10 Essentials We All Need To Take On A Road Trip

1. Vehicle Documents

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So, you're ready and raring to go on your road trip! To get the most out of the experience, it helps if you've packed all the essentials. This helps minimize stress and maximize enjoyment. Don't forget your vehicle documents, your driver's license and proof of insurance should be readily accessible, in the event that you're pulled over and asked to present these.

2. Roadside Emergency Kit

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Hey, nobody wants to run into an emergency. But, it sure does help if you're prepared beforehand with everything that you might need in case an emergency does arise. Make sure you're equipped with a spare tire, a jack, jump start cables, and a fire extinguisher. Having these items prevents panic if something was to go wrong and gets you back on the road much faster.

3. First Aid Kit

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Likewise, you never know when you or somebody that you're travelling with could become injured. It's super important to have a first aid kit in your vehicle. You can then address the situation fast, regardless of whether you're in the middle of nowhere or if it's in the middle of the night. You should include bandages, antiseptic wipes, pain relievers, and any personal medications.

4. GPS or Maps

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Road trips are supposed to be fun! The fun quickly disappears when you're left driving around in circles with no idea where you're going. Make sure you have a reliable navigation system. You can use your phone GPS, but keep in mind that there are areas where you might have difficulty staying connected to the internet. It helps to have a map with you, too.

5. Mobile Charger

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These days, your mobile phone is your lifeline! It's there in case of an emergency, helps you to navigate and of course, it's there to take photographs to remember your adventures! The last thing that you want is your phone dying on you with no means of charging it. It's essential to keep your devices charged at all times, don't forget your charger!

6. Snacks and Water

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One thing's for certain, it's not a road trip without the snacks! When you're travelling long distances, chances are you're gonna get hungry. It's not always possible to stop for food, and anyways, it's nice to have your own snacks readily available throughout the journey. Keep in mind to pack non-perishable snacks, like crisps or cereal bars. You should always have a supply of water, too.

7. Cooler

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This is one of those super important items required for a road trip that a lot of people seem to forget to take with them. Don't be that person! Make sure that you take a good cooler with you so that you can keep all your perishable snacks inside and stop them from going off as quickly. Not to mention, you need to make sure your drinks are cold and fresh!

8. Blankets and Pillows

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When you're travelling for a long time, you need to make sure that you're comfortable. You should pack blankets, pillows and maybe even a duvet if you have the room to take it along. Having these items with you will ensure that you get a comfortable rest during pit stops or whilst on overnight stays. We all know that proper beauty sleep is essential!

9. Clothing

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It's always a good idea to take a change of clothing when you go on a road trip. Depending on how long you're going for, you're likely to do this anyway. But, it's great if you bring spares in case you need them. Make sure to pack comfortable clothes to travel in. And, always check the weather you so can pack appropriately for the changing conditions.

10. Toiletries

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Don't forget to pack your toiletries! If you'll be staying somewhere overnight, you'll need items such as your toothbrush, toothpaste, face wash, etc. But, even if you're not planning on an overnight stay, you never know when you might have to stop in an emergency. Plus, it never hurts to have wet wipes and hand sanitizer with you, they always come in use.

11. Trash Bags

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You're going to want to make sure that you keep your vehicle clean and tidy throughout your journey. Most importantly, you don't ever want to dump your trash anywhere, we need to make sure we're environmentally friendly. So, with this in mind, be sure to include trash bags on your to-pack list. Trust me, it's so much easier to keep on top of the tidying up this way.

12. Entertainment

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If you're travelling a fairly long distance, and especially if you have kids travelling with you, you absolutely cannot forget to take some means of entertainment with you! Whether this is being equipped with great music to sing along to, books for passengers to read, podcasts, or even games to pass the time. Some games don't even need any equipment, like I spy.

13. Camera

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Whilst you're having fun on your road trip, don't forget to capture the memories and moment throughout your journey! Your future self will thank you when you can look back on your adventures captured through photographs and videos. Make sure to pack a good, reliable camera. You might choose to use your phone for this, or you might want to take a polaroid/digital camera for something a bit more special.

14. Cash

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I get it, nobody carries cash these days. But, when you're road tripping, you never know what you're going to encounter. For example, what if you break down and you find yourself at a cash only gas station in the middle of nowhere? What if you need to get through a toll and they only take cash? We can't guarantee that everywhere takes card payments, so keep hold of some cash!

15. Sunscreen and Sunglasses

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Depending on where you're going and the time of year, it's super important to remember to take your sunscreen with you. Even in the winter months, wearing SPF on your face is still recommended. Sunglasses can be helpful all year round too, especially if you're the designated driver. Protect yourself from the glare of the sun and stop yourself from getting sunburnt!

