Road Trip Essentials - What To Bring On A Road Trip
Umm... road trips are the freaking best, right? I just love road trips. Basically, any time I have a vacation I have a couple options... stay home, go camping, or go on a road trip! I rarely think about flying places, and if I did fly somewhere I typically road trip back :)
Getting ready for a road trip can be a little nerve wracking. I mean what if you forget something? Gah, that feeling is such a bummer. The way I have figured out how to get past that feeling is to basically just tell myself :
"All I need is my keys, wallet, credit card, and phone".
Once you realize that is all you really need it really lessens the stress. So next time you are packing for a trip just keep reminding yourself of that. It will help. Believe me!
As I sit here on a road trip, I started thinking about just the main things that I have been using on this trip. So, even though you can repeat that motto above to yourself while you are packing, it sure is nice to have a list of things to bring or at least some ideas to brainstorm. That is why I am creating this list for you! Yay!
Once you go through this list, if you have any additional items that you think must be added to this list make sure to comment below. That way I can ensure to add it to the list!
Road Trip Essentials - What To Bring On A Road Trip
1.Water Bottles and Drinks
I personally love bringing my Nalgene or my CamelBak water bottles. This way I can refill them along the way and I am using my own bottle.
As far as drinks go there are a few essentials that you will need (at least in my opinion).
Water and extra water
Tea, coffee, or caffeine of choice
Emergen-C packs
2. Food and Snacks
For this I actually created two different articles. Make sure to check out
Road Trip Snacks (Healthy)
Road Trip Foods to Pack
3. Sunglasses
And a back up pair!! Sunglasses are so important to me so I always bring at least 2 pairs just in case I lose one or something happens to one.
4. Hats
I bring a big brimmed hat and a truckers hat. I love hats and which one I wear completely depends on my mood. If it is winter I will bring a beanie as well.
5. Comfy Clothes
Umm..... I am the queen of cute comfy clothes so ya.... this is a must. I wasn't even sure I should be putting this, but here I am .... adding it to make sure you wear comfy clothes!
I love wearing jumpsuits, leggings and flannels, leggings and a big band t shirt, or some sort of shorts with above combinations. Also, make sure you bring shoes that are easy to take on and off. I mean.... you are on a road trip. Do you really want to wear shoes the entire time? For me, the answer is HELL NO. So I bring something that is easy to slip on and off for when we have to stop.
6. Technology:
Mobile hot spot
Chargers
GPS and/or Navigation
Phone
Computer or Tablet
Camera Gear
7. Phone holder
I am so glad I got my Ram phone holder. It works so well and also allows me to have a GPS system where I can see it! If you don't have one get one.
8. Cash
In todays technology world many people don't carry cash any more. I mean I pay for everything with my credit card so this could be a hard one to remember but it is so necessary!! During this road trip that I am on right now, there were multiple gas stations that only accepted gas. Now, if I didn't have cash I would have ran out of gas so... BRING CASH!
9. First aid stuff
I have a first aid kit in my truck for just in case things. This is so super important for those unexpected things that might happen along the way. This first aid kit as some of the essentials to help with minor things such as cuts or sprains. I also bring things like pain reliever and Pepto to Tums as a just in case. I mean it really is the worst when you have a headache or tummy ache and nothing to help you.
10. Emergency roads stuff
If we are friends on Instagram you saw that my trailer tire and rim flew off during this trip. Yes quite literally flew off. Basically the wheel bearings overheated and melted which caused the entire wheel to fly off and of course this happened at night. I was so thankful that I was prepared for something like this. Here is what I would suggest at the very very least:
AAA
Flares
Spare tire and Jack - (learn how to change your tire!)
Extra gas can
Flash Light and/or Headlamp
Go Bag Items
11. For dogs bring:
leashes
harness
water bowl and extra water
food
treats
12. And don’t forget, if you start getting worried just say to yourself "All I need is my keys, wallet, credit card, and phone".
If you are planning on traveling in the winter make sure to check out the winter road trip essentials article. There are some additional things you are going to want to bring for winter travel.
Well there you have it my friend. Road Trip Essentials. I know it was alot, but honestly once you pack it all it won't feel like that much I promise :). If you have any additional items that you think should be added to this list make sure comment below so I can add it! Lets help each other out and really become a great adventure community :)
Wishing you nothing but amazing and fun road trips!
Bess