As we await the outside to fully reopen, now is a great time to start rescheduling all the trips that were canceled in the first half of 2020. Air travel is still hit and miss, but people still are planning to travel by car.
In addition to planning for your perfect destination, packing is a big deal. The size of the vehicle and the number of people traveling will play a big role in your decisions. Knowing what to bring on a road trip will help everyone decide on essentials.
Creating a road trip packing list to distribute and limiting the number of bags is a good idea. It could save you a few bucks if you don't have to upgrade to a bigger vehicle. You'll save on gas and rental fees.
Are you planning a road trip in the near future? Keep reading to learn which 10 items are a necessity to bring along.
Why Knowing What to Bring on a Trip Is Important?
If you're traveling solo, it's no big deal on how much you can pack into the vehicle. Even if it's just you and one other person. It's when there are multiple people, space becomes an issue.
Clothes and toiletries are a necessity. Everyone may need a pillow and a blanket. It is the things we don't think of until we're on the road that makes up this list.
Once the vehicle is packed and everyone is ready to roll out it becomes an inconvenience to then have to make unnecessary stops. In some instances, the additional items could disrupt the comfort of others.
It's also important to preplan, so you don't get in a bind because stores are out of what you need.
1. Seat Cushion
Driving in your car for short trips around town is one thing. Traveling for hours is another. For those who suffer from neck and back pain, it can be a huge deterrent when it comes to traveling by car.
A memory foam cushion is one of the things to bring on a trip if you want to avoid constant stops to strength. The lack of pain from sitting too long is alleviated and you can arrive at your destination on time. Check out this article to learn more. https://www.everlastingcomfort.net/blogs/comfy-reads/which-seat-cushion-is-best-for-travel
2. Backpack
Whether you're headed to a theme park or going mountain climbing, backpacks should be on your road trip packing list. They can be used to hold souvenirs, water bottles, snacks, and more.
Backpacks are also easier to carry than a traditional handbag or purse.
3. Phone Charger and Port
Can we live without or mobile devices? Leave home without your charger, and you'll soon find out. Our phones are essential to our day-to-day lives and must be charged at all times.
Finding a place to charge your phone comes with its own risks so it is best to charge them in your car or the hotel room.
4. Navigation App
Many newer vehicles come with navigation apps while many people use their smartphones. If you're renting a vehicle, you may incur an additional fee for access to navigation. Whichever route you take it is one of the things to bring on a road trip.
Navigation apps can give the quickest routes, show where there are accidents along the way, and detours due to construction.
5. Hand Sanitizer
In the age of COVID19, no one should leave home without hand sanitizer. It has always been on road trip packing lists but more essential today. Include a travel size bottle for each person in your group.
It is also wise to have a larger bottle for refills.
6. Battery Operated Radio
Battery operated radios seem so outdated until you need one. Traveling to isolated places could mean no internet access or a fee to use it. Don't get caught off guard while camping and a storm moves in.
A portable radio can also come in handy if you're traveling and your vehicle breaks down. Save your phone's battery life for emergency calls.
7. Cash
Forget about the current change shortage. Cash is still accepted and is one of our long road trip essentials.
Imagine needing to stop for gas in a small town, and their credit card service is out. Or you find a cute keepsake and the store only accepts cash. Then there is the dreaded card denial because your bank suspects fraud with your credit card.
These are just a few reasons why it is smart to always have about $100 in cash on hand while traveling.
8. Devices for the Kids
A trip to grandma's house can seem even longer if you're traveling with kids. Their attention span is short, and they often turn on each other when boredom sets in. To eliminate the constant bickering make sure they bring along their tablets and chargers.
Be prepared for moments when you have limited or no access to wi-fi. Pack a few non-electronic activities to keep them occupied.
9. Sunscreen
We all know the importance of sunscreen. It is needed any time you're planning to be outside for a long period of time. Having your own skin protectant can save you money if your road trip includes a trip to the beach or an amusement park.
If you have to purchase onsite or a store nearby, expect to pay more.
10. Bug Repellant
Camping trips are a lot of fun. They also come with pesky bugs. If you're going to a campsite or will be spending a lot of time outdoors, don't forget your bug spray.
Mosquito bites are no fun and flies and gnats are annoying. That's why outdoor foggers and repellants are road trip essentials.
Let's Hit the Road!
Now that you know what to bring on a road trip, it's time to start planning. There are many fun places you can travel to in a day and have a great time.
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This article is copyrighted by Travelers Today, the travel news leader
