There’s nothing like a road trip if you wish to experience a place in its full glory. It’s possibly the best way to get around anywhere in the world. The liberty that taking a road trip provides cannot be compared to anything else since you are in complete control of your time, pace, and destinations. However, a road trip abroad is as good as your preparation for the adventure in terms of the fact that there are some must-bring items for your car, forgetting which could easily turn the trip into a disaster. Fret not, this article aims to focus on the road trip travel essentials.
Outlining the things essential for a road trip in order to have the best and safest time:
For the car- For your road trip to be successful, your car must run in top shape throughout the length of your trip, and to ensure that you need some stuff including
1. a spare tire in good working condition (it’s good to know how to change a flat tire before embarking on the journey) along with jack and tire iron to change the tire;
2. an emergency car kit comprising jumper cables, flares, gloves, rope, etc., license, registration, and insurance- if it is a road trip abroad you must have the international driver’s license (this crucial piece of document is a translation of your government issued native driver’s license into most common foreign languages for foreign authorities to easily interpret your driver’s license), you can acquire an international driving license online;
3. owner’s manual to the car can stand you in good stead on your trip (especially when you’re renting a car);
4. a gallon of water should be in place in case your vehicle overheats;
5. a small gas can is a road trip must;
6. car air-freshener;
7. portable car garbage can to keep the vehicle spick and span throughout;
8. a snow kit comprising a scraper and scrub brush if you are about to hit those snowy mountains.
For self-care- Must-have items for your road trip doesn’t just end with car care stuff, you must carry stuff to take care of yourself as well. Your road trip will be worth so much more if you yourself are clean, comfortable, prim and proper. For starters, you must have sanitizers and wipes in place in view of the times we are in, toilet paper and tissues (these can come in handy for runny noses and to wipe off sweat), sunscreen (no matter your age, this is an essential item for your skin, carry an SPF over 30), flip flops for ease of walking to explore an area on foot; your own personal towel; deodorant to feel as fresh as a daisy all through the trip; stuff for feminine hygiene; day bag for a day hike or overnight camp carrying a change of clothes and some other essential items.
Other essential stuff to carry- You never know with the weather, it’s wise to always stay prepared. Carry a sarong- a summer road trip must-have (sarong accompanied with a bathing suit, flip flops, a towel and a cover up, and you are good to go in the water); a hat or beanie if you’re headed into the sun; UVA/UVB sunglasses; mosquito spray/balm; any rain gear you might need like raincoat or poncho; warm gloves in case you have to change a tire in snow; warm blanket or sleeping bag (especially if you are headed towards snow).
Technology- There’s no denying that technology has taken over our lives in more ways than one, and it’s hard to survive without it. So it only makes sense, tech (smartphones) is going to have its own place for a road trip checklist. Carry phone charger with USB cable, create a playlist of your favorite songs, a music app, maps app is another essential as well as traffic app, camping app, hotel app, gas app, portable battery charger, Bluetooth headphones, mini speaker, phone case.
It is equally important that you carry ice box, travel mug, travel pillow, water bottle, painkiller, first aid kit, flashlight or headlamp, travel insurance (especially when renting a car).