Barreling down Route 66 can be a blast, but you must drive to the west first, or the road’s famous sights will go unseen. Fortunately, it is not that hard to unwind on a massive expedition, especially with GPS. However, hundreds of families never embark on such an excursion, spending all summer at home. If you are planning a long-distance adventure, these ten items should be considered essentials.
1. A Catalog of Maps, Roadways, and Thoroughfares
Even though your phone’s GPS capabilities have served you admirably over the years, paper maps still come in handy once in a while. If the battery begins running out of power, the last place you want to be is far away from home without a backup navigation aid.
Pick up a handful of maps from a convenience store on your way out of town, but make sure they cover your destination’s area.
2. Snackable Treats and Tasty Drinks
Gas station hot dogs, burgers, and fries are not horrendous, but your stomach might complain. Irritated bowels can interrupt even the most serene moments, so pack wholesome foods.
Otherwise, your next stop may be unceremoniously interrupted with a deep-seated rumble. Nevertheless, a cooler filled with carrots, broccoli, and cabbage is all you need to halt this occurrence.
3. Pillows, Blankets, and High-Quality Bedding
Cat naps and restful slumbers are easier to catch if you are given some comfortable bedding. Perhaps, you plan on sleeping in the car, truck, or van for a couple of nights to keep travel costs low.
If that is the case, your luggage is not sufficient unless it contains comfy beware. A plush blanket and a soft pillow should cradle you to sleep, ensuring you wake rested. Adding an RV mattress to this sleep-worth concoction will make it so that you never realize you left home.
4. Electric Power Inverter and Charging Cables
Electronics are meant to entertain, enlighten, and educate, but they require power. In many cases, a car’s pre-installed power outlets are incompatible with AC plugs, like what is on a laptop.
On the other hand, most camping outlets stock inverters, so you can restore power on the road. These plug directly into the vehicle’s cigarette lighter, but some connect to the battery.
Also Read: How Much Is An All Inclusive Trip To Cancun Cost?
5. Flashlights and Road Flares
Although your plan’s vision was magnificent, a random nail pierced the front-left tire, and now you are stranded in the middle of nowhere, and it is dark.
Luckily, you remembered to pack a flashlight along with a few road flare packages. Those deftly packed lights will brighten your day, particularly if you are lost after sunset.
6. Spare Tire Kit and Vehicle Jacks
Your flashlight’s beam is bright enough to illuminate the tiny hole poked by the nail, but you will be stuck until help arrives unless you get a spare. Lifting a car while road-tripping may be tedious, cumbersome, and tiring, but it is better than getting a tow.
Instead of booking an unexpected night at a hotel, you can swap out tires and get back in motion.
7. First Aid Kits and OTC Medications
Headaches, colds, and runny noses are irksome, so prepare for them by packing tolerable aliments. For example, an NSAID can stifle headache tension and alleviate inflammation throughout the body. If you suffer from stomach troubles, bring a bottle of magnesium or a laxative.
8. An Epic Road Trip Playlist
Overall, practical preparations are valued more highly than fun ones, but everyone loves a good playlist. Fill it to the brim with the best singalong tunes you know, and ask your travel partners to add a couple of songs they like to the mix. You will not mind the extra weight when you are screaming the words of your favorite song at the top of your lungs.
9. Portable Wifi or a Mobile Hotspot
The internet is among the most influential inventions ever introduced to society. Nonetheless, it does not take long to notice its absence when you leave home, so purchase a hotspot and a corresponding subscription. Then, you can be connected, regardless of where your travels lead.
10. Sunglasses and a UV Window Shade
At noon, the hot sun blazes brighter than anything else in the sky, sending searing rays into your corneas. Luckily, you thought of this and packed a pair of designer sunglasses in preparation.
Hitting the Open Road for Prolonged Durations
Traveling around the country is something everyone should do at least once in their lifetime. Getting to see the world is beneficial, enlightening, and memorable.
