ESSENTIALS FOR A ROAD TRIP
It’s safe to say everyone wants their road trip to be problem free, however if your vehicle isn’t prepared for a long journey, car trouble could be just around the corner. A breakdown puts a significant damper on travels, especially if your vehicle also houses your bed, clothing, gear, and food.
Vehicle Maintenance
Ø Breaks and Tires
Spending your hard earned money on the purchases of new tires or a set of breaks, in preparation of your road trip can lead you to give the whole thing a rethink. Instead what is suggested is that you the existing set of tires and the brakes thoroughly checked, and only then, if needed, get them replaced before you head out. It is also suggested that you go in for a guaranteed breaking set, though it may be a bit expensive, but it ensures the fact that, God forbid, if something goes wrong, at least you’ll be covered. Finally, make sure your spare tire is in good shape and inflated.
Ø Tune up
A fundamental tune up is essential after which, if required you should go in for the replacement of the components that need replacement in your vehicle. This includes the vehicle’s fuel system, ignition system (spark plugs and wires), engine timing, filters, belts, hoses, and fluids. Most of these things can be done yourself if you don’t want to spend the money on a mechanic. Although a professional check would be suggested.
Ø Battery
Make sure your battery is in good working order and does not have any visible signs of corrosion. If you’re getting a tune up, ensure a proper battery check.
Ø Oil Change
This anyway should be looked into and executed, by yourself if you could do it or with some professional help. You could follow some videos which are available and which could be of help in aiding in a DIY manner, and keep doing so after a set mileage when travelling.
Ø Wiper blades
Wiper blades may need replacement, it is often cheaper to purchase at a store or online and put them on yourself.
Ø Check all lights
Check the headlights, taillights, break lights, and signals, as these are essential, whether on trip or not. Replace if need be, this too can be done on a DIY basis or by a mechanic who does your oil changes etc. You should keep a check on these even when on your trip.
Ø Check Vehicle Fluids
While most oil change and tune ups will include topping up of the fluids, but if you have an older vehicle you may want to carry extra motor oil, antifreeze, break, and steering fluid with you. It is anyway suggested that you carry these fluids on your trip.
Ø Learn to Fix a Flat
Fixing your own flat is a skill all road trippers should learn, moreover I you are fond of camping in the wilderness, you’ll most likely be frequenting bumpy dirt roads and also on call services will, most likely, be unavailable at your destinations, and you wouldn’t want to get stranded!
Ø Know where your spare, jack, and tire iron are.
Familiarize yourself with this equipment, and if you purchased a used or older vehicle make sure they’re in the vehicle.
Ø Can of Fix-a-Flat
This is the fastest way to fix your tire without even having to remove it. You can spray Fix-a-Flat in through the air valve on the tire and it will plug most holes in the tread. This is available online. You could buy this off Amazon.
If you’re more of a DIY traveler, these tire kits are designed to be a permanent fix to a puncture in the tread. This is the same way a shop will fix your tire, and you can do it yourself quickly and cheaply. This too can be bought online off Amazon
If your tires need a little top up or you’re fixing a flat on the side of the road, a small air compressor is a good investment. These are fairly inexpensive and can be bought off Amazon (A12 Volt version)
Know when you are low, or how much air to put in. This is a staple for anyone on the road available online at Amazon.
Ø Emergency Preparation
Ø AAA or Other Roadside Assistance
No matter how good you are under the hood or how prepared you are, at some time you may need roadside assistance. Tow trucks can be pricy, so AAA or roadside assistance will cover getting towed. (depending on your level of coverage, so ensure you verify this before departing on your road trip). AAA also includes auto lock smithy, tire changing, gas delivery, and even trip insurance.
Ø Car Manual
Ø It never hurts to have your car manual on you, should you experience some problem on your road trip. This manual is generally kept in the glove compartment of a vehicle. It is always preferable to carry this with you even though you may be handy with dealing with on road problems or issues with a vehicle.
THE ON ROAD ESSENTIALS
Ø License and Registration
This is an essentially obvious one to have on your road trip to Ladakh as it’s required by law pretty much everywhere in the world. A very general practice iss to travel with paper copies of these important documents. Make sure you always have the originals handy as these documents packed away in your luggage are no good.
Ø Insurance Policy
Your vehicle Insurance policy is another very important document that you are required to carry, when travelling, in many parts of the world. Although this requires a bit of research, in the sense, as some countries have third party liability insurance built into fuel prices. While others, require you to have a third party insurance plan to drive or rent a car.
Ø Additional Paper Documents
On any road trip that you undertake you need to ensure that you have the right papers. If you have plans to drive over borders with your car it’s a good idea to have the deed or certificate of ownership, but it all depends on where you’re driving. At some places you may be required to produce a certified permission to drive a vehicle over borders, especially when driving a vehicle, not in your name.
Ø Then you have a Carnet De Passage or CDP. This is a document required in parts of Africa and South America to cross borders and operate as a passport for your vehicle as a way to prevent illegal imports. Another popular option to bring vehicles across a border is a TIP or temporary import permit, similar to a CDP except for it is country-specific.
