How Do You Keep Drinks Cool on a Road Trip?

By Michael Ferguson

Road trips are a great way to explore new places and create lasting memories. However, one of the biggest challenges during a road trip is keeping drinks cool, especially during the hot summer months. In this article, we will discuss some effective ways to keep your drinks cool on a road trip.

1. Use a Cooler

One of the most common ways to keep drinks cool on a road trip is by using a cooler. Coolers come in different sizes and can be easily transported in your car’s trunk or backseat.

Fill the cooler with ice packs or crushed ice and place your drinks inside it. This will help keep your drinks chilled for longer periods.

Tips:

  • Use larger ice packs instead of smaller ones as they melt slower.
  • Avoid opening the cooler frequently as it lets warm air inside.
  • Keep the cooler in the shade or covered with a blanket to minimize direct sunlight exposure.

2. Wrap Drinks in Wet Towels

Wrapping your drinks in wet towels is another effective way to keep them cool during a road trip. Wet towels work by evaporating moisture and cooling down the surface of the drink.

Here’s how you can do it:

  1. Dampen some clean towels with water.
  2. Wrap each drink tightly with a towel.
  3. Place them in an insulated bag or container.
  • Use light-colored towels as dark colors absorb more heat from sunlight.
  • Dampen the towels again if they dry out during the trip.
  • Avoid placing wet towels directly on car seats or carpets as they can cause water damage.

3. Freeze Your Drinks

Another simple way to keep drinks cool during a road trip is by freezing them. This is especially helpful if you’re traveling for a shorter distance or have limited space in your car.

  1. Place your drinks in the freezer for a few hours before your trip.
  2. Take them out of the freezer just before you leave.
  3. Wrap them in towels or keep them in an insulated bag to maintain their temperature.
  • Avoid overfilling bottles or cans as they may burst when frozen.
  • Leave some space at the top of the container to allow for expansion when freezing.
  • Avoid freezing carbonated drinks as they can explode due to gas expansion.

4. Use Refrigerated Containers

If you’re planning a longer road trip, investing in refrigerated containers could be a good idea. These containers come with built-in cooling systems and can keep your drinks chilled for extended periods.

Here are some popular options:

  • Cooluli Mini Fridge Electric Cooler and Warmer
  • Igloo Iceless Thermoelectric Cooler
  • Dometic Tropicool Portable Fridge/Freezer
  • Choose a container size that suits your needs and fits well in your car.
  • Keep the container plugged into your car’s power outlet while driving.
  • Clean and maintain the container regularly to ensure optimal performance.

Conclusion

Keeping drinks cool during a road trip is essential for a comfortable and enjoyable journey. Whether you choose to use a cooler, wrap drinks in wet towels, freeze them, or invest in refrigerated containers, make sure to follow the tips mentioned above for maximum effectiveness. With these simple yet effective methods, you can beat the heat and enjoy your favorite drinks on the go!