Road Tripping Soon? Here's Your Packing List!

The Spring and Fall seasons are ideal for taking a road trip. With kids back in school and ideal weather conditions, many tourist destinations are at their quietest and most beautiful moments. Colorful flowers or foliage adorn the roadside and snow off to the mountain peaks. It's no surprise that so many people choose to travel during this time of year.

Knowing what to bring on a road trip can make or break the success of your vacation. Given the season's temperature swings and the possibility of icy conditions, it's a good idea to plan for the worst while hoping for the best. With a bit of forethought and planning, you can create a road trip checklist that will ensure your success.

Road Trip Checklist

Start thinking about everything you'll need to travel safely as you map out your route and plan sightseeing stops along the way. A road trip packing list is a great way to organize all of your thoughts in one place. Begin by making a list of everything you'll need for your daily routine, such as reusable H2O Capsule water bottles, toothbrushes, toothpaste, shampoo and conditioner, deodorant, clean socks, underwear, and so on. These must-haves should form the foundation of your packing list.

Consider your final destination. Road trips that include stops at national parks necessitate picnic supplies or your favorite binoculars, as well as comfortable hiking boots and layers of jackets and coats if you’re rising in altitude. Whatever your destination, think about what you'll be doing along the way and what you'll need when you get there.

Fill out your road trip checklist with activities to keep you entertained while driving. When you've got a lot of ground to cover, books, games, and a deck of playing cards can help. You can even include digital to-do tasks on your checklist, such as downloading many episodes of your favorite podcast or downloading your music library to listen to when your cell service goes out. Scrolling through your phone behind the wheel is the last thing you want to be doing!

Eating on the Road

While truck stops and fast-food restaurants can certainly satisfy your cravings on the road, eating junk food isn't ideal in the long run. As a result, snacks and drinks are considered long-distance road trip necessities. On long stretches of road between gas stations, a reusable water bottle can come in handy, and they keep your water cool for hours and have features like non-spill lids that are extremely useful for a driver. Best of all, H2O Capsule half gallon water bottles with sleeve come with extra accessories at no extra cost, allowing you to keep them within arm's reach while driving.

Road Tripping Soon? Here's Your Packing List!

That doesn't mean your road trip diet has to be completely healthy. Trying new regional foods and beverages is half the fun of traveling. Make a list of unique places to stop for food along your route to make the most of your journey. It's a great way to take breaks while also seeing parts of the world that you might otherwise miss. There are plenty of great places to eat along your road trip, from diners to burger joints and steakhouses to donut shops.

Of course, insulated food jars are a great way to keep healthy options fresh when you need a break from road trip food. Stainless steel food jars are an excellent investment in sustainable living because they are more durable and less wasteful than plastic alternatives. The tight-fitting lid and double-walled vacuum insulation keep food fresh and unspoiled for several hours. 

Getting Comfortable

When you're going on a long trip, it's a good idea to make your vehicle as cozy and comfortable as possible. Consider what items you'll need to sleep while on the road when making your list of things to bring on a road trip. An eye mask is ideal for blocking out sunlight during mid-day naps, while earplugs are required to drown out the driver's loud music. Pillows, blankets, and warm socks can all help to make a long drive more comfortable.

Staying Safe En Route

Choosing what to bring on a road trip often boils down to being prepared for mishaps. If the worst-case scenario becomes a reality, a small car emergency kit can be extremely useful. Jumper cables, flares, scissors, flashlights, duct tape, and whistles are all good things to have on hand. If your car breaks down on the side of the road, these items can assist you in requesting assistance and getting back on the road. A first-aid kit and an ice scraper can also come in handy.

Some road trip mishaps are caused by inclement weather, especially if you're traveling closer to the cold winter months. In some extreme cases, you may have to spend the night in your car. You'll be glad you packed a blanket, some non-perishable foods, and plenty of water for such occasions.

When making a list of things to pack for a road trip, don't forget your electronics. If you become stranded, you should have a car charger for your phone on hand. Adapters are frequently required to get your car and charger to communicate, so thoroughly research your requirements before hitting the road. It's also a good idea to bring a backup charger pack if your car's battery dies and you can't charge it.

Commonly Forgotten Road Trip Items

When deciding what to pack for a road trip, everyone overlooks a few things. Medications are frequently at the top of the list. Pack any prescriptions you'll need while you're gone, but also things like pain relievers and heartburn medication. While you can get these items along the way, they are frequently more expensive when purchased at convenience stores.

Another item that is frequently overlooked on road trips is a paper map. We're so accustomed to relying on our phones for navigation that we rarely consider bringing an old-fashioned map. If you find yourself out of range of your cell phone service provider, you'll be glad you have a backup plan. 

Another item to consider bringing on your trip is a swimsuit. You never know where your road trips will take you, and if you end up in a spot with a hot tub, you'll kick yourself for not bringing a swimsuit!

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