8 Essential Items for your Next Road Trip
Wherever you’re heading to, it is always essential that you bring certain items along with you so that you won’t find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere regretting your trip. Besides bringing along the perfect company, you’d want to ensure that you have these following essential items stocked up in your car before embarking on your next adventure.
Here are our 8 essential items to always bring along on a long road trip:
1) Maps
Whether you prefer analysing physical maps or having a handy GPS system equipped in your car, there is nothing more important than having a navigation guide with you. If you choose to use your phone as a makeshift GPS system, remember to bring accessories such as car chargers and USB cables with you. No matter how well you think you may know the roads, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
2) Electronics
Road trips are all about making and keeping memories shared with friends or family. Remember to pack in a compact camera and its chargers! Portable chargers are also handy in the event that you may not have access to power sockets or electricity in the dead of the night in your camper. If you’re extremely dedicated, a GoPro will be the most useful in documenting your road trip.
3) Snacks
You don’t want to be caught in a situation where food in foreign land doesn’t appeal to your palate, or you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere with no pit stops for food. Chances are, snacks bought locally will be fractionally cheaper than those bought while traveling. You might not even be able to find your favourite comfort chocolate overseas! Always be prepared to keep your stomach satisfied, especially on long road trips.
4) Tunes
The long ride can get boring over time, especially if you travel in silence (even worse if there’s incessant snoring at the back). Keep a playlist of your favourite songs on your phone or disc and load it up in the car. Nothing beats a good karaoke session in the car. Examples of road trip playlists can be found here, here, or here.
5) Emergency Car Toolkit
In the event of any emergencies (although let’s try to be as safe on the road as we can, shall we?), always prepare an emergency car toolkit so that you can give your car a quick fix and save on time delays or costly fixtures. Refer to our guide on assembling the perfect car toolkit for your road trips.
6) Cleaning tools
For both you and your car. Wet wipes are definitely the most versatile for cleaning. If your car ends up in mud or starts to accumulate dust, wet wipes can be a simple tool to clean your car. You would also want to stay as refreshed as possible during your road trip to keep your mood uplifted. Pack hand sanitizers, wet wipes and plenty of tissue to keep yourself and your car clean throughout the journey. Oh, and don’t forget toilet rolls!
7) Pillows and blankets
Stay comfortable in your car by loading it up with pillows and blankets. A pillow from home can provide just the comfort you need in an unfamiliar hotel bed. Comfortable clothing and footwear is also an essential during a road trip, especially when you’re driving for multiple hours into the night.
8) Self-care tools
Don’t forget your moisturizer, sunblock, sunglasses, toothbrush, toothpaste… Now we’re just beginning to sound like naggy old ladies. Remember to always place your health and self-care as top priority no matter where you are!
We hope you found this list useful. Remember always to look out for yourself and all your road trip buddies, and have an amazing memorable road trip ahead!
