There is something about a road trip, the lure of the open road and the promise of a change of scenery that makes us want to load up the car and just go someplace. Here is a list of what each traveller should consider.
Comfortable clothes, pillows
Whether you’ll be driving for several hours or even into the night, be sure to wear comfortable clothes and shoes. Experienced travellers will tell you that a road trip is not the time to wear your tightest jeans, or anything that restricts or binds. You will also find that shoes that are easy to take on and off are a practical choice.
That way, you can wiggle your feet in the car and then slip your footwear back on at moment’s notice when you stop for a break. Add a sweater or jacket over a T-shirt for instant respectability in public areas.
If you are traveling with a companion, a small blanket works wonders to help keep you comfortable if the two of you disagree on the temperature setting. And a pillow from home can provide just the comfort you need in an unfamiliar place.
Roadworthy playlist
Do not forget to take your favourite tunes along for the ride. An iPod playlist or CD collection works wonders in making the trip more enjoyable, especially if you are travelling through an area where radio signals might be sketchy. Be sure to carry along a mix of tunes that cover every mood, from upbeat to introspective.
A camera
Whether you are headed to the beach or to the mountains, you’ll make lots of memories on the road and see things you may not come across every day. Keep a camera handy to capture those moments, whether it’s the beauty of a sunset over a small lake, farm animals resting, a humorous sign posted near a country store, or your travelling companion biting into his or her first boiled peanut.
Be sure to charge up your digital camera and take along a spare battery if you have one, or take plenty of film if you prefer more traditional equipment.
Toiletries and other essentials
Make sure your car is stocked with some easy-to-reach toiletries, such as tissues, paper towels, cleaning wipes, hand sanitiser and a roll of toilet paper, in case the rest stop is not well-stocked.
If you find it a hassle to get out of your seat to wash your hands, then use wipes to wash up. Also, instead of using deodorant, you can use them to freshen up your underarms.
Go for those which do not contain any alcohol, synthetic cleaners, dyes, or fragrances. It is great for the environment and your sensitive skin. Take any prescription medicines you need, as well as basics like pain relievers, antacids and remedies for motion sickness. Sunglasses are also a road trip must.
Power inverter or chargers
If you are travelling with children or teenagers, don’t forget to take along a laptop or a portable DVD player to help them pass the time. Make sure you don’t run out of battery power on the road by investing in an electricity power inverter. These handy devices turn the charge from your car’s battery into electricity to power most small electronic devices, from laptops to electric razors. Simply plug the device into your cigarette lighter, and it converts in the direct current (DC) from the battery to alternating current (AC).
Healthy snacks and nonmessy Meals
Pack a couple healthy snacks and non-messy meals so you don’t have to stop for food.
Try fruits, veggies, and energy bars. A trip to the grocery store can help you save money, too, because the costs of dining out can really add up.
A soft-sided cooler packed with water bottles and a few soft drinks will come in handy throughout your trip, and it won’t take up too much space in your car.
Map
You will probably start your trip with a planned route, but be sure to take maps of the areas you will be driving through, just in case you need to take a detour to avoid traffic or simply go exploring. An atlas or a traditional map will do, or you can print custom maps for your journey at Web sites such as GoogleMaps or Mapquest Route Planner.
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