14 Road-Trip Essentials That You Should Carry

When it comes to taking a road trip, you need a few essentials to make sure you have with you. You never know what may happen on the open road, so it's essential to be prepared for anything. Check out this list of 14 essentials to help make your next road trip a success!

1. Water and Snacks 

You never know when you'll get hungry or thirsty while on the road. Pack plenty of water and snacks to keep yourself fueled for the journey ahead.

2. A Map

Even if you have a GPS in your car, it's always good to have a physical map. You never know when you may lose signal or power, and a map can help prevent you from getting lost.

3. A First Aid Kit

You never know when you may need to use first aid, so it's always better to be safe than sorry. Ensure your kit is stocked with bandages, antiseptic, and anything else you may need in an emergency.

4. A Spare Tire

If you're going to be driving on unfamiliar roads, it's always a good idea to have a spare tire. You never know when you may hit a pothole or nail and get a flat, and this will help you get back on the road quickly and safely. Also, remember to keep the toolkit that goes along with the spare tire in your car.

5. A Car Charger

If you're using your phone for GPS or music while on the road, make sure you have a car charger. You don't want your battery to die halfway through your trip, and invest in a good solar panel portable charger for long trips.

6. Jumper Cables

Another essential for any road trip is jumper cables. If your battery dies, you'll need these to jump-start your car. Jumper cables are also great to have if you see someone else on the side of the road with a dead battery.

7. A Flashlight

A flashlight is another essential that you should always have with you, especially driving at night. You never know when you may need to change a tire or look under the hood. Flashlight apps on your phone can work in a pinch, but it's always good to have an actual flashlight with you.

8. A Fire Extinguisher

If you're camping on your road trip, make sure you have a fire extinguisher. You never know when a fire may start, and you want to be prepared.

9. A Multi-Tool

A multi-tool is a great item to have when taking a road trip, and it can come in handy for various tasks, from fixing a loose screw to opening a food can. Multi-tools are small and lightweight so that they won't take up much space in your car.

10. A Spare Key

If you're going to be leaving your car unattended during your trip, make sure you have a spare key. You don't want to get stranded without a way to get back into your vehicle.

11. A Blanket

A blanket is always a good idea to have, especially if you're going to be camping, and it can help keep you warm at night or be used as a makeshift picnic blanket. Blankets also come in handy if your car breaks down and you need to wait for help.

12. A Pillow

If you're spending any time sleeping in your car, make sure you have a pillow with you. You want to be as comfortable as possible when trying to get some rest. Pillow also help keep your spine aligned when sitting in a car for long periods.

13. A Camera

You'll want to make sure you have a camera to document your road trip. After all, you'll want to remember all the fun you had! If you don't have a separate camera, your smartphone will work fine.

14. A Cleaning Supplies

You'll want to make sure you have some cleaning supplies with you, especially if you're eating in the car. Wipes and hand sanitizer are a must, and trash bags can come in handy. You don't want your car to get too messy during your trip.

Road trips can be a lot of fun, but they can also be daunting if you're not prepared. Make sure you have these 14 essentials to make your trip as smooth and enjoyable as possible. From snacks and water to jumper cables and a first aid kit, this list has everything you need to make the most of your road trip!

Happy travels!