Nothing feels more liberating and exciting than a road trip with your friends and family across the country. Blasting music, reading maps trying to figure out where your next destination is, and calculating how much fuel you have left is exhilarating
To put it simply, a road trip should be on everyone’s bucket list and is at the very least a once-in-a-lifetime experience. That being said, you don’t want to be caught empty-handed on necessary car papers or get lost because you forgot to bring a map. That’s where we come in to give you a checklist of items to tick and pack for your road trip.
1. Car Essentials
You must have all the necessary papers on you at any given time for your vehicle. These include your license and registration which are the single most important thing for this trip. Don’t forget to secure a valid international driving license online or from your local auto club if you are going cross-country to avoid any legal driving-related issues. Other than those there are chances your vehicle displays indicator lights that you might not know the meaning of. In situations like that, a car manual would be handy and that is why you should have one before you travel. Another important piece of paperwork is insurance, whether you are going on a long journey or a shorter one, insurance is almost a necessity and you should have it to stay on the safe side.
Apart from the paperwork, it is equally vital that your car is in pristine condition before embarking on this journey and that it is maintained throughout it. Having a spare tire will fix a lot of issues you might encounter during your trip, and make sure to learn how to change one too!
An emergency kit is also a welcome addition because it contains items such as washer fluid and jumper cables. When it comes to your car it’s better to be prepared than to risk it, you wouldn’t want to be cutting your journey short would you? Additionally, install high-quality seat covers for long-term comfort while protecting your car seats from dirt, coffee spills, and chip crumbs.
2. Electronics
In terms of what you should have installed on your phone, the most important app should be the maps one. There are going to be many situations where you’re lost and need to make split-second decisions about which road to take. To avoid putting yourself in that position, setting the destination beforehand will make the journey more calming and give you a sense of control. Another app you should install is an app to map out the gas stations you’ll encounter throughout your journey, this way you can plan more efficiently and won’t be left wondering how much farther a gas station is. If your maps app doesn’t notify you of the traffic conditions, a dedicated app that can shorten a journey by a considerable amount of traffic is present and offer alternate routes.
Other electronics include a portable phone charger that works with your car, multiple should be bought depending on how many people are in the car. There are chances that you’ll have calls whilst you’re driving, a phone mount for your dashboard can make them significantly easier to attend to because you won’t be holding your phone up to your face and will have both hands on the wheel at all times. A rugged phone case to protect your phone could also potentially reduce any damage caused if your phone happens to fall anywhere along your tree.
3. Clothes and Selfcare
When it comes to packing clothes, you want to make sure to pack something comfortable enough for you to wear in the car. In terms of packing your clothes, it is recommended to pack compactly and utilize the least amount of space possible. Packing efficiently is an art and one that should be mastered as soon as possible. Pack according to how long the trip is, you don’t want to overpack and add unnecessary weight but you also don’t want to run out of clothes to wear too early. You can also bring hats and sunglasses to add variety and for protection against the sun.
For self-care, you need to be precise with what you pack. The necessities include lip balms, sunscreen lotions, and hand sanitizers. It’s important to properly enclose lotions and hand sanitizers in places where they will not leak or purchase from lotion bottle manufacturer Roetell to make sure no other items are soiled during the trip. A toothbrush and toothpaste should also be included along with hairbrushes. Everyone should have their own individual towel to wash their hands and face with as well as a deodorant to stay fresh. Looking your best and taking care of your hygiene are vital for road trips.
Other Necessities
Items you should pack just in case are a first aid kit, a swiss army knife, water bottles, and a tent in case you plan on camping. You never know what you might need on the road and thinking of every single situation possible and packing for it will bring you peace.
Conclusion
When you’re on the road, worrying about being ready for the trip should be the last thing on your mind. After all, you came to enjoy this time of your life and it would suck if you didn’t allow yourself that just because you realized you haven’t packed properly. That is why it is important to have a checklist in your notes of things to pack to keep track of. We hope the above elements of packing smoothen the process for you and help you have fun on your trip without worry.
