Before you go on your wildest adventure on the road, it’s important to ensure you have everything you need packed and ready to go. You don’t want to be forgetting anything once you’re in the middle of nowhere! But aside from planning the perfect playlist and bringing the yummiest snacks, there are a couple of other items that we would deem essential for the perfect road trip. Below, we’re going to share with you five essential road trip items to make sure your journey is fantastic every step of the way.
1. Offline Maps and Travel Guides
Although the first item on this list may seem obvious, it’s an indispensable item that you just can’t forget before you go on your adventure. While online GPS systems and navigation apps are handy, relying solely on them can be risky, especially if you enter an area with poor network reception. So to avoid getting lost, offline maps will come to your rescue.
Allowing you to navigate without an internet connection, it’s vital that you have these apps ready and downloaded before you go. Many apps can even provide you with information on traffic, road conditions, and speed limits. To take things a step further, bring along some travel guides! They provide useful insight into local culture, must-visit places, best restaurants, and hidden gems. It’s an absolute must-have if you want to enhance your traveling experience and make your trip a breeze.
Photo by Isaac Mehegan on Unsplash
2. Portable Cooler
Nothing beats having a cool drink and fresh food readily available during a long drive, making this second item on our list an absolute necessity. It’s not just about the convenience, it’s a matter of health too. Bringing along a portable cooler allows you to carry delicious goodies like fruits, sandwiches, and other healthier options which would otherwise spoil in the car’s heat.
When picking the right cooler, make sure you find one that fits all your needs. Consider the size and model type. Electric models that can plug into your car’s power outlet can keep food cold for the entire trip, but traditional ice-filled models won’t be able to last as long and are better suited for shorter trips.
Photo by Sandrene Zhang on Unsplash
3. Emergency Kit - Be Prepared for the Unexpected
It’s always important to remember safety comes first. You never know what might happen on a road trip, so having a fully equipped emergency kit on board is always a must. Make sure you pack all the essentials, including band-aids, antiseptic wipes, tweezers, medical tape, and any necessary medication you might need. If you don’t have one at home, you can even purchase ready-to-go medical kits at your local grocery store.
But it doesn’t just stop at first aid kits, you should also bring along tools for car-related emergencies. This means you should pack a spare tire, jumper cables, tire pressure gauge, and even flares or emergency triangles. It’s always better to be prepared for any situation that might arise. Preparation can turn an unexpected situation from a potential disaster into a minor bump in the road.
4. Entertainment - Boredom is Not An Option
What’s a road trip without some fun? Pack some great entertainment to keep things on the road lighthearted and exciting. This includes everything from head-bopping music playlists to calming audiobooks and podcasts, and even fun travel games. This is an especially vital thing to prepare if you’re traveling with kids who get restless during long drives.
Try and consider the tastes and preferences of everyone in the car when making your choices. Creating an eclectic mix not only keeps everyone happy but can also lead to new discoveries and excellent finds. Remember, the journey is as important as the destination, so make it as enjoyable as possible.
Photo by Tobias Tullius on Unsplash
5. Multiport USB Car Charger - Stay Powered Up
With everyone carrying so many different electronic devices in this day and age, there’s nothing more useful than a multiport USB car charger. From smartphones to tablets and cameras, it can be a challenge trying to keep everything charged up. But thankfully, with a good-quality multiport charger, you’ll be able to charge several devices at the same time. This way, your navigation device won’t die halfway through, your kids’ tablets will have enough juice to keep them entertained for the entire ride, and you’ll still be able to capture all the memorable car ride moments. It may be a small item, but it sure makes a big and valuable impact on the smoothness of your journey.
Photo by Mika Baumeister on Unsplash
With these five handy dandy items crossed off and ready to go for your road trip, we’re sure you’re going to have an excellent ride. Now all you have to do is load up your car and hit the open road for an exciting adventure!
