My family has been going on road trips since I was a little kid. In fact, I'm on a trip right now as I write this. Aside from the car, gas, and a GPS, you need to keep 10 other items in mind. From my experience that I have compiled from all these long drives, I give you the essentials for a fantastic road trip.
Food
Exactly my thoughts
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And lots of snacks. It seems obvious, but sometimes you pack all this random stuff you don't want to actually eat while driving. Or you can't stop on the way if you want to make good time. There is a peculiar feeling about being the car that makes you want to keep munching on something. Plus, no one likes being cramped in the car for hours at a time and hangry.
Water
You can never have enough water. There's always someone asking to pass a water bottle. It's inevitable that you will be thirsty after all that snacking. Sometimes the water in other states tastes funky and suddenly you are dehydrated and complaining of a headache. Not. Fun.
Bags
If your head isn't spinning from being in the car for so long, someone else's will be. Keeping bags without holes for a nauseous sibling, trash from all the snack wrappers, and if you need to carry a couple things from the car to the hotel. Small backpacks are perfect for road trips too.
Baby Wipes/Paper Towels
Remember the bags for carsickness? Well napkins/paper towels are there for every emergency clean up in the car. You will be eating and drinking in the car; it will spill or fall. You'll be grateful when you realize how dirty the car is after sitting in it for six hours straight.
Hand Sanitizer
Since you'll be eating in the car, there is no time to wash your hands. You stop and touch something outside or your hands are sticky for some odd reason, the best option is hand sanitizer.
Pillows
If you haven't realized it yet, you now live in your car. You will be extremely happy when you don't have to lean against the hard window and wake up with a crick in your neck. I keep a bunch of small pillows to cushion my head, nothing too big, and it makes all the difference.
Blankets
Cats not included with blanket.
GiphyAlong with pillows, a blanket makes it easier to sleep and keep cozy. Being in the car makes it a great time for a nap. You can also take it out of the car if you stop somewhere on the way and want to lay out in the sun or sit in the park.
Music
All those new albums? All the classic songs you always belt out in the car? Now is the time to play them. You will need a playlist so you don't lose your sanity sitting in the car staring at the scenery. Your favorite song can refresh you like a good nap.
Headphones
As much as you want to hog the aux cord, you will have to share. Sometimes your friend's options are not your jam or you want to block out the argument beside you. Nonetheless, traveling with headphones is an obvious requirement.
Slip on Shoes
I don't know about you, but I absolutely hate when I take off my shoes and then I have to put them on again. Wear easy to wear shoes to step in and out of the car quickly. You'll feel more comfortable in the car when you try to sleep too.
Now embark on that road trip!
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