When the weather gets nice, the open road just starts calling! There is nothing better than heading out for a weekender or a cross-country road trip. These road trip essentials will tell you everything you need to have and do to make sure you have an epic experience!
This post is all about road trip essentials that every traveler needs!
Essential Things To Bring
1. Lots of Snacks
I think it is a truth universally acknowledged that no road trip is complete without snacks. The perfect road trip snack obviously varies person to person. But I think, in general, the ultimate snacks would satisfy several categories: crunchy (chips, Chex Mix, etc), chocolate-y (Reese’s, cookies, etc), and sugary candy (Nerds, Sour Patch Kids, etc). But whatever you pick, don’t skimp.
2. Don’t Forget Your charging cords
It goes without saying the last thing you want to happen on your trip is for your phone to die! The phone can be the source of you music, directions, memories and more! So it’s important to have charing cords on hand! This 10-foot charging cord gives you plenty of room to pass around the phone to play navigator or DJ.
3. Make A killer playlist
In my opinion, an amazing playlist is the number one road trip essential. But making one can also be a delicate art form. For me, it’s not just about good songs. I think a perfect playlist takes into account who you’re listening to it with. For the ultimate playlist, I mix in inside joke songs, new hits, classic throwbacks and absolute belters.
4. Bring your shades
Don’t let the rays of a beautiful sunrise or sunset bum you out! Grab a pair or two of your favorite sunglasses to make for smooth driving. Also there’s no denying you’ll look cooler in your road trip pictures.
5. a little cash for tolls
If you’re on a true road trip, you may not know where your journey will take you. And though most tolls now can be paid by mail or card, I still think having a little stash of small bills is one of the road trip essentials you may not have thought of!
6. Your Favorite Pillows and Blankets
If you’re anything like me, when you’re in passenger mode on a road trip, sleepiness seems to sneak up on you. So when it’s not your shift to drive, make sure you can be as comfy as possible with your favorite pillow and some cozy blankets. And who knows, they may also come in handy if you choose to stop outside to watch a sunset or the night sky. This cozy throw blanket is elite!
7. Pack tissues and cleaning supplies
If I had a nickel for every time some unexpected cleanup was needed in the car, I could buy the much needed stash of tissues and cleaner. Somehow it feel inevitable that a drink will spill or a sneeze may get out of control. Make sure you are stocked up on tissues and some cleaner for the bigger messes!
8. A camera or polaroid to snap some pictures
Phone cameras are amazing and convenient and always a great choice. But, if you’re looking for that special road trip essential, look no further than a Polaroid, Instax instant camera, or even a disposable camera. While these may not be a logical use for every photo you take on your trip, there is something so fun and special about taking a few tangible photos of big moments! They will be a souvenir to keep from your road trip.
Essential Things To Do
9. play games during the drive
Sometimes you just have to find something fun and new to pass the time. When music isn’t cutting it, play games! There are so many fun road trip games you can play, from classics like “I Spy,” (I spy a cow) or the “License Plate Game,”(a plate from every state) to more modern games like the “Head’s Up” app (make sure you are being safe and paying attention to the road).
But one of my favorite road trip games is the “Movie Game.” One person starts off naming a movie or an actor, then the next person has to name either an actor from the movie that was named, or a movie the actor named was in (alternating between actor and movie) until someone can’t name one. When a person is stumped, they get a letter spelling out MOVIE, and the first person to complete the word loses.
Another favorite is “Battle of the Bands.” Someone picks a topic (you take turns) and then each person has 60 seconds to come up with their perfect song to fit the topic. Each player plays their song and then the car decides who’s is the most fitting.
Whatever you decide to play, it will help pass the time, and is usually responsible for lots of laughs and memories.
10. plan Unique stops along the way
One of the unique things about a road trip is that you discover just how many things there are to do and see along the way. Using an app like Roadtrippers, or just a bit of research, you are able to find so many fun, quirky experiences along any route. Don’t be afraid to plan stops along the way even if they feel silly. Stretching your legs and seeing something you never thought you would are amazing reasons to stop!
11. Watch the Epic Sunsets
I get it, there’s one every day, so what the big deal? But some of the most breathtaking sunsets I’ve ever seen have been on a roadside in the “middle of nowhere.” And if you really want to make the most of your road trip, it is absolutely essential to appreciate a good sunset. So when you see one, don’t be afraid to pull over and watch the show.
12. Try to Eat locally
When on a road trip, it’s tempting to swing through any old drive-thru for a quick meal. But I want to encourage you to try out some of the local fare. Some of the best meals I’ve ever had were quick stops on a longer journey (still thinking about a summer roll burrito I had in St. Louis). By doing just a bit of Googling about some of the towns you will be passing through, you can easily find the “best” or most beloved restaurants in the area. Take a little time to eat well and make food memories of your trip.
13. Take the unplanned stops
You know that roadside sign you see boasting fresh produce, or the billboard for fireworks and souvenirs? Go to it! I know it may seem silly, but some of the best memories from a road trip have been made eating some fresh produce or buying a kitschy shot glass. The biggest road trip essential is about making it about the journey and not just the destination.
Happy travels!
This post was all about road trip essentials!
If you’re looking for inspiration of where to take your road trips, check out the posts below and more in the Travel section of the blog!
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