What Should I Have in My Car for a Road Trip?

By Alice Nichols

When embarking on a road trip, it’s important to make sure that you have everything you need for a comfortable and safe journey. Here are some essentials that you should have in your car before hitting the road.

Emergency Kit

First and foremost, it’s important to prepare for any unexpected situations that may arise during your trip. An emergency kit should include items such as a first aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, reflective triangles or flares, and a tire pressure gauge. You never know when you might get a flat tire or need to jump-start your battery.

Navigation Tools

In this day and age, most people rely on GPS or their phone’s navigation system to get around. However, it’s always a good idea to have backup options in case of poor signal or dead batteries. Keep a paper map of the areas you’ll be traveling through as well as a compass in case you get lost.

Comfort Items

Long hours on the road can be tiring and uncomfortable, so make sure to pack some items that will make the journey more pleasant. This can include things like pillows and blankets for napping during rest stops or overnight stays, sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s glare, and snacks and drinks to keep hunger at bay.

Entertainment

Depending on how long your road trip is going to be, you may want some entertainment options to keep yourself occupied while driving. Bring along some CDs or download music playlists beforehand. Audiobooks are also great for passing time on long stretches of highway.

Cleaning Supplies

Keeping your car clean during a road trip not only makes for a more pleasant environment but also helps prevent the spread of germs. Pack some disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer to keep surfaces clean, as well as garbage bags to collect any trash along the way.

Personal Items

Lastly, don’t forget to pack personal items that you may need during your trip. This can include medication, toiletries, extra clothes, and any other items specific to your needs.

  • Emergency Kit: first aid kit, flashlight with extra batteries, jumper cables, reflective triangles or flares, and a tire pressure gauge.
  • Navigation Tools: paper map and compass as backup options.
  • Comfort Items: pillows and blankets for napping during rest stops or overnight stays, sunglasses to protect your eyes from the sun’s glare, and snacks and drinks to keep hunger at bay.
  • Entertainment: CDs or downloaded music playlists and audiobooks for passing time on long stretches of highway.
  • Cleaning Supplies: disinfectant wipes and hand sanitizer to keep surfaces clean and garbage bags to collect any trash along the way.
  • Personal Items: medication, toiletries, extra clothes, and any other items specific to your needs.

In Conclusion

Having a well-stocked car can make all the difference in ensuring a comfortable and safe road trip. Make sure you have all the essentials before hitting the road so that you’re prepared for anything that comes your way.