Road-Trip Essentials For Your Car

Road trips are a fun time to play songs in the car when you’re letting the adventurous side of you take over. 

A motorcycle tour across Morocco will not be the same as traveling in a car. As a car driver, you have the advantage of having space to carry all the must-have essentials before embarking on a road trip. 

You never know what’s ahead and it’s always better to be prepared for the worst. You’ve seen the horror films; people stuck on a road with a flat tire, unaware of their surroundings, and with no cell service. 

You can’t prevent accidents, but you can do your best to be prepared for them. 

Paper Maps

Listen, it’s obvious Google Maps or a GPS is far easier to use. After all, you live in the 21st century notorious for going paperless. However, no one on the road wants to get lost on an unknown road because their phone has no signal or no charge. 

If you get stranded on a road not frequented by drivers you are likely to wait hours before help comes along the way. So, have the latest updated paper map in your car. Then, plan ahead and mark the road you’re on in case you need to use it.  

Spare Tire

Perhaps one of the most criticalSupposeplan essentials in this list, a spare tire is a necessity to bring in your car on your road trip. 

First, ensure the spare tire is in good shape. If it is, then review the steps to replace the tire and have all the materials that involve this process in your car. 

Snacks

When waiting for a car service, stuck on the road, and unable to find nearby restaurants or gas stations, snacks will become your dearest friends. 

Pack a small bag of snacks. You can fill it with:

• Fruits (preferably apples, bananas, and oranges)
• Quick Oats 
• Protein Bars
• Nuts (e.g., cashews, almonds, peanuts, pecans, walnuts, etc.) 
• Beef Jerky
• String Cheese
• Hummus
• Celery
• Baby Carrots 
• Dark Chocolate
• Pita Chips

The length of you’re road trip will dictate the amount and type of snacks you should pack. For example, if your destination is two hours away, pack a sandwich, fresh fruit, and even some veggies. If your destination is more than three hours away or might take a day, consider packing nuts, beef jerky, chocolate, pita chips, or other snacks that don’t require refrigeration. 

Spare Money

Not everyone accepts credit or debit cards. Paypal, Venmo, and other mobile payment services may not be common. Have at least one hundred dollars in cash to pay for food, accommodation, and transportation costs. 

Some of the small towns you pass by may accept cards, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. If you are planning to travel to places where you expect to pay with cash, budget fifty to one hundred dollars per day for your expenses. Don’t leave anything to chance. 

First Aid Kit

Don’t leave your home without first checking you have a first aid kit in your car. In case of an emergency, the first aid kit may be the difference between life and death. 

Extra Clothes, Blankets, & Shoes

Store an extra pair of jackets, blankets, and warm shoes, especially if you’re traveling somewhere chilly. Also, have a blanket in case you can’t find a hotel to crash and decide to crash in your car. 

Chargers For Electronic Devices

Pack a portable USB cord or charger. If you’re likely to use your phone as a map, then packing a charger will be the ultimate task. For the meticulous individual, it doesn’t hurt to have your phone fully charged before traveling. 

Finally, make a list of all other essentials you can think of for a safe trip. Your future self will be thankful for being cautious and mindful.