I just came back from a week long road trip and decided to put a road trip essentials list together for those of you planning an upcoming road trip.
ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS
GADGETS
- Smart Phone
- (GPS navigation) Waze
- (Music) iTunes or a playlist made for the trip
- (Audible) Audio books to listen to or download books to listen to
- (Camera)
- Car USB charger
- USB adapters to power phone and all electronic accessories
- Portable power bank to power up your phone or electronic device if needed
SNACKS AND DRINKS
- Variety of snacks that the driver and passengers enjoy eating
- Collapsible cooler to carry drinks
- Water bottle
- I prefer to use a glass water bottle so there isn’t a plastic or stainless steel taste
- Bottled waters
- Caffeinated drinks (for the driver)
- My choice is Starbucks Frappuccino Mocha
- My husband prefers a 2-liter bottle of Diet Pepsi
CLEANING SUPPLIES
- Baby wipes
- Hand sanitizer
- Napkins
- Trash bags
- You can use your car trash bag or use a disposable plastic bag that is holding your snacks
TOILETRIES
Use a small travel bag to bring with you when you go to a restroom that holds the following:
- Toilet paper
- Hand sanitizer
- Toilet seat paper covers
I also bring a portable toilet that I leave in the car (just in case you can’t find a bathroom).
FOR COMFORT
- Hat
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Portable pillow
- Scarf that is used as a blanket
- Car window shades
- Mints
FOR YOUR SAFETY
- A real map of your trip route and your destination (just in case your GPS isn’t working)
- Car Emergency Kit (includes jumper cables, Fix A Flat Tire inflator, flashlight, etc)
- First aid kit
- AAA card (just in case you need towing services or help on the road. Utilize their 24-hour roadside assistance)
- Bring necessary items based on the weather. If it is snowing, you will need a snow brush / ice scraper, snow shovel, snow chains / cables, cat litter, etc.
FOR KIDS
- Tablet that is loaded with games / movies
- Gaming device like Nintendo 3DS
- Don’t forget the USB chargers to charge the devices
I hope this list will help you get ready for your upcoming road trip. Enjoy your trip!