Road trips are unique and exciting experiences where the adventure starts the second you start the car. However, spending a long period of time in a car as opposed to the comfort and convenience of your own home can make it difficult to be comfortable. Moving around and having privacy (something everyone needs after a while) is not an option. There is no way to bring the whole home with you when you travel (even though many have tried). However, there are hacks, tips and tricks you can incorporate into your packing to make your experience on the road more enjoyable and convenient. Here are some road trip essentials for cars to consider for your next road trip.
Travel Hack Essentials
GasBuddy or Similar Apps: If we’re getting technical, the biggest road trip essentials for cars is gas, since you literally can’t go anywhere without it. With that being said, GasBuddy helps you find the cheapest gas prices along your route, potentially saving you significant money on fuel costs. It’s an essential tool for budget-conscious road trippers.
Multi-Port Car Charger: A multi-port car charger allows you to charge multiple devices simultaneously, keeping everyone’s phones, tablets and other gadgets powered up during the journey without the need for multiple chargers or adapters. Chargers like this one are handy as they have multiple plug-in types, including the universally used USB-C.
Collapsible Water Bottle: Staying hydrated is crucial during road trips, but buying bottled waters can add up in cost and waste. A collapsible water bottle takes up minimal space when empty and can be refilled at rest stops or water fountains, saving you money and reducing plastic waste. Whip it out in your car ride then collapse in back when you are on the move but want it handy.
Adjustable Air Vent Phone Mount: Keep your smartphone easily accessible for navigation or entertainment purposes with an adjustable air vent phone mount. This allows you to position your device at eye level without obstructing your view of the road, reducing neck strain and making it easier to follow directions or change music playlists while being as safe as possible.
Comfort Related Road Trip Essentials for Cars
Seat Cushions or Lumbar Support: Long hours of sitting in the car can be hard on your back and butt. Consider investing in seat cushions or lumbar support pillows to improve your posture and reduce discomfort during the journey. Seat cushions like these also give a bit more height to your seat allowing the driver to see the road better.
Noise-Canceling Headphones or Earplugs: Block out road noise or unwanted chatter from fellow passengers with noise-canceling headphones or earplugs. They can help you relax and enjoy some quiet time or listen to your favorite music or podcasts without distractions. You can find great ones that get the job done without spending a fortune.
Travel Pillow and Blanket: A comfortable travel pillow and a cozy blanket can make napping in the car much more enjoyable. Opt for a neck pillow that provides adequate support and a blanket that keeps you warm without being too bulky.
Seat Belt Adjusters or Comfort Pads: Seat belt adjusters or comfort pads help prevent discomfort and irritation caused by seat belts rubbing against your neck or shoulder during extended periods of driving. These simple accessories attach to the seat belt strap and provide cushioning or adjust the position of the belt for a more comfortable fit. Choose ergonomic designs that are easy to install and compatible with your vehicle’s seat belts for optimal comfort and safety.
Essential Safety/Emergency Items
First Aid Kit: A basic first aid kit is important anytime but especially one of these road trip essentials for cars. Common items include adhesive bandages (various sizes), sterile gauze pads, adhesive tape, antiseptic wipes or solution, tweezers, scissors and disposable gloves. Additionally they often have a CPR mask or face shield, pain relievers (such as ibuprofen or acetaminophen), antihistamine tablets, hydrocortisone cream or ointment, an instant cold pack and an added small supply of any personal medications or prescriptions .
Roadside Emergency Kit: A comprehensive roadside emergency kit should include essential items such as jumper cables, a tire pressure gauge, a flashlight with extra batteries, reflective triangles or flares, a multipurpose tool or knife, duct tape, a fire extinguisher and basic first aid supplies. Having these items on hand can help you address common roadside issues or medical emergencies until professional help arrives.
Portable Jump Starter: A portable jump starter is a convenient and compact device that allows you to jump-start your vehicle without the need for another car. Look for a jump starter with sufficient power to start your vehicle’s engine and additional features such as built-in safety protections, USB charging ports for electronic devices, and a flashlight for nighttime emergencies.
