How Do You Keep Drinks Cold on a Road Trip?

By Robert Palmer

Are you planning a road trip this summer? Are you wondering how to keep your drinks cold on the go?

Don’t worry, we’ve got you covered. Here are some tips and tricks to keep your drinks icy cold during your travels.

1. Cooler is Cooler

The most popular and effective way to keep drinks cold on a road trip is by using a cooler. Coolers come in different sizes and styles, so choose one that suits your needs.

A hard-shell cooler with thick insulation will keep your drinks colder for longer, but it can be bulky and heavy. A soft-shell cooler may not have the same insulation as a hard-shell one, but it’s more portable and easier to pack.

2. Freeze Your Drinks

Another way to keep your drinks cold on a road trip is by freezing them beforehand. Fill up your bottles or cans with water or any other beverage of your choice and put them in the freezer overnight. This will turn them into ice packs that will help keep other drinks cool in the cooler.

Tip:

To prevent any spillage once the ice packs start melting, consider wrapping them in a plastic bag or using reusable ice cubes.

3. Use Dry Ice

If you’re going on an extended road trip and need to keep things frozen for several days, dry ice is a good option. It’s much colder than regular ice, has no moisture content, and will last longer.

However, dry ice needs special handling as it can be dangerous if not used properly. Make sure you read up on how to handle it before using it in your cooler.

Tip:

Remember that dry ice releases carbon dioxide as it melts, so make sure there’s enough ventilation in the car when using it.

4. Keep Your Cooler Out of the Sun

If you’re using a cooler, make sure to keep it out of the sun as much as possible. Direct sunlight can heat up your drinks and melt the ice faster, reducing its effectiveness. Keep it in the shade or cover it with a blanket or towel to keep it cool.

5. Fill Your Cooler Correctly

Lastly, how you pack your cooler matters. Pack drinks first, then add ice packs or ice cubes around them.

Don’t overload the cooler as that can reduce its ability to cool things down. Keep the lid closed as much as possible to maintain the temperature inside.

Tip:

If you’re using a soft-shell cooler, consider putting a towel at the bottom of the bag before packing drinks. This will help absorb any moisture and keep things dry.

The Bottom Line

Keeping your drinks cold on a road trip is easy if you follow these tips and tricks. Whether you’re using a cooler or freezing your drinks beforehand, make sure to pack everything correctly and keep it out of direct sunlight. With these simple steps, you’ll be able to enjoy icy cold drinks during your travels.