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ROAD TRIP ESSENTIALS

DIGITAL CHECKLIST

Once you're on the road, your vacation has officially started! Here is a list of essentials to pack with you and ensure your next drive is a joyful and comfortable one.

(Not in the mood to print? Just tap/click the boxes and go!)

Photo by Wolfram K

Portable charger + extra charging cables

It's good to make sure you have enough charging equipment to accommodate your whole party throughout the drive.  It's a great idea to bring a couple extra cables to plug into your car directly. I personally like to have a portable charger that allows you to charge at least 3 devices on it as well as 2 cables to plug into the car directly so there's no risk of a phone dying.

Portable charger + extra charging cables

It's good to make sure you have enough charging equipment to accommodate your whole party throughout the drive.  It's a great idea to bring a couple extra cables to plug into your car directly. I personally like to have a portable charger that allows you to charge at least 3 devices on it as well as 2 cables to plug into the car directly so there's no risk of a phone dying.

Cooler

A cooler, or lunch container is great for keeping your beverages and snacks cold. Pour a good amount of ice in it, add in your consumables and you're good to go! Replace the ice as needed to keep your perishables safe.

Cooler

A cooler, or lunch container is great for keeping your beverages and snacks cold. Pour a good amount of ice in it, add in your consumables and you're good to go! Replace the ice as needed to keep your perishables safe.

Water + hydration drinks

This one is an easy one to know, but also an easy one to forget- especially when you're half asleep packing everything in the car, or simply rushing to stay on schedule. I also wanted to add hydration drinks on here because when I end up just drinking water I am usually the first one asking for a restroom break which I can't stand! Hydration powders or drinks with electrolytes help quench my thirst and allow me to last much longer on the road.

Water + hydration drinks

This one is an easy one to know, but also an easy one to forget- especially when you're half asleep packing everything in the car, or simply rushing to stay on schedule. I also wanted to add hydration drinks on here because when I end up just drinking water I am usually the first one asking for a restroom break which I can't stand! Hydration powders or drinks with electrolytes help quench my thirst and allow me to last much longer on the road.

SNACKS

I've done some road trips with little to no snacks and in my opinion it makes the ride feel MUCH longer. Not only does it help get you through until the next meal, in a way it's a good way to keep you distracted from the time. I recommend light snacks like sunflower seeds, Jerky, and fruits rather than messy foods or ones that won't be best for your stomach in the long run. 

SNACKS

I've done some road trips with little to no snacks and in my opinion it makes the ride feel MUCH longer. Not only does it help get you through until the next meal, in a way it's a good way to keep you distracted from the time. I recommend light snacks like sunflower seeds, Jerky, and fruits rather than messy foods or ones that won't be best for your stomach in the long run. 

FOOD TRAY

If you do need to eat a meal while continuing the drive a car-friendly food tray will definitely come in handy. I have been seeing videos of people using food trays that can be connected to different places inside the car and it is perfect for a good sandwich and french fries on the go. (You can even purchase french fry, and sauce holders for your car!)

FOOD TRAY

If you do need to eat a meal while continuing the drive a car-friendly food tray will definitely come in handy. I have been seeing videos of people using food trays that can be connected to different places inside the car and it is perfect for a good sandwich and french fries on the go. (You can even purchase french fry, and sauce holders for your car!)

NAPKINS / TISSUES / WET WIPES

It's a great idea to bring plenty of napkins for your food and for any other spills, tissues are nice for any sniffles you might get along the way, and wet wipes are perfect for things like cleaning dirty hands after eating. I have had a number of situations where I didn't have the napkins or tissues I needed and lets just say, receipts are not a fun alternative!

NAPKINS / TISSUES / WET WIPES

It's a great idea to bring plenty of napkins for your food and for any other spills, tissues are nice for any sniffles you might get along the way, and wet wipes are perfect for things like cleaning dirty hands after eating. I have had a number of situations where I didn't have the napkins or tissues I needed and lets just say, receipts are not a fun alternative!

TRASH BAGS

How many trash bags you should bring depends on how long your road trip will be and how many people will be joining you of course, but it's always great to keep some tied together in the trunk, and one in the car at all times. 

TRASH BAGS

How many trash bags you should bring depends on how long your road trip will be and how many people will be joining you of course, but it's always great to keep some tied together in the trunk, and one in the car at all times. 

SLIDES/ SLIPPERS/ COMFORTABLE SHOES

Wearing the shoes you'll be planning to wear when you reach your destination, if they aren't super comfortable, they can start to hurt your feet within hours creating an uncomfortable start to your day. Wearing comfortable loungey shoes are a great idea for a more relaxing roadtrip experience, and theres nothing wrong with a quick shoe change when you get there!

