8 Essential Items for your Next Road Trip
By Adia Tay
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Wherever you’re heading, it is always essential that you bring certain items along with you so that you won’t find yourself stuck in the middle of nowhere regretting your trip. Besides bringing along the perfect company, you’d want to ensure that you have the following essential items stocked up in your car before embarking on your next adventure.
Here are our 8 essential items to always bring along on a long road trip:
1. GPS or map
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Whether you prefer analyzing physical maps or having a handy GPS system equipped in your car, there is nothing more important than having a navigation guide with you. If you choose to use your phone as a makeshift GPS system, remember to bring accessories such as car chargers and USB cables with you. No matter how well you think you may know the roads, it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
2. Phone, camera and portable charge
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Road trips are all about making and keeping memories shared with friends or family. Remember to pack in a compact camera and its chargers! Portable chargers are also handy in the event that you may not have access to power sockets or electricity in the dead of the night in your camper. If you’re extremely dedicated, a GoPro will be the most useful in documenting your road trip.
3. Snacks and water
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You don’t want to be caught in a situation where food in a foreign land doesn’t appeal to your palate, or you’re stuck in the middle of nowhere with no pit stops for food. Chances are, snacks bought locally will be fractionally cheaper than those bought while traveling. You might not even be able to find your favourite comfort chocolate overseas! Always be prepared to keep your stomach satisfied, especially on long road trips.
4. Good tunes
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The long ride can get boring over time, especially if you travel in silence (even worse if there’s incessant snoring at the back). Keep a playlist of your favourite songs on your phone or disc and load it up in the car. Nothing beats a good karaoke session in the car.
5. A good book or film
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Nothing worse than being bored.
6. Emergency Car Toolkit
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In the event of any emergencies (although let’s try to be as safe on the road as we can, shall we?), always prepare an emergency car toolkit so that you can give your car a quick fix and save on time delays or costly fixtures. Refer to our guide on assembling the perfect car toolkit for your road trips.
7. Cleaning tools
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For both you and your car. Wet wipes are definitely the most versatile for cleaning. If your car ends up in mud or starts to accumulate dust, wet wipes can be a simple tool to clean your car. You would also want to stay as refreshed as possible during your road trip to keep your mood uplifted. Pack hand sanitizers, wet wipes, and plenty of tissue to keep yourself and your car clean throughout the journey. Oh, and don’t forget toilet rolls! Plastic bag in case of vomit.
8. Pillows and blankets
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Stay comfortable in your car by loading it up with pillows and blankets. A pillow from home can provide just the comfort you need in an unfamiliar hotel bed. Comfortable clothing and footwear are also essential during a road trip, especially when you’re driving for multiple hours into the night.
9. Self-care tools
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Don’t forget your moisturizer, sunblock, sunglasses, toothbrush, toothpaste… Now we’re just beginning to sound like naggy old ladies.
