For a lot of us, road trips are a part of life. Driving for long distances while enjoying the scenery alone or with friends and family is always exciting. Road trips leave you feeling invigorated, broaden your mind, and expand your social circle.
Yet to go on a road trip is to step away from comfort. But by packing essentials, you can still experience a certain level of comfort, convenience, and safety.
Let’s dive into what you need exactly on a trip.
1. Safety Essentials
Safety is crucial when you’re on a road trip adventure. Anything can happen, and you need to be prepared, hence the need for safety essentials. These include the following:
Military Watch
As part of the adventure, you might be planning to take new routes. If you’re new to a certain place, there’s a possibility you could get lost. Finding your way around might require you to use a GPS or map. Online apps/tools are also ideal. But you might get time-oriented directions from these apps. For instance, it might tell you to make a right turn after seven minutes, but if you miss your time mark, you could end up at the wrong destination.
Mens military watches are accurate and usually have alarms, so they are highly reliable. You can set it at a certain time, and it can alert you when to take your turn.
Pocket Knife
A pocket knife is foldable and can have one or two blades. You can slide the blades back into the handle for easy carrying in the pockets.
A pocket knife can save you in a survival situation. For instance, you can use it to defend yourself against an aggressive wild animal.
It’s also an ideal cutting accessory. Suppose you get into a car accident, and the seatbelt is stuck. You can use the pocket knife to free yourself from the seatbelt and get to safety.
First Aid Kit
You could get injuries here and there during a road trip, especially if you plan on making hiking or camping stops. You could get injured from tripping or get burns or cuts while cooking. Therefore, a first aid kit is a must-have.
First aid kits typically include antiseptics, burn gel, dressing tools like gauze and bandages, medication like painkillers, and accessories like safety pins and surgical blades. It’s best to have several of each item should you need to attend to several people.
2. Camping Essentials
If camping is a part of your itinerary, whether to take time off the road or to have a better feel of nature, you will need the following camping essentials:
Tent
If you’re not using a travel trailer, a tent can serve as your shelter and protect you from insects and perhaps harsh weather.
In case of a rain forecast, you will need to waterproof your tent by setting a durable groundsheet and installing a fly to ward off rainwater as much as possible. Also, the tent should be of good quality so the wind can’t carry it away or, generally, to protect you from other harsh elements in nature.
Lastly, the size should accommodate you and your loved ones comfortably.
Sleeping Bags And Pillows
Sleeping bags will help you sleep more comfortably. Some sleeping bags are foldable, while others are inflatable. Travel pillows should also be an addition in case the ground you’re going to lie on is too rough. With these sleeping essentials, you can avoid joint and back problems from sleeping outdoors.
Blanket
Most, if not all, tent fabrics are relatively thin. They aren’t enough to harbor warmth, so consider packing a light but warm blanket or fleece. It will prevent you from catching a cold.
Flashlight
A flashlight is an essential addition to your road trip essentials. It’ll come in handy at night, to help you see things around you. For instance, should you need to change a tire at night, the flashlight will provide adequate light for the process.
Make sure you carry spare batteries or, if the flashlight is chargeable, carry a charger. Alternatively, buy a solar-charged one.
3. Hygiene Essentials
You must also factor in hygiene and sanitation, especially if you’ll be on the road for several days. You’ll need the following essentials:
Bathing Soap
A bathing soap is crucial for your shower needs.
Bathing Towel
Also, pack a small, light bathing towel. A small towel won’t occupy much space and will dry faster than a heavy one.
Oral Care Toiletries
To keep up your oral care regimen, you shouldn’t forget to pack toothpaste and a travel toothbrush. Remember to store your toothbrush, after use, only once it’s completely dried up to prevent bacteria from breeding on it.
4. Cooking Essentials
Cooking essentials are necessary if you plan on cooking instead of eating in hotels.
Utensils And Storage Container
You’ll need cooking pots, plates, spoons, and cups. Consider adding a storage container to hold the utensils. It’ll help you organize your utensils for easy retrieval and prevent them from breaking.
Clean Water
Clean water is a must-have for cooking and drinking.
Having your own water spares you the need to look for various water sources. Even if you do find a water source, you can never be too sure whether the water is safe. You will have to boil it first before consumption. Otherwise, when it’s contaminated, you might end up getting waterborne diseases. So make sure you have your own water supply.
5. Car and Other Travel Essentials
Lastly, car essentials should be part of your road trip adventure. What will you do if your car breaks down and you have no accessories to get it back into shape? You don’t want to be in this situation. Therefore, stock up on the following car essentials:
Driver’s License
Driving without a license is illegal, so make sure you bring your driving license. You don’t want to get on the wrong side of the law during your adventure.
Also, if you’re traveling with friends and family, ensure those who’ll drive also have their driving licenses.
Insurance
Insurance plays an important role when driving. It comes in handy should you, unfortunately, get into an accident. The insurance will compensate for any damages that arise from the accident. It’ll cushion you financially. You don’t want to go out of your travel budget to compensate the injured party.
Spare Tire
Tire bursts happen randomly, although they’re quite common. It’s important to be ready for such situations at all times. The only way to shorten downtime is to have a spare tire. Should any of the tires burst, you’ll be able to replace it in no time.
Ensure you also add the tools you’ll need for the change, such as a hydraulic jack to lift the car and a spanner to unscrew and tighten the tire.
Conclusion
Comfort and safety can be had on a road trip adventure. By packing travel essentials, you can remain comfortable and safe. Use this checklist when packing for your next road trip, and you won’t miss out on anything crucial.
Leave a Reply