Don’t Hit the Road Without These Essentials
Road trips might be fun, but when you're underprepared, it can spell out disaster. But what exactly should you bring on these long car rides? From wet wipes and water bottles to bug spray and sunscreen, here are 20 items we absolutely recommend you pack on your next road journey.
1. Hand Sanitizer & Wet Wipes
You wouldn't want to sit in a mess during a road trip just because you forgot to bring cleaning supplies, so make sure to always have a bottle of hand sanitizer and a pack of wet wipes with you. These will keep you and your surroundings germ-free, and come in handy when spills happen.
2. Water Bottles
Make sure to keep hydrated before and during a road trip! Sure, nature might call much more often, which means you'll need to make frequent rest stops, but you never want to go without water. Take a few refillable bottles with you, or stock up on some plastic ones.
3. Blanket
Even if you're road tripping in the summer, it can still get chilly at odd hours, especially at night. The air conditioning might exacerbate this as well, so it's better to be safe than sorry by bringing a blanket. It can double up as a pillow when not in use.
4. First Aid Kit
Hopefully, you won't need anything more than a band-aid for a small cut, but bringing a first aid kit with you is always essential. After all, you don't want to leave yourself—or any other passenger—unattended if minor bumps and scrapes happen.
5. Flashlight
Sure, your phone might have a flashlight function built-in, but it's better to keep an actual one (with working batteries!) with you in the glove box. That way, if your phone battery dies, you at least have a backup option—ensuring you're not completely out of luck if your car randomly breaks down.
6. Chargers
Having a flashlight is important, but you'd probably still want to keep your phone topped up in case of emergencies, so remember to bring a charger or two. In the worst-case scenario where you're left on the side of the road at night, you'll still at least have the option of dialling 911.
7. Spare Clothes
Accidents happen, so even if you're planning a day trip, you'll still want to bring a spare set of clothes. Plus, this will come in especially handy if the weather fluctuates and goes against what you predicted, meaning you won't have to sit in rain-soaked shirt and pants if the skies decide to pour.
8. Weather-Appropriate Equipment
Speaking of a spare set of clothes, it's important to bring weather-appropriate gear and equipment—like umbrellas and rain boots—too. Monitor the forecast on the days leading up to your road trip and throughout it, so you're better prepared if the unexpected happens.
9. Entertainment
No one wants to be sitting in the car with nothing to do, so make sure to bring something fun on long road trips. Whether it's cards, books, a tablet, or a portable console, they'll make the ride feel that much shorter and more enjoyable.
10. Bug Spray
Unless you're going to be staying mostly indoors and it's not bug season, it's best to bring a bottle of repellent. You don't want to be dealing with pesky, itchy mosquito bites when you're driving or napping, especially when you'll be stuck in place for long periods of time.
11. Sunglasses
You likely already have shades stored in your car, but remember to bring a pair along if you don't. Driving in the summer, when the days are longer and the glare through the windshield can be unbearable, can make navigating much more difficult and even damage your eyesight.
12. Snacks
Remember to bring snacks along with you as well, unless you're prepared to make a food stop every hour or so. Some good options to pack are: mixed nuts, trail mix, dried or fresh fruit, pretzels, veggies and dip, jerky, and gummy bears. You may also want to take a few juice boxes, too.
13. Physical Maps
Google Maps might be a reliable navigator, but when network connection is spotty, you'll be in a pickle. If you have a printer at home, bring a physical copy of the directions with you, just in case anything happens. You can also purchase a guide or tourism book if you're road tripping to a popular city.
14. Headphones
Don't want to listen to the tunes in the car? That's okay—just bring a pair of headphones with you and enjoy your own music. This also helps to ensure whatever you're playing doesn't potentially distract the driver from the road. Another plus? If your cans offer noise canceling, you might be able to nap more easily.
15. Pillows
A folded blanket might work in a pinch, but it's better to bring actual pillows along, too. Depending on your car space and size, you can either pack a few full-sized cushions or take something more portable and convenient, like a travel pillow. That way, your neck won't hurt when you want to catch some shut-eye.
16. Proper Footwear
Going hiking? It might be difficult to drive (or sit) with these clunky boots on, so bring them as a spare to change into once you've arrived at the site. It's important to bring suitable and comfortable shoes to not only wear in the car, but also to wear outside.
17. Day Pack
Bringing a day pack is essential when you're on a road trip. This makes it easier to carry small, important items, like napkins, hand sanitizer, wallet, phone, water bottle, and snacks, without having to sacrifice all your pockets.
18. Skincare
Even if you're not a skincare enthusiast, you'll want to keep moisturized during those long drives with the air conditioning on. Take a few essentials with you to carry in a toiletry bag, so that it's easy for everyone to reach for when they need it.
19. Sunscreen
Speaking of skincare, it's paramount that you wear sunscreen, even when it's not sunny out. Keep a bottle with you to store in the same toiletry bag as your other skincare items, and make sure to reapply generously every few hours.
20. Cash
You might think you'll go fine with just a credit card in hand, but depending on where you're road tripping to, remote places may not have the option of paying digitally. Make sure to keep some cash with you (we recommend at least $100) in smaller bills so it's easier to convert to change with.