Ø Cash
In these times of credit cards and debit cards people usually avoid carrying hard cash, be it in any country. On the contrary it is advisable not to travel without cash on hand as it would be too much to expect access to conversion of plastic money to hard cash at all the places you may visit. In order to cater to such an eventuality it is most important to travel with cash in hand. Also it would be mandatory to carry cash in the local currency of the country you travel in, which without a doubt is the most essential when on a .
You never know if you may not be able to fill your tank up because the gas station may not accept credit card. What if the network goes down? There are also plenty of toll roads and other surprise expenses that can pop up on a road trip.
Ø Duct Tape
If you’re wondering what to pack for a road trip consider duct tape. Who could go anywhere without this stuff?
Ø Road Side Emergency Kit
This varies from state to state, province to province and by country, but many places triangle reflectors or a vest.
Ø Maps / GPS / Navigation
In these times of digitalized world we generally depend on our smart phones for Google maps and other map related Apps, while it is also essential to make sure you have a way to charge your phone if it dies. Otherwise, you could end up lost with no directions. However it’s best to have to have a paper map as an alternative, which would also come in handy when in more remote destinations,.
Ø First Aid Kit
A well and fully equipped first aid kit can be bought online from Amazon. It is an essential item to have when travelling. It is always comforting to know that there is enough supply of essentials should we need to treat a burn, band-aids, gloves, or disinfectant.
Ø Snow Supplies
First off, an ice scraper is a priority, as well as a shovel rock salt, seatbelt cutter, and window breaker, tyre chains etc. they are a small price to pay that could potentially save your life.
Ø Jumper Cables
Jumper cables are cheap to purchase and can get you out of a bind should your battery die. These are good to have in your car not just for a special road trip but also for day to day driving.
Ø Jerry Can
A jerry can probably isn’t necessary unless you are driving into the bush or remote areas. However, if you’re doing just a short road trip around developed nations you won’t need these.
Ø Flashlight
A handy item to have on your trip as it helps you in times of an unfortunate black out or to check out surroundings at night if need arises.
Ø Knife
You never know when you could need a good knife. On the other hand just make sure to keep it in your checked luggage if you’re going through an airport. A multipurpose knife is the best to have around you along with a good quality Swiss knife.
Ø Tool Bag
If you have an older vehicle or truck it never hurts to have a tool bag. With a little TLC, you’ll be able to get back on the road. A proper toolkit will give the ability to replace fuses, tubes, basic wiring, fan belts, or cleaning the carb.
Ø Smartphone
Although a smartphone brings about a lot of negatives these days, all said and done smartphones are a great lifeline and can call emergency services or look up important information.
With a smartphone, we can also have access to our finances. Like while driving around in the event of loss of your credit card you could get it cancelled and have a new in the mail by the time you get home.
If you have a cell phone with a local SIM contract, you’ll be able to access the data network, which means you can use smartphone navigation apps such as Google Maps.
Ø Phone Charger
If you’re wondering what to bring on a road trip make sure to include a phone charger. A phone serves as our communication device and navigation tool nearly every day of our lives. Unless you’re going completely off the grid and using paper maps a phone charger is a must.
Ø Phone Stand
Ø One of the best things to bring on a road trip is a phone stand. If you’re using your phone for navigation you’ll need a car mount. Don’t rely on the passenger to hold the phone and give you turn by turn navigation.Even when we travel internationally we’ll bring a stand for our rental car. Its eventually a great addition to any road trip packing list.
Ø Bluetooth Headset
If you plan on talking on the phone during your road trip then invest in a Bluetooth headset so you can drive with your hands-free. They are very easy to set up and the ease and safety of having both hands available while driving is invaluable.
However these days plenty of automobiles come equipped with hands free Bluetooth, so when renting a car for your trip make sure to connect your phone if it’s an option before you drive out of the parking lot.
Ø Small Trash Can
A small trash can is a road trip must have. To keep the car from becoming a complete mess get a small travel trash can. These can actually be made out of old cereal boxes!
Ø Coffee Thermos
For storage hot water or beverages while travelling.
Ø Snacks
Snacks are essential for any road trip regardless of where you are heading to especially if you’re going into rural areas for a while.
It’s also a good idea to bring some healthy snacks along like carrots, nuts, or fruit. Eating potato chips high in sodium can lead to bloating and make you feel crumby.
Ø Water Bottle/ Filter
Ø Carrying a water bottle or a filter is an unsaid essentiality on any trip. Please don’t forget this on your road trip packing list.
Ø Lighter
Another one of those things to pack for a road trip is a lighter! You never know when you could need a lighter, and they are an inexpensive investment. If you are doing any camping this is a necessity
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Ø Down Blanket
If you’re wondering what to take on a road trip with kids consider a blanket. Blankets are great if you’re going on a trip with kids and want to get them comfortable.
