There is nothing like the summer to break out of a rut and explore new surroundings. If you want to see the country on a budget, there is no better base of operation than your own car. An old-fashioned road trip is a perfect opportunity to slow down and enjoy the in-between.
But nothing ruins that on-the-road tranquility than discovering that you forgot that one thing that is essential for your trip. Now you have to buy it at an overpriced tourist stop if you can find it. Before you get on the road, there are several road trip essentials to make sure you have ready.
1. Backup Map
Remember taking a road trip as a child, and dad could barely see over the elaborate folding map he used to navigate? Those days are over, thanks to your smartphone and car GPS, right? Do not be so sure of it. A lot of areas on the open road do not have reliable cell phone service, and your car’s GPS is not foolproof.
It is best to protect yourself by bringing a paper map as a backup or printing out any relevant directions before you leave. You can also bring an old map along. There are also some reliable travel apps that can make it easy for you to get your bearings in unfamiliar surroundings.
2. First Aid Kit
You might be playing it safe, but you never know when a minor injury can derail a whole vacation — especially if you have kids in the car. You should have a basic first aid kit in your car at all times. Also, make sure everything is fully stocked and up to date before you head out on the road.
So, what should you keep in this box? Make sure you have a selection of band-aids and bandages to cover up any minor wounds. If you or your family members suffer from allergies, having some medication on hand can help save the day. Some more serious injuries will require medical attention, but having what you need to patch something up can save a lot of time.
3. Vitamins
A road trip is always a lot of fun, but it can also be very tiring. It is important to have the supplies to keep your energy up. This includes making sure you keep up on your vitamin intake. You do not want your body to run low on fuel just before a long drive.
You do not always want to swallow some pills while on the road, so gummy vitamins are an excellent way to keep your vitamin intake steady. Many of these vitamins have a sweet taste while still delivering the same level of vitamins as your pills.
4. Headphones
If you are traveling alone, it can get lonely without some entertainment, and you do not always want to be at the mercy of the radio. And if you are traveling with a full party, everyone wants to listen to something different. The best solution? Making sure everyone has their own pair of headphones so they can listen to whatever they want.
This will not only keep peace in the car, but it wiill also ensure that the driver can listen to their favorite soundtrack without being interrupted by background noise or other people’s entertainment. It can also stop you from running into any noise regulations if you like to blast your music.
5. Coffee Thermos
Costs add up on road trips, and one of the most common? All those stops at coffee shops. If you want to save some money, you can brew coffee in your hotel room and keep it on you for the next day’s drive. There is only one problem — keeping it at the temperature you like.
The answer? A reusable coffee thermos. You will want one that has a good seal to avoid nasty spills and seal in the temperature. There are a lot of coffee thermos options on the market, and finding the right one can ensure your caffeine fix goes more smoothly.
6. Weather Essentials
You never know what mother nature might decide to do when you are on the road, so make sure you are prepared. Ensure you have an ice scraper to clear up your windshield in the event of sleet, carry an umbrella or rain jacket to salvage a day, and bring a change of clothes in the event of a heatwave. There is no perfect package of supplies that will guarantee an ideal road trip no matter the weather, but these basics can help prevent a lost travel or touring day.
Drive On
One of the most exciting parts of a road trip is unpredictability. But if you want to avoid costly setbacks, these supplies can be a lifesaver. Stay happy, healthy, and enjoy the open road.