16. Insect Repellent

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Bugs and insects can quickly ruin your journey. Especially if you're sitting outside at night time. Come ready to get rid of the irritating bugs and stop them from biting you. Bring insect repellent, bug spray and anti-itch bite cream in case the pesky insects still find a way to get to you - which they often do! But, it helps if you're ready to fight back.

17. Travel Pillow

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Believe me, you don't want to forget your travel pillow. You'll be so glad you've brought it along with you when you're ready for a quick back-seat snooze during the long journey. Travel pillows give you much better neck support compared to other pillows. This is super essential if you're going on a long drive! Even if it's a short distance, it doesn't hurt to be comfortable.

18. Travel Mug

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It's all well and good stopping off at Starbucks for your favorite coffee. But when you're driving long distances, these drinks go cold quicker than you have time to drink them. So, take a travel mug along with you and you can keep your hot or cold beverages at the right temperature, within reach and prevent them from spilling, too. Makes early morning starts so much easier.

19. Portable Phone Mount

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If you're using your phone as your GPS navigation system, you absolutely need to take a portable phone mount with you. It's not safe and very difficult to navigate holding your phone whilst driving. So, for easy, stress-free hands-free navigation and for everyone's safety, invest in a good, portable mount. You need to make sure you can clearly see the screen and it's not going to fall out.

20. Multi-tool

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It's great to take a multi-tool with you. You can take a Swiss army knife or something similar. They come in handy for all different kinds of practical use, meaning you're prepared for what life throws at you throughout your road trip journey. For example, a Swiss army knife contains scissors for opening snacks, multi purpose hook to help carry heavy loads, a bottle opener for drinks, and so on!

21. Travel Games

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If possible, why not bring along some games that can be played in your vehicle? These will help to keep passengers engaged throughout the trip. Or, they can be played when you make a stop for a break, it helps to take a breather and get off the road for a while. You could bring along a board game, or some queue cards for a game such as would you rather.

22. Travel Journal

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A travel journal is the perfect way to document all your experiences, memories and reflections throughout your trip! If you wanted, you could turn this into a scrap book by printing off photographs of your journey, too. Pictures alone won't capture all of your thoughts, feelings and memories. Writing things down helps to make sure you don't forget a thing!

23. Spare Keys

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You don't want to be that person - part way through your trip, miles away from home, and you become locked out of your vehicle! It's an easy mistake to make to lose your keys, or even get them locked inside. Avoid this from happening and always take a spare set of keys, be sure to keep them in a safe place where they can't get lost. Calling an emergency locksmith can be costly!

24. Travel Insurance

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Make sure to invest in some travel insurance for your journey. Hopefully, you won't need it. But, knowing it's there will provide you with some added peace of mind throughout your travels. Insurance not only covers personal injuries, but if you were to lose or damage your vehicle or personal items, then you can have these covered, too. It can save you money and stress.

25. Umbrella

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You never know when an unexpected downpour of rain might come from the heavens. Make sure you don't get caught in the rain and end up soaked. Trust me, it's not comfortable to get back into your vehicle and sit in soaking wet clothes for the rest of the journey! Keep an umbrella (or two) in your vehicle at all times so you and your passengers can stay dry.

26. Reusable Water Bottle

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Hydration is key! Keep things eco-friendly and take a re-usable water bottle with you. Not only will you be cutting down on plastic waste, but you can usually re-fill your bottle for free at various stop off points. So, you'll be saving yourself money, too. Having a water bottle with you reminds you to keep taking a sip, keeping you in the habit of drinking enough water.

27. Car Sunshade

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If you're travelling by car or van, take a car sunshade with you. This will help to protect the inside of your vehicle from the sun's hot rays. It will prevent discoloration and keep the interior from getting too hot. There's nothing worse than sitting on hot, sticky leather, trying to get comfortable. Prevent this from happening by investing in a good sunshade.

28. Duct Tape and Zip Ties

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Duct tape and zip ties in the boot of your car may not look great if you get pulled over by the police. But, they do come in handy for so many quick fixes! Duct tape can help seal and reseal any packing boxes that you've brought with you. Plus, it can help patch up holes or fix broken glasses. The zip ties can stop your tools from rolling away and fix any wobbly items!

29. Travel Wallet

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It really helps if you have all your important documents and cards in one, organized place. Take a travel wallet with you where you can safely store all of these documents. It's even better if the wallet comes with dividers, it makes things so much easier to find! Then, should you need to quickly present or use any of these things, you know exactly where they are.

30. Sense of Adventure

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Now, it wouldn't be a road trip without a sense of adventure! Make sure that you and anybody else that you're travelling with comes with an open mind, a readiness to explore and embrace the journey ahead! Nobody wants to travel a long journey with somebody who is a negative fun-sucker. Keep spirits high and enjoy the experience as much as possible!