Tire Repair Kit: Here is another safety product where the word “essential” in “road trip essentials for cars” is an understatement. A tire repair kit can be invaluable in the event of a punctured tire. Look for a kit that includes tire plugs, a tire pressure gauge, and a tire inflator or air compressor. With these tools, you can quickly patch up minor tire damage and reinflate the tire, allowing you to continue your journey safely until you can reach a professional mechanic.
Emergency Food and Water: Pack non-perishable food items such as energy bars, nuts, dried fruits, and canned goods, along with plenty of water or electrolyte drinks. In case of unexpected delays or being stranded, having emergency food and water supplies ensures you stay nourished and hydrated until help arrives or you can reach a safe location.
Health/Sanitation Road Trip Essentials for Car
Trash Bags and Sealable Containers: Keep your car tidy and prevent littering by carrying trash bags and sealable containers for waste disposal. Designate a specific area in the car for collecting trash and empty the bags at rest stops or gas stations along your route. Sealable containers are also useful for storing leftover food or snacks to keep them fresh and contained, reducing the risk of spills or odors in the car.
Hand Sanitizer and Disinfectant Wipes: Keep hands clean and surfaces sanitized by packing hand sanitizer and disinfectant wipes. Use hand sanitizer frequently, especially before eating or after using restrooms at rest stops. Disinfectant wipes are handy for wiping down frequently touched surfaces in the car, such as door handles, steering wheel and dashboard, to reduce the spread of germs.
Motion Sickness Remedies: Motion sickness can be a common issue for some travelers during long car rides, particularly on winding roads or in stop-and-go traffic. Pack motion sickness remedies such as ginger candies, motion sickness wristbands or over-the-counter medications to alleviate symptoms and make the journey more comfortable for those prone to motion sickness.
Road Trip Friendly Entertainment
Music Playlist or Streaming Service: Create a curated playlist of your favorite songs or albums to enjoy during the journey. Add plenty of songs so you can just hit shuffle and enjoy the music. Alternatively, subscribe to a music streaming service that offers a wide selection of songs and personalized playlists. Encourage passengers to take turns DJing to keep the music fresh and enjoyable for everyone.
Audiobooks or Podcasts: Audiobooks and podcasts are excellent entertainment options for long drives, offering a variety of genres and topics to suit different interests. Choose engaging stories, educational content, or entertaining podcasts to listen to as a group or individually. Audiobooks and podcasts can help pass the time while also stimulating the mind.
Travel Games and Activities: Pack travel-friendly games and activities to keep passengers entertained during breaks or downtime. Consider classic road trip games like “I Spy,” “20 Questions,” or “The License Plate Game.” Bring along card games, travel-sized board games, or trivia cards for more structured gameplay. Additionally, consider printable road trip games such as word searches, crosswords, or scavenger hunts to keep everyone engaged and entertained throughout the journey.
Car Organization Essentials
Portable Car Cooler/Warmer: A portable car cooler/warmer keeps drinks and snacks at the perfect temperature throughout your journey. Whether you prefer chilled beverages on a hot day or warm coffee during cooler weather, having a cooler/warmer in the car ensures you can enjoy refreshments at your convenience without frequent stops.
Car Seat Organizer: A car seat organizer attaches to the back of the front seats and provides convenient storage for items such as water bottles, snacks, maps, gadgets and entertainment devices. With multiple compartments and pockets, a car seat organizer helps keep essentials within easy reach for passengers, reducing clutter and promoting a more organized interior space.
Travel Packing Cubes or Compression Bags: Packing cubes or compression bags help maximize space in your luggage and keep your belongings organized. Use them to separate clothing items, toiletries and accessories, making it easier to find what you need without unpacking everything. Compression bags are especially useful for bulky items like jackets or bedding, reducing their size to save space in the car.
Collapsible Storage Bins or Trunk Organizers: Keep the interior of your car neat and organized with collapsible storage bins or trunk organizers. Use them to store snacks, drinks, electronics, maps and other essentials within easy reach. Opt for bins with handles for convenient transport, and collapsible designs for space-saving storage when not in use.
