Regardless of what part of the world you are in, there is something to say about an open road’s magic. A road trip is one of the most liberating experiences, you can have. Road trips, whether near or far, long or short, provide a sense of adventure and freedom and are often the most gratifying of journeys. However, there are certain items that you should not leave home without, whether you are traveling alone, with friends, or with family.
These items will be valuable to you if you find yourself in an unfavourable situation. Still, they will also allow you to assist another motorist if their vehicle is in distress.
Bags and Organizers
Your vehicle may have plenty of cargo space, but that doesn’t always make it easy to keep your essential items organized and accessible. Without a proper system to keep those must-haves managed, they can slip around, become damaged, or become lost under a seat or beneath piles of clutter. Fortunately, the aftermarket now has a wide range of car organizers to fit various vehicle sizes and types. These products divide vehicle storage into numerous individual bins or cubby holes, ensuring that items remain in a place and are easy to find when needed.
If you have extra luggage that will not fit in your vehicle, a car roof rack is just the right accessory to maximize storage and improve organization. If you have a utility vehicle and intend to go biking on your trip, a bike carrier for utes is another excellent investment in your luggage organization.
Clothes and Accessories
Road trips frequently include a variety of scenarios, such as dining out with friends, camping at a livestock farm, or spending the day at the beach, to name a few. (Along with, of course, a lot of driving.) Therefore, we recommend versatile, long-lasting clothing that can withstand whatever life on the road throws at you. Comfort is also essential. Who wants to spend eight hours in a cramped car wearing skinny jeans? Nobody, that is. We also prefer clothes with antimicrobial or anti-odor treatments for various reasons. Rompers, the classic graphic tee paired with comfy jeans, and even athleisure are excellent options.
If you’re going on a road trip in the winter, replace the graphic tee with a stylish sweater or sweatshirt. Pack your favorite beanie, scarf, and winter coat to pop on whenever you get out of the car.
The key is to strike the perfect balance between being comfortable and cute. Just in case you want to pull over and take some photos for the Gram!
Also, remember to bring:
- Extra pairs of underwear (x 3)
- Jean jacket
- Casual Shirts
- Dinner Shirts
- Swimsuit
- Wallet
- Sunglasses
- Baseball hat
- Athletic footwear
- Sandals
- Shower flip flops
- Sockets (x 4)
- Raincoat
If you will be driving or camping in colder climates, bring cold-weather clothing such as a warm jacket, hat, gloves, and long underwear.
Personal Care & Toiletries
It’s not always possible to take a proper shower on a long-distance road trip, but sweating in close quarters in the summertime en route to your next must-see roadside attraction is. So here’s what you’ll need to keep going unfazed and as clean as possible.
- Wash Bag – essential for storing all of the items listed below and keeping everything in one place.
- Wet wipes – in case of an emergency or a quick re-fresh.
- Bar soap
- Lip Balm
- Miniature hairbrush
- Hair ties and grips
- Deodorant
- Mint Gum
- Tissue
- Toothbrush
- Toothpaste or powder
- Floss
- Deodorant
- Hand sanitizer
- Bug spray
- Nail Clippers and Tweezers
Camping and Sleeping
This section does not apply if you only stay in hotels or Airbnbs. However, if you intend to spend some (or all!) of your trip camping and sleeping in your car, you’ll need some gear to help you get a good night’s sleep. Here are a few things you’ll need:
- Sleeping Pad
- Mosquito Netting
- Utility Cord
- Tent
- Compressible Pillow
- Heavy-Duty Tarp
Cooking
Whether on a weekend or a six-month road trip, cooking on the move is an excellent way to stretch your budget and eat healthily. While cooking over a campfire is romanticized in that whimsical living-off-the-land way, it’s not practical for a long-distance road trip. But you also don’t want to take your finest chef’s knife and ceramic pot set from your kitchen.
Here are a few essentials for your trip:
- Titanium Spork
- Wooden spatula
- Can opener
- Lighter and matchbox
- Plastic cutting board
- Chef’s knife
- Paper towel roll
- Vegetable peeler
- Sponge
- Dish soap
Productivity & Technology
Road trips are a perfect way to disconnect and recharge. However, a little technology can go a long way toward making your trip less of a misadventure and more of an epic adventure.
Make sure to pack;
- USB cords
- Alarm clock
- Headlamp
- Travel Journal
- Phone charger
- Power Bank
- Pen and Notebook
- Noise-Cancelling Headphones
Miscellaneous
Not everything we recommend fits neatly into the categories listed above. While not as essential as a toothbrush, these extras will help you take your road trip to the next level. You know, the sort of things you’ll be glad you packed after a few days on the road.
Conclusion
So there you have it—everything you need for a successful road trip. We hope this list has alleviated some of your pre-trip anxiety. Remember, this is just a starting point. Please modify it to fit your itinerary and preferences.