What to bring on a road trip.
There is nothing quite like the freedom that comes with the open road, especially when you are traveling – whether on long journeys, short expeditions, last minute getaways, or annual vacations. At the same time however, being unprepared can make the experience less enjoyable than it has to be. We have curated a list of road trip essentials in order to help you save money, minimize stops, and to help you travel more comfortably. Read reading to learn exactly what to bring on a road trip.
Gas station food is expensive and can be fairly unhealthy too, so why not save yourself the hassle and pack your own snacks? By using food storage containers such as bento boxes, lidded containers, and reusable food storage bags, you will be able to bring with you a variety of treats – both healthy and decadent. You'll make less stops along the way and also ensure everyone in the family is catered for.
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Keep your snacks, drinks, and treats out of the hot sun and heat of the car by packing them into a portable picnic cooler. No one wants a warm sandwich, hot soda, or melted candy, so you can simply place those food storage containers in one of these handy totes. No matter if you are going camping, away for a long weekend, or just a day trip – ensuring your food remains cool will make it all that more enjoyable.
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Tip!
Read our Cooler Buying Guide to learn more about these nifty storage options.
If you intend to stop along the way and enjoy your prepared food outdoors, a picnic basket is an extremely useful road trip essential. While rest-stops often have tables, bringing your own blankets and utensils will once again save you time, energy, and money. You'll have everything you need in one place and simply pack up and go once you are done.
While a cooler will ensure your drinks remain chilled, keeping your coffee (or tea) warm is a whole different ball game. Never fear though, because a travel mug will do just the trick. With one of these insulated flasks, you can easily bring a cup of your favorite java or chai along for the ride. These are especially important road trip essentials for adults who are driving and need to remain alert.
Staying hydrated on your road trip is good for your health – especially if you intend to spend hours on the road. The beauty of water bottles is they can also be filled with juice and given to kids to drink. You can also opt for one with a straw so you don't have to take your eyes off the road when having a sip. Additionally, there are many leak-proof options to avoid any spills and sticky messes that you would probably rather not deal with.
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For those long journeys or to help a little one in the back, a throw blanket and bed pillow will do wonders for passing the time. Traveling is tiring work so you want to make sure anyone who isn't driving can be cozy and curl up for a nap if they need to. They will also come in handy if you are going camping and are in need of additional warmth.
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When you think of road trip essentials, you may not immediately consider adding a towel to the list. The truth is that a travel towel is one of the more versatile items you could bring with. It can be used to mop up spills, for a last minute beach day, or to place on the ground for a picnic or to change a tire. No matter if you choose a beach or bath towel, you'll be grateful you packed it.
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To stay cool and comfy (especially in those summer months), a handheld personal fan will help those long hours in the car pass by a little quicker. These useful gadgets are especially ideal for backseat passengers who may not be able to fully enjoy the cool air from the car's air conditioning. There are a number of fun options to choose from including those that hang around your neck for some hands-free ventilation.
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Traveling at night means a lack of light in the car interior and while the center console or interior lights are helpful, they won't always cast sufficient light. Add a flashlight or headlamp to your packing list for a stress-free solution when you need to search for something in the dark, deal with any engine trouble or tire problems, or look up directions to your location.
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"Be prepared" isn't just a motto for the scouts. You never know what you may need on the way, so it is best to pack a just-in-case case. Add things like bandaids and hand sanitizer, headache or motion sickness pills, batteries and charger cables, wet wipes and any other must-haves you can think of to a plastic craft case that can be safely packed in the trunk until needed.
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Keep your journey comfortable and your vehicle clean with a car vacuum. Say goodbye to crumbs, sand, dirt, or any other messes you don't want to wait to deal with when you get back home. Instead, you can tackle them instantly with one of these compact devices.
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Need to bring your four-legged friends along for the ride? A pet carrier is great for both your and your pet's safety. It will keep them secure and out of the way for the duration of the journey. A soft-sided case will help save the most space as they can simply fold down when not in use.
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Now you are prepared with this list of road trip essentials, it's time to hit the highway and get your vacation started.
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