SLIDES/ SLIPPERS/ COMFORTABLE SHOES

Wearing the shoes you'll be planning to wear when you reach your destination, if they aren't super comfortable, they can start to hurt your feet within hours creating an uncomfortable start to your day. Wearing comfortable loungey shoes are a great idea for a more relaxing roadtrip experience, and theres nothing wrong with a quick shoe change when you get there!

BLANKET / JACKET

When I am in a car with other people there are people who end up cold, and there are people who are the opposite. To keep from being uncomfortably cold, brining a blanket or jacket in the car with you will help out a lot! A blanket is also nice if you're planning on taking a nap.

BLANKET / JACKET

When I am in a car with other people there are people who end up cold, and there are people who are the opposite. To keep from being uncomfortably cold, brining a blanket or jacket in the car with you will help out a lot! A blanket is also nice if you're planning on taking a nap.

TRAVEL PILLOW

Since we're bringing up naps, it's the perfect time to add travel pillow to the list. Travel pillows (I prefer the memory foam ones) are comfortable, and are size-friendly for the car compared to regular pillows. There are some that have added features including those that have a hood on them to help cover you up more and block out the light. Regardless, any pillow is better than trying to lay your head on the hard interior of a vehicle, so this is one you may not want to forget!

TRAVEL PILLOW

Since we're bringing up naps, it's the perfect time to add travel pillow to the list. Travel pillows (I prefer the memory foam ones) are comfortable, and are size-friendly for the car compared to regular pillows. There are some that have added features including those that have a hood on them to help cover you up more and block out the light. Regardless, any pillow is better than trying to lay your head on the hard interior of a vehicle, so this is one you may not want to forget!

If you snore or if there's a chance you would end up snoring on the road, it is totally fine- it happens! Snoring aids can help you and your party have a better road experience, and are there to help you have a better sleep as well.

Snoring aid:

 Daylight when you're trying to sleep can be quite distracting, so a sleeping mask is helpful in making it dark for you to get into nap mode.

sleeping mask:

Ear plugs and ear covers are great for blocking out some noise when the rest of your party wants music and entertainment and you need rest. You can also try earmuffs as an alternative to these.

Ear plugs / ear covers:

ADDITIONAL SLEEPING AIDS

If you snore or if there's a chance you would end up snoring on the road, it is totally fine- it happens! Snoring aids can help you and your party have a better road experience, and are there to help you have a better sleep as well.

Snoring aid:

 Daylight when you're trying to sleep can be quite distracting, so a sleeping mask is helpful in making it dark for you to get into nap mode.

sleeping mask:

Ear plugs and ear covers are great for blocking out some noise when the rest of your party wants music and entertainment and you need rest. You can also try earmuffs as an alternative to these.

Ear plugs / ear covers:

ADDITIONAL SLEEPING AIDS

ALOE VERA GEL (NATURAL COOLING & SKIN HEALING BENEFITS)
     

SUNSCREEN

SUNGLASSES

ITEMS FOR THE HEAT

If the car you'll be in doesn't have much sun coverage like tints, the sun can really make its presence known, so here are some things to consider bringing, especially for a sunny car.


HAT

SMALL FAN (BATTERY OPERATED/CHARGEABLE RECOMMENDED)

I have had my fair share of burning skin and blinding eyes on the road, so if you have the space it is a great idea to bring just in case for a comfortable ride.

ALOE VERA GEL (NATURAL COOLING & SKIN HEALING BENEFITS)
     

SUNSCREEN

SUNGLASSES

ITEMS FOR THE HEAT

If the car you'll be in doesn't have much sun coverage like tints, the sun can really make its presence known, so here are some things to consider bringing, especially for a sunny car.


HAT

SMALL FAN (BATTERY OPERATED/CHARGEABLE RECOMMENDED)

I have had my fair share of burning skin and blinding eyes on the road, so if you have the space it is a great idea to bring just in case for a comfortable ride.

extrA Tips:

Make sure to download your music playlists, movies, and map/navigations with plenty of time before your departure, as these can take a while to download.

I have ended up in a situation where my Maps app closed on me and I was on my way to a trail in an area with no service, so it's very important to make sure you have access to a map at all times for your safety and peace of mind. As far as entertainment goes, many of the streaming services we use allow you to download videos and more for offline usage, including Youtube, Pandora, Spotify, Netflix, and more! 

Make sure to prioritize the items you need on this list each road trip. A cramped car full of extra stuff is no fun, and the whole point of this list is to make sure you're happy and comfortable on your ride.

have fun!