Essential Items To Have On A Road Trip

Contrary to popular belief, road trips are still pretty popular even though more and more people are traveling the globe.

“Wanderlust” is the term used to describe those who have a strong desire to travel, and many choose to both explore their home countries as well as visit foreign ones.

Road trips are a great way to explore and experience a country, whereas flying just gets you to your destination quicker. While many people are skilled in the art of packing the essentials for an international trip, you may be surprised at some of the essentials you’ll need for a road trip (domestic or international).

Essential Items To Have On A Road Trip

Safety Kits

When traveling on the road, you may not be able to quickly access emergency materials. This is why it’s important to have all types of supplies at your disposal.

Here are some of the safety kits you should think about taking along with you on your next road trip.

Emergency Car Kit

Roadside kits are great to have in your car whether you’re travelling for a road trip or even just for a daily commute. Car emergencies can happen at any time, so make sure to have an emergency kit in your car. You can purchase one or create your own. If you’re doing a D.I.Y. car kit, make sure to include a spare tire, jumper cables, a flashlight, and signal flares.

First Aid Kit

You may not think that you’d need a first aid kit while you’re driving, but they can contain everyday items as simple as over-the-counter painkillers.

However, you’re not going to be in the car the entire time, assuming that you’ll want to explore your surroundings from time to time. In this case, a fully-stocked first aid kit is very necessary.

Make sure to include things like assorted bandages, gauze, cleansing wipes, hand sanitiser, hydrogen peroxide, antibiotic ointment, and anti-itch cream.

Electronic Devices and Gadgets

While it’s possible to navigate your way without the help of a GPS device, many of us have become heavily reliant on them. This isn’t necessarily a bad thing because they do help us navigate correctly.

With that being said, you’re probably already likely to bring your phone along with you to take some pictures and/or record videos, so here are some supplemental things to go along with your phone.

Chargers

First and foremost, you’re going to need a way to charge your phone while you’re on the road. Many of today’s cars are equipped with a built-in phone charging port, so all you’ll need is your charger.

It’s also handy to have a car power strip that allows you to charge more than one device if you’re traveling with others and even if you’re traveling alone.

Finally, a portable phone charger is also a good idea, so you won’t have to leave your phone in the car while charging.

Phone Mount

The ability to mount your phone on your dashboard comes in handy when you’re trying to navigate your way through unfamiliar surroundings. It also makes it easier for you to talk on the phone and hit “play” on your music playlist.

Other Things To Carry On A Road Trip

Be aware of all car insurance regulations in the places you’re driving through. In the United States, everything is pretty much the same in every state (car insurance is required), but things may be different when you cross borders. Also, know what to do if you’re involved in a car accident.

Also, don’t forget to bring comfort items, such as a neck pillow and a blanket, and make sure you bring appropriate clothing for potential weather changes (e.g., raincoats/boots, umbrella, etc.)

Everyone’s road trip will look different, so think about where you’re going and what places you may stop at, and think about some of the things you may need. This can include things like a sleeping bag, a fire starter, or a travel hammock. The key is to plan your trip as thoroughly as possible.

That’s all in this blog on key things to carry on a road trip. If you are planning a road trip in Europe by any chance, you will be interested in reading my recommended tips for renting a car in Europe.