There’s always a certain kind of thrill when you pack your bags and car before a road trip. The adventure, the freedom and, of course, the memories are all calling from the open road. But before you hit the gas, make sure you and your family are ready for the long haul.
Whether it’s a quick weekend trip or a big adventure across the country, packing the right stuff makes for a smooth and comfy ride. In this post, we’ll go over the must-haves for your next road trip, from practical to comfort to entertainment.
Now what? Buckle up, and let’s get ready to make your next road trip an epic one.
Planning The Route To Take and Safety Stuff
Getting ready for a road trip means covering all bases. From deciding beforehand which route to take to packing all the safety and essential items, this will help you avoid the stress and hazards that may come your way.
Map
While GPS is a great tool to use, it’s still a good idea to bring a physical map just in case of digital failure. On this map, map out your route and highlight potential stops and points of interest, like a view you want to take a photo of.
Emergency Kit
You’ve thought of everything, but you can’t anticipate the unexpected during your road trip. So pack a full emergency kit. Here are the essentials:
- First Aid: Band-aids, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers.
- Flashlight and Extra Batteries: For nighttime emergencies.
- Jumper Cables: For dead batteries.
- Basic Tool Kit: For minor repairs.
- Duct Tape: For quick fixes.
- Spare Tire and Jack: For flat tires.
- Flares and Reflective Triangles: For visibility during emergencies.
Vehicle Maintenance
Prepping your vehicle is just as important as the bags you packed with the essentials. Before you hit the road, always check the oil, brake and fluid levels, tire pressure, lights, brake pads, and battery.
Important Documents
Whatever you do, don’t forget your driver’s license, vehicle registration, insurance info, and emergency contact numbers. Keep them as handy as possible so you can grab them in case of an emergency.
Unusual Emergency Item
You may not think of this as essential, but a user-friendly beginner lock pick set is super useful in emergency situations. Although unusual, this tool can be a lifesaver when you lock your keys in the car or need to open a locked compartment in an emergency.
Pro Tip: It’s always a good idea to create a digital folder on your phone with photos of important documents, emergency contact info and your route. This is backing up your physical backup with offline options. |
Comfort And Convenience Stuff
Now that we’ve gone over the safety stuff, let’s move on to comfort. We all know that an outdoor trip means long hours on the road, which can take a toll on your body and your mood. Now, let’s make your trip more enjoyable by packing these comfort boosters.
Snacks and Drinks
First on the list, bring a cooler or bag full of healthy snacks like fruits, nuts, and granola bars. This will save you from multiple stops at gas stations where you can only find unhealthy food. Also bring a thermos of premium decaf coffee to keep you feeling light and cozy without the caffeine jitters especially on those long afternoon highway drives.
Reusable Water Bottles
Using refillable water bottles reduces plastic waste and your carbon footprint and keeps you refreshed and hydrated throughout your trip.
Comfy Clothes
Bring breathable fabrics so you can move around inside the vehicle. Pack clothes that can adapt to changing weather conditions so you can be comfortable whatever the temperature is.
Pillows and Blankets
As mentioned, a road trip means long hours so might as well bring travel pillows and lightweight blankets. This will add to the comfort during long drives, breaks, and overnights.
Trash Bags and Wet Wipes
Bring wet wipes for quick clean-ups and trash bags to keep your car clean and tidy for the entire trip.
Portable Chargers and Cables
Chargers will come in handy on long drives to power up your navigation, entertainment, and emergencies.
Travel-Sized Toiletries
Hand sanitizer, tissues, and a small toiletry kit are all essentials that will keep you fresh, especially during rest stops.
Insect Repellent
Whether planned or unplanned stop, it’s always good to have a bug spray in your bag to keep the bugs away.
Entertainment And Memories
In road trips, you have to remember that the journey is just as important as the destination. You have to keep yourself and your travel buddies entertained not just to make time fly but to create lasting memories.
Music Playlists
Speaking of road trip entertainment, nothing beats a well-curated, diverse playlist that will fit different moods and personalities inside the car. Plus, according to a study by the National Institutes of Health, you can even improve focus and reduce fatigue by listening to moderate tempo music. Just make sure to download them for offline streaming so they’ll be available in areas with poor signal.
Audiobooks and Podcasts
One of the most popular forms of entertainment today is a good audiobook or podcast. They’re good alternatives to music as they keep you engaged with interesting stories and discussions.
Travel Games
Of course, there are games you can play along the way. From the classic “I Spy” or “20 Questions” to portable versions of your favorite board games, these will keep you busy during the trip.
Camera or Smartphone
Now, let’s take the fun to the scenic views you’ll be seeing as you travel. When in-vehicle fun gets boring, bring a camera or take out your smartphone to capture the views, which you will treasure forever.
Stargazing App
As the long drive takes you under the stars and clear night sky, a stargazing app will add an educational twist to your evening drive.
Fact: According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the average passenger vehicle emits about 4.6 metric tons of carbon dioxide per year. By being eco-friendly during your road trip, you can reduce your carbon footprint. |
Make Every Road Trip Memorable And Sustainable
In all long road trips, you have to remember that it’s not just about reaching your destination but also about being in the moment as you go through and explore new places while creating golden memories. And to fully enjoy these most awaited adventures, by including these essentials in your travel plans, you’re all set for a road trip with good vibes.
Thanks for stopping by!
Magda
xoxo