a backup battery pack. This way, you can keep your devices charged when you can't plug them in overnight or at rest stops.
4. Pack sunglasses and sun hats.
Help keep sun glare at bay and protect your eyes from harsh rays with sunglasses and wide-brimmed sun hats. Reduce squinting and eye strain on super bright days, allowing you to focus on the road comfortably.
Organization
Stay tidy on the go with these road trip organization essentials:
1. Use backseat organizers.
Backseat organizers are a great way to neatly store snacks, electronics, toys, and other small items for easy access while driving. Specialized pockets and compartments prevent loose items from rolling around and keep the car tidy.
2. Pack garbage bags.
Don't forget garbage bags! They are road trip essentials containing trash, food wrappers, and other litter accumulating in the car over long drives and at picnic stopovers. Garbage bags help maintain cleanliness and prevent messes.
3. Use cubbies, bins, and dividers.
Stay organized using storage cubbies, collapsible bins, and zippered dividers to neatly categorize clothes, gear, snacks, and anything else you're packing in the trunk and luggage. Separated items are easy to spot and access.
4. Utilize packing cubes and pouches.
Maximize your luggage and bag space by using packing cubes, foldable pouches, and other tools to optimize packing. Compression helps neatly fit more items into compact spaces.
Safety and Security
Make safety a priority with these precautions and roadside essentials:
1. Pack an emergency roadside kit.
Prepare for breakdowns and flats by packing a thorough roadside kit with essential tools like jumper cables, a tire inflator, a jack, and more. Having what you need for minor repairs allows you to get back on the road quickly if issues pop up far from help.
2. Carry a well-stocked first aid kit.
A comprehensive first aid kit stocked with various bandages, antiseptics, medications, ointments, etc., will allow you to treat minor cuts, scrapes, headaches, allergies, and other medical issues on the go without needing professional medical attention.
3. Bring a fire extinguisher.
Don't forget a fire extinguisher to contain minor fires before they spread, whether an engine fire or an accidental blaze at a campsite. Quickly suppressing fires prevents major damage and protects passengers.
4. Use caution and prep.
The best way to ensure a safe and enjoyable journey is by taking preventative action—plan routes and rest stops ahead of time, pack backup chargers and extra supplies, get your vehicle serviced before the trip, drive defensively, and take precautions. Prior preparation prevents problems down the road!
Let the Good Times Roll
Hitting the open road promises adventure, making memories, and quality time with loved ones. While the destination provides joy, preparing with the right gear makes the journey comfortable, safe, and fun. With tasty snacks, entertainment options, organization tools, driving aids, and safety essentials packed, you can confidently set out for an epic road trip.
The miles will fly by with cozy passengers, organization, powered devices, and precautions in place. Soon, you'll be relishing the spectacular sights and creating unforgettable moments. So get packing, queue up your road trip playlist, and prepare to make this the adventure of a lifetime as you venture forth on the ultimate road trip. The open road beckons!