Ø Eco-friendly Wet Wipes
\Another great road trip must have are eco friendly wet wipes. Wet wipes are great for just about any kind of clean up. Even for making a pee break on the side of the road in rural areas.
Ø Tissues
Tissues are always handy to have in the car as they can save a runny nose, double as a napkin, or wipe the sweat off your brow. Or worst case scenario a roadside bathroom stop with no toilet paper. They need to be on the top of your road trip necessities list!
Ø Sunscreen
Now that we’re a little older we always carry some sunscreen with us on any trip, well almost every trip.
Ø Umbrella
In case it rains you won’t regret having an umbrella.
Ø Travel Camera
Chances are your road-tripping somewhere absolutely beautiful then a camera is a must .
Ø Travel Pillow
So what else can you take on a long car ride? Don’t forget a pillow. If you are planning on sleeping in your car you will most definitely want a pillow. A travel pillow is great for those in the passenger seat, that don’t get to lay down flat, but still want to get some shut-eye while on the road.
Ø Reusable Shopping Bags
Some great road trip accessories are reusable shopping bags. If you could help reduce waste on the planet by simply bringing your own bag to the grocery store it would be just great.
Ø Cooler
This is definitely a road trip essential as you’re going to want some cold drinks. Traditional coolers are heavy and a pain and eat up a lot of room in the car so opt for a portable travel cooler.
Ø Reusable Utensils
The first step towards more sustainable lifestyles and travel is with reusable utensils. If you’re going to eat in the car, these are among the favorite road trip essentials.
Ø Solar Powered Light
A portable solar light can be bought online, and is a favourite of those going in fo long road trips.
Ø Scrubba
Washing your clothes,, while travelling is never fun. That’s why a tiny and lightweight mobile laundry machine is what can be thought of, especially when you are travelling with family and kids. This too can be bought online
Ø Collapsible Tupperware
Ø Another great thing to pack for a road trip is collapsible Tupperware. Instead of always carrying food in Styrofoam or plastic containers opt for Tupperware These things pack up nice and small and really come in handy for long travel days when you don’t have easy access to food.
Ø Power Bank
Traveling with a power bank becomes quite frustrating when your phone dies out. So to ensure such a situation does not arise always carry one on your trip and also make sure to find a charging point during layovers.
Ø Bag of Rice
Do you know what saves electronics from humidity? Cheap, good old fashion rice! When we are traveling in humid areas we fill small bags with rice and store them next to your cameras, phones, drones, laptops. It works like a charm!
Ø Road Trip Essentials For Parents
Ø Car Seat
A road trip essential for a safe trip. Make sure to have the car seat installed before you hit the road. And it’s a good idea to bring your own for the rental car or reserve in advance.
Ø Baby Bag
Just make sure to throw it in the car before you leave, or you may be turning around.
Ø Bottle Warmer
This is one of those road trip essentials for all the mothers out there. A travel baby bottle warmer that fits perfectly in the cup holder. Just plug the car adaptor in and within minutes milk or formula will be warm.
Ø Clothes For A Road Trip
Ø Sunglasses
Depending on how long the road trip is you may even want to pack an extra pair of sunglasses in case a pair breaks or you inevitably lose a pair.
Ø Make sure to protect your eyes from the sun since you’ll likely spend a lot of time outside. There are a lot of options for sunglasses and everyone should own at least a pair.
Ø Hat
This is an easy road trip essential to throw in the car at any time!
Ø Comfortable Pants
If you were to ask me what the most comfortable thing to travel in is it would be leggings. Comfort over style is any day preferable while on a long road trip. The women’s version of the mantra is also a great Capri pant that’s comfortable and stylish.
Ø Packable Down Jacket
If you’re traveling during any time besides summer, a packable down jacket is always recommended. Down jackets pack up light and small and are ideal for fall and spring temperatures.
Ø Rain Jacket
Don’t travel without a rain jacket and it’s an essential road trip. They are so easy and light to pack up there is no reason to not have one in your day bag. You should always be prepared for a chance of rain when you are hiking.
Ø Travel Towel
Ø Travel towels are quick-drying, pack up light, and Anti-microbial. They are great to have on a road trip for any time you find yourself at the beach, swimming pool, or camping
Ø Fun Road Trip Essentials
Ø Road Trip Playlist
Always go in for a premium Spotify membership and have a good selection of travel playlist downloaded. You can also invest in Apple Music or Amazon music instead of Spotify. Pretty much everyone knows that music is essential to a successful road trip.
Ø Book or Kindle
However, if you don’t get motion sickness then definitely pick up a few books for the road trip. Or a Kindle is a great way to access books easily and save on space and weight.
Ø Playing Cards and Games
On every road trip essentials list should be playing cards. Never a bad thing to have! Especially good for the kids who need some epic road trip games to keep them occupied.
Ø Coloring Books
Whether you’re a kid or adult there’s no denying that coloring books are great. Definitely get some colored pencils and coloring books for the kids. If you’re an adult, check out a few adult coloring books. Coloring books have been proven to reduce stress and increase brain activity!
