We’re all guilty of it. You get in the car, start to drive, and then realize that you forgot something at home. There’s absolutely nothing more frustrating than realizing too late that you left your favorite book or phone charger behind. If this has ever happened to you before, we’ve got some good news for you: there are a few things in particular that will make your road trip go off without a hitch. If you want to be prepared for anything on the way, these are six things that should always be packed when driving long distances across the country.
Map/Good Navigation Apps and Charging Plugs/Cords
If you’re going on a road trip, chances are that there will be some twists and turns along the way. Sometimes, it’s good to look for affordable motorhome hire so you can at least take a good nap when the turns are becoming too much. In order to make sure you don’t get lost, it’s important to have a solid map or good navigation apps on your phone. Not only will this help you to find your way around, but it will also keep you from feeling completely disconnected from the outside world. This will allow you to see where you’ve been and where exactly you’re going at all times.
Seeing as how most of us rely on technology these days, it’s important to make sure that your devices are fully charged before hitting the road. This means packing charging plugs and cords for your phone, laptop, and any other devices you might be taking with you. If you’re someone who likes to stay connected while on vacation, this is an absolute must-have. You don’t want to be stuck without any way to charge your devices when you need them the most.
Snacks and Drinks
Staying hydrated and keeping an eye on what you’re eating is important for maintaining a healthy lifestyle. This will prevent you from becoming too tired while driving, which could potentially put yourself and others in danger. One of the best things about road trips is that you can stop anywhere you want.
This also means that you should always have snacks and drinks in the car, so you don’t get hangry halfway through your journey. There’s nothing worse than being in the middle of nowhere and realizing that you’re out of food and water. Make sure to pack your favorite snacks and drinks, as well as a few extras just in case. Some great options include apples, granola bars, trail mix, and water bottles. These are important for your trip and can come in handy if you get lost. Make sure to check if your destination has any convenience stores along the way where you can stock up on snacks
Sunscreen and Hats
It’s no secret that the sun can be incredibly damaging to our skin, especially when we’re out in it for long periods of time. If you’re road-tripping during the summer, make sure to pack sunscreen and hats! Not only will they help to reduce sunscreen is an absolute must when hitting the open road in the summertime. Not only will it protect your skin from harmful rays, but it will also help to keep you cool. A wide-brimmed hat is another great option for keeping the sun off of your face. Hats are also useful in the winter since they’ll help to keep your head warm when you’ve got the heater turned off.
Jumper Cables
There’s nothing worse than getting stranded on the side of the road because your car battery has died. This is why it’s always a good idea to pack jumper cables in your car. If you find yourself in this situation, all you have to do is use your jumper cables to connect the batteries of two cars. This will allow the car with a good battery to give yours a good charge.
It’s important to note that jumper cables should only be used when necessary since back-and-forth usage can damage your engine. Not only do they work for cars, but you can also use them in case your motorcycle or lawnmower runs out of gas. Once you’ve done this, one car will start supplying power to the other vehicle through its battery, which allows it to start up again. It’s always better to be safe than sorry, so make sure to pack jumper cables before heading out on your next road trip.
Extra Gas
It doesn’t matter if you have half a tank when it comes time to go home–it’s always better to be safe than sorry. Make sure to pack some extra gas in the car before you leave, as well as a spare can of gas. It’s best to keep these items under your car seat or in the trunk so they’re easily accessible if necessary.
You never know when you might get stranded on the side of the road, and this way you’ll be prepared for anything that comes your way. You never know when you might find yourself stuck on the side of the road waiting for assistance, so make sure to pack an extra tank of gas in case you run out before someone arrives. Having this much patience is often difficult while packing up the car and hitting the open road, but it’s definitely worth it in the end.
First Aid Kits
Accidents happen, and that’s why it’s always a good idea to have a first aid kit in your car. This way, you’ll be prepared for anything that comes your way. A first aid kit should include items such as adhesive bandages, gauze pads, medical tape, scissors, and tweezers. A first aid kit can also come in handy if you have a medical emergency while on the road.
It’s important to note that these kits should be checked before heading out on your next road trip since expired items will only make things worse. It’s also important to have supplies for dealing with potential emergencies, such as CPR masks and instructions, an EpiPen if you’re allergic to bee stings, and a bottle of hydrogen peroxide. You never know when you might need these items, so make sure to pack them in your car before you leave.
These are just a few things that you’ll need on a road trip in order to keep yourself and others safe. If you follow these tips, your next vacation will go off without a hitch. Road travel can be quite difficult for those who are inexperienced or forgetful. Even experienced drivers may find themselves lost or confused by poor signage or confusing turnoffs.
