Every Road Trip Essential You Need
It’s officially summertime! Europe may be out of the question, but there is so much to explore and see in “our backyards.” I traveled throughout the US for about a decade and was always surprised by how much I enjoyed seeing other states! If you’ve never hit the open road on a bright summer day, blasting your favorite playlist with your cutest sunnies on and sipping on a perfectly chilled Ice Coffee — might I suggest adding a road trip to your summer bucket list?
Being in a car for an extended period can come with its challenges, especially if you’re traveling with a furry friend. So you’ve got to make sure you have all the road trip essentials you’ll need for a safe and enjoyable trip.
Recently, I’ve made the largest move of my life. Driving my fur baby and all my belongings down to sunny Florida from New Jersey. I’m not an expert but can say that I’ve learned a trick or two along the way. So hang tight, I’ve got you covered. Whether you’re driving an hour or two for a foodie adventure, crossing state lines on a little weekend getaway, or like me — moving cross-state, these road trip essentials will make sure you’re ready to take on the ride.
Comfort is key:
The Align High-Rise Leggings from Lululemon have to be my absolute favorite, I currently have it in 3 colors that I rotate throughout the week. These leggings are and continue to be the comfiest pants to do just about anything in (workouts, daily errands, road trips — you name it).
These are the first pair of pants I’d pick up if I plan on sitting down for hours in a car.
Maybe it’s just me, but I have sunglasses specific for the car. These glasses live in my car and don’t leave, because if they do, I’ll 1000% forget them somewhere. Sunnies are a must on any road trip. These fun retro square frame glasses come in multiple color options.
Hear me out: Sunscreen is a must for your road trip because the sun coming through your windows is STRONG. Be sure to protect your face and upper body if you’re driving. The Tatcha “the silk” sunscreen has been my go-to over the last year. It’s the perfect size to toss in your bag on the go and sits beautifully under makeup.
This is for all the passenger princes and princesses out there! If my husband and I are going on a long drive and I’m not driving, I’m 100% going to get nauseous. These have saved me more times than I can count.
This one is for all the pet parents out there. We’ve talked a bit about how to make sure you’re comfortable, but let’s not forget about the furbabies.
This is going to be a long drive for them too so make sure they have some room to stretch their legs and get comfortable.
For the drive, we tossed in some of Scarlett’s stuffed toys and packed a blanket and pillow for her.
Let’s Get Organized:
I genuinely considered buying walkie-talkies for the hubs and me on our trip - he was driving the U-Haul while I drove our family car down to FL. We needed to keep in touch throughout the trip to make sure no one got lost!
This mount is super easy to set up and use. Unlike other mounts I’ve tried, this one is magnetic so all you need to do is place your cellphone next to it and let science take over.
These hooks come in a pack so you have multiples on hand if needed! Easily organize your backset using them to secure purses, snack bags, or really anything with a handle. If you’re traveling with multiple folks it’ll also free up some leg space.
These hooks come in multiple colors too so you can pick and choose what fits best with your car/vibe. If you search around a bit you’ll even be able to find leather options for an “elevated” look.
I hope you and I won’t ever need this kit, but it’s always good to be prepared. I have this kit stashed in my home and in my car for the curveballs life throws at us.
Before I even learned how to drive, my mother taught me how to jump a car. She was always helping people stuck on the road or having trouble in a parking lot. I’ve never run into this issue myself, but another area where I’d like to be prepared instead of sorry.
This pet travel bag is the perfect organizer to keep your pet’s food, toys, and snacks packed and ready for any trip! This bag fits all of your fur baby’s stuff in one place so nothing gets missed! It even comes with 2 travel bowls for food & water.
Snacks & More:
My Yeti is my bff - we go everywhere together. I have one specifically for “drinky drinks” like my daily iced coffee and one just for water. If you’re like me, coffee is a must, especially for those early morning trip starts!
These bags are perfect for packing snacks or quick bites, they’re reusable, microwave and dishwasher safe.
If you’re packing snacks for yourself, don’t forget about your fur baby! I always pick up a fresh bag just for Scarlett before we kick off any trip. Acana is such a great brand that uses simple ingredients.
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