Road trips are deceptively demanding.
Regardless of why you’re packing up your war pony and heading cross-country, you’re going to need to keep a handle on a range of things.
Your car’s health. Your own health; physical and mental. Last-minute re-routes, thunderstorms, roadside attractions, flat tires, tummy aches, rest stops, and phone calls home.
Also, don’t forget to have fun!
If you want to make your road trip easier, then do some planning beforehand. I’ve found dozens of top-rated products that road-trippers across the world use to make their long-distance travels more seamless and enjoyable.
Emergency gear
- Emergency car kit
- First-aid kit
- Wilderness bathroom kit (You never know when or where you’ll need to use the bathroom urgently.)
- Multi-tool
- Dash cam
For the front seats
- Adjustable cup holder
- Phone stand
- Charging port
- Mini trash can
- Snack holder/cooler bag
- Tissue holder (I insist on these—sneezing while driving can be an emergency situation, as can searching for a tissue)
- Lumbar support
For the backseat
- Headrest mount (Great for tablets and phones)
- Travel pillow—plushy version (This is one of my most controversial travel opinions: travel pillows don’t work. I’ve had incredible luck with plushies. Yes, they’re marketed toward children but they’re perfect for an aging neck.)
- Window shades
- Headrest hooks (Great for hanging coats, hats, etc.)
- Cargo net pocket
- Car seat organizer/cooler (Great for families with kids in the back seat… or those with really messy passengers.)
Pet-friendly products
Above and beyond
- Mobile wi-fi (This device might not work well enough for you to stream movies, but it should be enough to keep you connected to the outside world.)
- Road atlas
- Travel hammock
- Diffuser (Great for using like an air freshener)
- Microfiber towel