Road trips are such a great way to travel and ever since Jack was born, that’s how we’ve been getting around. Since his pediatrician recommended that he not fly before three months of age and to wait until flu season was over, we decided to take Jack on road trips until it’s time for his first flight. His first road trip was to Rancho Mirage, followed by a road trip to San Diego!
If you’re planning a road trip, make sure you don’t take a wrong turn! Here’s a list of road trip essentials you should have in the car before you hit the road. Disclosure: I’m a sponsored Pepto-Bismol Influencer, but all opinions are my own.
1. Water
You’ll need to stay hydrated on your long road trip so make sure you have plenty of water with you so you don’t need to make unnecessary stops along the way. While bottled water is the easiest way to transport water, it’s not the most environmentally-friendly. Not to mention, it can be dangerous to drink water from a plastic bottle that’s been left in the heat. Instead, fill up your own tumblers from home and bring them with you.
2. Anti-nausea medication
It’s always handy to have anti-nausea medication on hand when you’re traveling because feeling queasy is one quick way to put a damper on your fun trip. So, pack some Pepto-Bismol and in the event that you experience any of these five symptoms, nausea, heartburn, indigestion, upset stomach and diarrhea, relief will be close at hand.
3. Snacks
Snacks are a road trip essential and while it might be easiest to stock up on chips and candy, try to take a healthier approach with creative road trip snacks that are fun, tasty and good for you.
4. Antibacterial wipes
Snacks can make a mess in the car so make sure you’ve got some handy wipes at the ready to wipe down sticky fingers and clean up any spills. While they’re no substitute for soap and water, antibacterial wipes are helpful in a pinch and easy to keep in the car.
5. Roadside emergency kit
Before you head out on your road trip, make sure that you’re prepared for the unexpected. Get an emergency road kit that will come in handy in the event of an accident or a personal injury. A good kit comes with: booster cables, an air compressor, emergency whistle, a flashlight and a variety of medical supplies that can assist with a variety of minor injuries. If you’d rather create your own, the DMV provides comprehensive tips on how to pack an emergency kit here.
6. Blanket
No one wants to think of emergencies when they’re traveling but in the event that something goes wrong, you’ll be glad you did! Make sure you’ve got some extra blankets packed in the trunk, just in case your car breaks down, you’re in an accident or you run out of gas. It may be chilly while you’re waiting for help and you’ll be glad for the warmth.
7. Maps
Make sure you know where you’re going before you hit the road! Obviously, you can map out your road trip using Google Maps but make sure that you download the information you need so that you can use consult your maps offline if you’re in an area with no Internet connection. Or, how about going old school and using actual paper maps? If you’re traveling with kids, let them help navigate the way.
8. Reservoir of gas
No one intends to run out of gas but if it happens to you, you’ll be glad you’ve got an extra reservoir of gas in the trunk. Get a 2+ gallon gas can that has a smart-fill spout with twist-anchor push operation to keep the fuel (and its fumes!) contained.
9. Cash
If the power goes out, you’ll have trouble paying for things like gas or food with your credit card. So, make sure that you’ve always got cash on hand.
10. Games
If you’re traveling with teenagers, don’t let them sit in the back seat like zombies, never looking up from their electronics. Road trips are the perfect opportunity to have fun as a family and talk to each other. Get the ball rolling with games that have cards with questions that will start some great conversations.
Sponsored post by Pepto-Bismol
Roadtrips are best kind of trips but sometimes we forget to carry some essential things that means most and all of them are mention in this post.
Read your 10 Road Trip Essentials article and echoing a tip. Antibacterial or other hand wipes are also great for easy removal of dead insects from your auto windshield. Was on a road trip through the Dakotas several years ago during crop flowering season. The bees were busy in the field and sadly throwing themselves at the windshield as I drove past. The combination of nectar and dead bees left a sticky mess and a visibility problem. Nothing was working so in desperation I tried the hand wipes (road trip essential) which were the only items that would remove the mess and I could see to drive again.
P.S. Also recommend a pain reliever such as acetaminophen, ibuprofen, etc. for headaches, fever, and/or muscle pain.
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