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!