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Skip the plastic bottles and opt for a high-quality reusable water bottle on your next trip. Pick one made of stainless steel to keep your water cool all day.
While car side windows block UVB rays, they still allow UVA rays through, which cause deep skin damage (but not sunburns). Therefore, it's important to wear a broad-spectrum sunscreen with SPF 30 or higher.
In case you find yourself in an area without service, you should always be prepared with a physical map.
You may not need it in the car, but bug spray is good to have if you'll be outdoors hiking or hanging out. Plus, you never know what bugs could enter your car.
Keep your license, registration, and insurance together in an easily accessible place.
If you have car issues after dark, a flashlight will help you see what you're doing as you troubleshoot.
In addition to the tire, you'll need a jack and lug wrench. These are usually stored underneath the spare, but it doesn't hurt to double-check if you still have them there.
Hunger can make a road trip go south pretty quickly. To avoid getting 'hangry' on the road, pack your favorite snacks and put them in an easily accessible spot.
No matter the length of your road trip, jumper cables will be at your rescue if you get a dead battery. And you don't want to be in the middle of nowhere with a dead battery...
Bring a small cooler for any snacks and drinks that need to stay cold.
If you have USB ports in your car, buy a set of charging cables so you can keep your devices charged and also play music and podcasts.
A portable tire inflator can be a lifesaver if you find your tires have a slow leak during your trip. Plus, they're small and easy to pack.
Even if you have charging ports and cables in your car, a portable charger is good to have on hand, too.
Your smartphone can be one of the most important tools on the road, acting as your navigator, music player, and more. Just mount the phone in your field of view, and you're ready to go.
A car caddy can help you keep snacks, tissues, toys, and any other essentials close at hand.
In the event that you get into a car accident or are pulled over by the police, having easy access to your car's registration, insurance information and owner's manual is crucial.
For peace of mind, get an all-purpose roadside emergency kit. They're typically equipped with a tire pressure gauge, a utility knife, tire repair tools, first-aid supplies, and other useful items.
Disinfecting wipes are a must-have on your travel packing list, as they kill viruses and bacteria. You'll feel protected while on the road!
Long hours in the car might sound daunting to anyone prone to motion sickness. In those cases, having preventative nausea medicine can be a lifesaver. Also, don't forget to bring painkillers for headaches and achy joints.
If you're in the passenger's seat, sitting in the car for hours can be painfully boring at times. Make sure to bring a good book or an e-reader.
Body wipes offer a practical solution to keeping your skin clean, especially in situations where traditional bathing isn't possible. You'll feel refreshed while traveling.
From gas pumps to ATMs, you never know what germs you may encounter on a road trip. Make sure you're keeping a bottle of hand sanitizer in your car.
Even if you don't have a dog, their waste bags are useful for a variety of needs. Leakproof, they can be used for general waste, dirty diapers, and motion sickness accidents.
Shield your eyes from the sun by wearing a good pair of sunglasses. Choose sunglasses that protect against the sun's UVA and UVB rays, and are polarized to block glare.
If you'll be sitting in the passenger's seat or backseat, bring a pair of earbuds or headphones.
A large beach blanket or towel is a versatile accessory, which you can use to have a picnic lunch, clean up a spill, and so much more.
If needed, save some space inside your vehicle by opting for a car roof cargo carrier.
Sources: (US News) (Best Life Online)
Car passengers can get a bit more comfortable with the help of an ergonomic travel pillow. Make sure it's made from a breathable fabric like cotton, rayon, or bamboo.
Protect your backseat drivers from UVA and UVB rays with some window shades.
With long stretches of open highway, a sense of total freedom, and good tunes, road trips are one of the most unique and special ways to travel. And although you don't necessarily need a lot of things for a successful road trip, certain items can't be overlooked. Whether it's a short or long journey, you'll want to consider adding these to your road trip packing list to ensure total comfort.
Curious? Click on for essential road trip items.
Road trip essentials for a fun and comfortable ride
Do you pack these road trip must-haves?
TRAVEL Vacation
With long stretches of open highway, a sense of total freedom, and good tunes, road trips are one of the most unique and special ways to travel. And although you don't necessarily need a lot of things for a successful road trip, certain items can't be overlooked. Whether it's a short or long journey, you'll want to consider adding these to your road trip packing list to ensure total comfort.
Curious? Click on for essential road trip items.