Usually, when packing for a trip, people think about how many shirts they’ll need and whether or not they need at least one fancy outfit just in case. These questions are also important for road trips, but there is an entirely different kind of packing list that tends to get overlooked. So, what to pack for a road trip? Here are some road trip-specific packing essentials.
License, Registration, and Proof of Insurance
This seems like a no-brainer. You’ll be in your car so obviously you need these things. They are also small and easily forgotten. Just be sure to double-check before you leave that you have all three.
Roadside Emergency Kit
No one wants to think about the possibility of car trouble, particularly not when planning for a vacation, but having a gas can or jumper cables on hand can be the difference between a funny story and a disastrous (and pricy if you need a tow) end to your trip. The roadside emergency kit doesn’t need to be extensive. Most issues can be remedied with a gas can, jumper cables, a spare tyre, a jack, and a tyre iron.
A Paper Map and Atlas
Picture this, you go to skip a song on your playlist and accidentally exit out of your navigation. You don’t have service, so the map won’t reload. You now have no idea where you are or how to get to where you are going. It’s times like these when you want a data-free backup plan. Atlases and maps can also double as cute souvenirs after the trip.
Toilet Paper
Sometimes there just isn’t going to be a rest stop. You’ll thank us later.
Downloaded Playlists or CDs
When driving through unfamiliar territory, you don’t know where you will have cell service and where you won’t. If your tunes rely on data usage, that can mean much quiet time. Most streaming services let premium users download entire playlists. Make sure to have two or three on hand or load up on your favourite CDs, and don’t worry about your phone at all.
Car Charger
Speaking of your phone, if you use it for navigation and music, you’ll be burning through the battery quickly. You might be able to make it a full day on a single charge, but you might not. Make sure you have a car charger ready to go each morning so you are never left without power.
Money
Like actual physical money, some parking meters don’t take credit cards. Some don’t even take bills despite wanting multiple dollars per hour. Tolls also generally don’t take cards or apple pay. The rule of thumb is to have about two dollars in change and five dollars in paper money for every day on the road.
A Travel Companion
Whether it’s your favourite four-legged friend or your significant other, travelling is a lot more fun with company. So pick your partner, download your favourite playlist, and buckle up because it’s time to hit the road.
