Top 10 Road Trip Essentials 

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Are you planning on taking a road trip and wondering what essentials are needed?

There are so many aspects to consider in the preliminary stages.

Ask yourself, “How long is my trip?”, “What season and weather conditions will I be traveling in?”

“What states am I going to drive through?”

These are all relevant questions when choosing the necessary items to bring. 

Some of these may seem silly, but some are for safety and in no particular order.

Whether you’re on the road for a few hours or a couple of days, you won’t want to miss out on these top 10 road trip essentials!

Playlist/audiobooks

If you’ve ever been anywhere without a signal, you probably already know that you can’t download anything.

Be sure to download playlists or audiobooks while you’re connected to WI-FI!

Also, if you get stuck in traffic or have a long drive, it’s a good idea to have a few books or several hours of music ready to go.

Snacks

Having delicious snacks on hand is super important!

Sitting for any time can make you sleepy, and there’s nothing better than a quick pick-me-up.

Some suggestions are granola bars, jerky (FYI, some jerky contains MSG), crackers, grapes, chips, or anything else that won’t distract you while driving.

There also might be hundreds of miles between places to eat if you’re on a long drive, so don’t forget your favorite snacks.

Physical Map/Atlas

Today’s technology is phenomenal; there’s no doubt about it. 

But even still, it’s good to be over-prepared regarding directions.

New roads and construction are sometimes not updated via your car or phone GPS.

Or something might happen to your phone or car map where it doesn’t work correctly, or you have no signal.

Having an updated physical roadmap or atlas is always a good idea. 

Comfy Clothes

When you’re sitting for extended periods of time, the last thing you want to be is uncomfortable. 

Wear some nice stretchy pants, a loose shirt, and maybe some flip-flops.

Unless you’re actively driving to a photo shoot, then travel aesthetic on the open road doesn’t matter.

Cash

I can’t tell you many times I wish I had brought cash with me.

There are still places that only accept cash.

These include state parks or hole-in-the-wall restaurants along the way. 

You never know when you’ll be in a situation where your card will be declined or rejected.

Bins

These are lifesavers when traveling for several days, and especially when camping. 

Having essentials you need immediately in smaller, reachable bins is incredibly handy.

Keeping other items you don’t need as often in larger bins on the bottom and storing chemicals and liquids such as bug spray, laundry detergent, and shampoo in a separate container is highly recommended. 

Home Depot has a the best variety, but you can get them at Walmart or any store.

Bags

Another one of the top 10 road trip essentials is bags.

These can be disposable or reusable.

Preferably environmentally friendly if they are disposable. 

You can use these for trash you accumulate in your car or for storing wet bathing suits.

They serve many purposes and have saved my belongings numerous times when transporting liquids in my suitcase.

Toilet Paper 

Hey, you never know when you’re gonna need to go.

Not to mention, most places have cheap toilet paper and sometimes none at all.

Also, if you check your oil, you’ll need something to wipe the excess oil off with. 

Windshield Wiper Fluid 

If you are traveling through snow or mud after it rains, having an extra gallon of windshield wiper fluid is 100% a must-have. 

Most people don’t check their wiper fluid level before they travel like they check their oil. 

Tire Pressure Gauge 

If you don’t remember anything else on this list, don’t forget a tire gauge!

As a female that travels solo frequently, this inexpensive little gadget is something everyone needs. 

If you have a suspected slow leak, it’s important to figure it out before your tire goes flat and get it to a repair shop immediately.

**Pro Tip** Buy a slime kit from any auto repair store so if you get a flat tire while on the road, this will most likely allow you time to get to a tire shop and get it repaired or purchase a new tire. 

It doesn’t matter if you’re driving for a few hours or a few days, having an awesome playlist, extra toilet paper, and yummy snacks are just some of the items you need for your next road trip.

Be sure to take into consideration and plan accordingly for the weather you may encounter, road conditions, and possible construction zones. 

These situations could lead to delays in travel, impaired viewing, and maybe even a flat tire. Prepare yourself and be ready with these top 10 road trip essentials!

Click here for ideas for a fantastic road trip itinerary!