Road-tripping is a way of traveling that allows you to discover new destinations and enjoy the freedom to move at your own pace. However, to ensure that your trip goes smoothly, it is important to equip yourself with the necessary objects and accessories for your comfort and safety. In this article, we present the essential objects and accessories to have for a successful road trip.
GPS and physical map
GPS is an essential tool for finding your way and directions. There are free or paid navigation apps that you can download on your mobile phone. It is important to have a power source for your mobile phone, such as a car charger or a power bank. Consider taking an offline navigation system, such as a good old road map. Sometimes the GPS or navigation app may not work, especially in remote areas. Therefore, it is important to have an offline navigation system, such as a road map or atlas, in case of need.
Google Maps Offline
I travel a lot to places where cell service is very limited for my job. To avoid having no navigation capabilities, I download offline Google mMapsbefore any road trip so I can navigate even if I lose service. Offline maps are a free feature from Google and must be done over Wi-Fi (so it doesn’t take all day). If you’re going to a specific area, you can download the map for that area, or if you’re going through multiple low-service areas, you can download each one.
Car chargers
Car chargers are essential for charging your cell phone, GPS, and any other electronic devices you need during your road trip. It is recommended to have multiple car chargers in case one of them doesn’t work. A dead phone equals a dead road trip these days, which is why packing a car charger (or 6) is a road trip to. If you have a newer model car or a rental car, you will likely have a USB or even n USB-C port built in. Otherwise, you will need a USB car adapter for your car like this one.
Portable USB Battery
Even if your car has a USB charger, taking a portable USB battery on a road trip is a game changer. These batteries have become incredibly cheap for what they are over the years. I bring these things every time I hit the road and I frequently bring them to trails, restaurants, and anywhere else I find myself running low on battery. This allows me to always have my phone functional, especially for taking pictures or videos. They can also charge all sorts of other USB-related items.
Jumper cables
A good set of jumper cables is one of those road trip essentials you hope you never have to use, but don’t want to be without. You can find them in many places these days, whether it’s a local auto parts store or online. Be sure to watch a video or read the instructions before trying for the first time.
Tire inflator for puncture
This is something I wish I had included in my road trip essentials list many, many years before I did. It’s now a very handy tool in my arsenal that I’ve had to use more than once and has truly been a lifesaver. Flat tire inflators are a lifesaver whether you’re in the middle of nowhere with no options or on the side of the highway. They’re inexpensive these days, easy to use, and run on your car battery. It’s also a good idea to know how to change a tire…
Car battery starter
A car battery jump starter is an innovation that has saved many a road trip from certain disasters. Just make sure it is charged before you set off on your trip and you are all set. Nothing is worse than coming down the trail after a long hike only to realize you left your headlights on and now have a dead car beater. Jump starters take all the worry out of the equation and make a convenient road trip essential.
Headlamp Flashlight
Whether or not you plan on going out after dark on your road trip, I always like to have a flashlight and headlamp somewhere in the car. You never know where the road might take you! Headlamps are especially handy for hiking and setting up campsites etc. late at night or early in the morning. Flashlights a
First aid kit, survival kit,t, and toolbox
It is important to have a first aid kit with you in case of an emergency. It should contain bandages, dressings, antiseptics, pain and fever medications, allergy medications, gloves,e s, and scissors. A survival kit can be useful in case of an emergency, such as a car breakdown or a breakdown. It should contain a flashlight, spare batteries, a survival blanket, rope, a multi-tool knife, a matchess lighter, bottled water, and non-perishable food. A toolbox is essential for making minor repairs to your car when needed. It should contain screwdrivers, pliers, wrenches, a flashlight, spare fuses, an oil dipstick, and a tire pressure gauge.
Credit cards and cash
It is important to have credit cards and cash on you to pay for tolls, gas, food, and lodging. It is also advisable to have multiple credit cards in case one is declined. As for cash, even today there are still places in France and abroad that only accept cash payments. I recommend at least €100/week for a road trip. Also consider half in smaller, easy-to-change notes.
Tent or camping equipment
If you’re planning on spending multiple nights camping or outdoors, it’s important to have a tent, sleeping bag, air mattress, and cooking equipment so you can safely cook and eat. Not to mention a cooler or insulated bags. Food and drinks can be very expensive on a road trip. A cooler or insulated bag will keep your food and drinks cold throughout the trip, and you can save money by avoiding restaurants. If you’re looking to go the extra mile to make your road trips more enjoyable (and healthier), I highly recommend a cooler as a road trip essential.
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