5 Road Trip Packing List Essentials
Road trips are arguably one of the best ways of travelling. Thank about it – wouldn’t you rather get lost in the serene, lush vineyards and quirky wildlife of rainforests than wait in long airport lines? Of course! No matter how compelling it sounds, if you don’t have the right things packed up, your road trip might take a turn for the worse. Good thing we have put together a road trip essentials packing list you never know you need.
1. Personal Care
Getting through airport screening can be quite a feat, given the TSA’s restrictions. Aside from the possibility of confiscation, you do not want your favourite conditioner to stain all your travelling garments. Therefore, make a list of your liquid travel necessities, such as shampoo, soap, face wash, moisturiser, and toothpaste, to get you started.
Then, get a compact mini container and a zip-up bag, preferably one that is not too bulky. Next, label each one according to its type, fill it up, and you are good to go! You may want to pack a full arsenal of facial products at times but know that it is better not to go overboard. A couple of each type would suffice. You can always make a quick stop at the nearest drugstore and resupply.
2. Emergency Kit
When travelling, an emergency kit is a must-have, especially when the nearest clinic is hours away. The best emergency kit is simple but diverse, packed with a wide range of bandages and medicines. A cut or a scrape is the most common type of minor injury. Therefore, keeping at least a stash of plasters in various sizes on hand is necessary.
Other emergency items you might need in your road trip essentials packing list are antibacterial wipes, pain relievers, hand sanitiser, gauze, surgical tape, elastic wraps, safety pins, and antibacterial creams like Neosporin. So, best get everything packed up the soon as possible. You do not want yourself to be adorned with an open wound and deep bruises before your trip back home.
3. Chargers & Adapters
If you have ever felt like your suitcase is jam-packed with electronics like laptops, kindles, Bluetooth speakers, tablets, shavers, and a bag full of chargers to power them all up, you are not alone. Even if your entire journey is to a country or region that only employs one type of power outlet, you can get it by purchasing a simple adaptor.
However, if you are travelling to countries with different wall plugs, you might want to use a universal travel adapter. Remember also to pack a more convenient car charger. These chargers plug into your car’s electrical outlet and are activated when the vehicle is turned on. They are available in a variety of shapes and sizes, with varying numbers of USB charging connections and technologies. Essential for long drives!
4. Phone Apps
Imagine navigating through a crowded metropolis only to find yourself back in square one or getting your tongue twisted when ordering a meal from someone who barely speaks your language. Even worse, you realise your gas light is rapidly blinking with no nearest town insight. Just thinking about it will make you fidget in worry and apprehension. It is expected to face unforeseen issues when you travel.
However, equipping yourself with the right app is a great way to ease some of the stress of being on the road. If you need inspiration for your trip, download Roadtrippers. If you have a hard time finding the perfect parking spot, download Google Maps. And if you do not know where to buy your favourite Broadway ticket show, download Headout. The good news is that these apps are easily accessible even on your gaming phone.
5. Cooking Equipements
Whether you are going on a weekend gateway or a two-month road trip, cooking on the road is a terrific way to keep your budget in check. But even so, you do not want to pack your best kitchen knife, or your newest porcelain set, either. Instead, the first thing that should be on your road trip packing list is an instant pot.
This instant pot functions as an oven, stovetop, microwave, steamer, rice cooker, slow cooker, and other appliances in one. And because of this, you can prepare practically any meal without a kitchenette! How cool is that?
If you are a big coffee or tea drinker, consider bringing a portable French press. But if you cannot live without your morning smoothie and shakes, a mini-bottle blender might just be the one for you. You can even mash hummus and potatoes in your mini blender, 2-in-1!
So, there you have it, a road trip essentials packing list made just for you! The last thing you want on your road is not being able to see out the windows due to the abundance of baggage piled in the backseat. Remember that the more items you bring with you, the more difficult your voyage will be.
Sure, it can be tempting at times, but the hassle of carrying everything to each accommodation is not worth your time. So, pack smart, and pack light. Your future self will surely thank you later.