A road trip is a perfect way to see the country. Whether you’re going on a cross-country adventure or just taking a day trip to a nearby state, make sure you have everything you need for a safe and fun journey. Here are some of our top products to pack in your car for a road trip.
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1. Portable Car Trash Can
Having a trash can in your car may seem like a no-brainer, but many often forget to buy one. A portable trash can for your car is an absolute must if you don’t want your backseat to turn into one big trash pile. It will not only keep your car more organized, but it will also allow for easier clean-up. Plus, no one wants their snacks and drinks rolling around with trash in the back seat until they’re crushed or spilled. There are all kinds of styles and brands out there that range from collapsible bags to attachable tops or ones that hook onto just about anything.
2. Pillow and Blanket
Having an ultra-comfortable pillow and blanket can work wonders on road trips from 100+ miles from home. Having a designated pillow, blanket, or both will make the long road trip feel shorter. There are many options out there to choose from whether it be a traditional neck pillow or a multi-purpose memory foam. Of course, you can also go all in and get one that brings an eye mask for the best naps ever.
3. Portable Potty
Believe it or not, a road trip potty is one of the most important road trip essential items you can pack. You will be surprised by how many people forget to bring something like this along. Only to end up with diarrhea on the road and the next exit is 5 miles away! Carrying a portable toilet for your road trips can help stop that from happening. Which in turn makes for a more pleasant road trip experience especially when stopping at rest areas isn’t an option. While out on the road, your body tends to need a lot of water, so keeping yourself hydrated typically results in increased bathroom trips. Keep things moving smoothly by making sure you have a portable potty in the car.
4. Headphones
No road trip is complete without the right road trip music, but headphones can make or break the happiness of a road trip. The sound quality of your road trip music may not always be the best depending on where you decide to have a road trip so having a few options available can ensure that whoever has control over the music will keep everyone happy whether it be something old or new, loud or soft, happy or sappy. If you aren’t into music then simply playing a podcast during downtime can help.
5. Plenty of Snacks and Drinks
Snacks can make a road trip a lot easier from the start. Not only will road trip snacks keep everyone in the car satiated between pit stops. Healthy snacks can also prevent pit stops from occurring at all, making for a faster road trip. This also helps to stop by fewer fast-food restaurants. Keeping a stock of snacks like trail mix, energy-packed protein bars, or dried fruit in your car is essential. You never know when someone might get hangry or in a situation where a healthy alternative is the best option available at that moment. Keep a variety of drinks available for when someone gets thristy. Drinks can also help in the case someone chokes on food.
6. Extra Portable Phone Charger
Keeping phones charged can be a challenge when on a road trip from point A to point B. However, having road trip essentials like a portable phone charger for everyone’s phone can ensure that everyone can stay connected no matter what. For the driver, there are phone holders that can charge your phone while you use the GPS for directions. For passengers, there is this portable phone charger to be able to charge your phone and still be able to sit comfortably.
7. Emergency Cash
Keeping some emergency cash and coins in your car can help in emergencies like car issues or having to pay tolls along the way. By always having emergency cash on hand, you can be better prepared for any situation on the road. We all know ATMs charge fees and have withdrawal limits, which would only cause more problems. At least if something goes wrong, getting the problem fixed won’t be a problem because there will always be enough money for gas and food while also ensuring roadside assistance is available too!
8. A First Aid Kit
Packing first aid kits can save road trips from turning into a nightmare if something goes wrong on the road. A first aid kit is without a doubt an essential road trip must-have. You never know what kind of accidents may occur while out on the road. There are also emergency kits that can be kept in your trunk on a daily basis for added safety.
9. Sunscreen & Bug Spray
Sunscreen and bug spray ensure passengers don’t get burned or eaten alive during the road trip! Speaking from experience here, an SPF 50 sunscreen and a deet-free bug spray are both essential for protecting yourself from the sun and bugs that lurk along country roads. Even if you’re not driving, the sun’s harmful UV rays can still get to you while you sit in the passenger seat. Let’s not forget about road trips through deserts, forests, or even just natural reserves where there are no protections against bugs.
10. Car Card Games
Card games are essential for long road trips are the best way to keep everyone entertained. Card games are a great way to spark conversations or entertain children. It’s a great road trip idea to have card games available in case you get tired of listening to road trip music or playing with the GPS. And of course, road trip snacks will help keep everyone’s energy high throughout the road trip.
11. Air Mattress
Air mattresses ensure there is always a comfortable place to rest more comfortably. Whether you are on a long-distance road trip or an overnight road trip, rest peacefully on a backseat air mattress. Even if you are not driving, it’s always nice to have a mattress available just in case someone starts to feel uncomfortable. This air mattress also works great if you are traveling with children.
12. Dog Car Seat
Who says road tripping with a dog is a bad idea? Some road trips are even more fun when dogs can tag along. Give your dogs a comfortable place to rest as well! After all, nothing beats road trips like dog beds that can carry all their toys and treats. As well as, keep them happy and entertained for the whole road trip.
Conclusion
These are the essentials we pack for every road trip. We hope you find them useful and that they help make your next vacation even more fun than it would be otherwise! Let us know in the comments which of these tips were new to you, or what is your favorite essential on our list? You can also follow us on Facebook, Pinterest, or Twitter for more helpful travel advice as well as giveaways and other surprises.