Going on road trips [1] is one of the best parts of Summer. An abundance of travellers on the road could mean a longer car ride, so if you're going to embark on a lengthy road trip, then remember to bring these essential items with you.
Audio Books
Since you're in for a long ride, pick out a couple audio books to to enjoy while you're in the driver's seat. Even if you're riding shotgun, listening to books can be preferable to the often-nauseating act of reading hard-copy literature in the car.
Healthy Snacks and Nonmessy Meals
Pack a couple healthy snacks and nonmessy meals so you don't have to stop for food. Try fruits, veggies, and energy bars like this pack of 12 Kind Gluten-Free Bars [2] ($14).
Refreshing Mist
Riding in enclosed spaces can suck the moisture out of your skin. This Mineral Water Spray Duo to Go [3] ($15) is definitely a travel essential.
Baby Wipes
If you find it a hassle to get out of your seat to wash your hands, then use wipes to wash up. Also, instead of using deodorant, you can use them to freshen up your underarms. Right now, I'm favouring these Seventh Generation travel packs [4] ($3), because they don't contain any alcohol, synthetic cleaners, dyes, or fragrances. It's great for the environment and your sensitive skin!
Pick-Me-Up Spray
Staying in the car for too long can make you moody and cranky. Lift your spirits with this 12 Uplift Essential Oil Rollerball [5] ($26). The cheery smell includes rose flower oil, lavender flower oil, helichrysum flower oil, and German chamomile flower oil.
Navigator
Get your own navigator [6] ($99, originally $150) for the car ride. It's a good investment to make, because you can use it for your own vehicle and even take it with you when you rent a car.
Even if you don't own a car, it's still a worthy buy, because renting a car with built-in GPS can cost you up to $20 a day.
Listerine Strips
Keep your breath fresh and cool with a pack of Listerine strips [7] ($8), also available at any drugstore or grocery store.
Motion-Sickness Cures
Get some motion-sickness pills for the road just in case you start feeling unwell from the ride. There are all-natural cures like ginger candy [8] ($11) and ginger gum [9] ($7) that people swear by, so you might want to check those out if Dramamine isn't for you.
Walkie Talkies
If you're driving with other cars, then walkie talkies [10] ($65) would be a smart purchase. There will be times when you drive through areas without cell phone service, so it's always good to have an alternative. It's also much easier to pick up the walkie talkie and start chatting with someone, rather than constantly redialing their number and waiting by your phone.
Map
Don't totally rely on your GPS. Carry a real map with you so that even if your navigator breaks down, you'll at least have a physical map to fall back on.
Car Emergency Kit
Keep this 70-piece car emergency kit [11] ($55) in your automobile to keep you prepared for anything that goes wrong. It contains must-have items such as jumper cables and a flashlight that works without batteries.
First Aid Kit
Keep a first aid kit with you, like The First Aid Essentials Kit [12] ($17), in case you or any other passenger falls ill or gets injured.
AAA Card
Remember to bring your AAA [13] card or any other equivalent with you on the road.
There are plenty of AAA services that will benefit a road-trip driver, such as 24-hour roadside assistance and towing services for stranded drivers.
Dry Shampoo
If your hair is feeling greasy after a long car ride, then freshen it up with Batiste Dry Shampoo [14] ($8).
Water and Other Beverages
Sitting in a car can make you really dehydrated. Make sure you're constantly drinking water; packing it and other beverages in the car before leaving home will make it much easier.
Cooler
Store your edibles and drinks in a cooler [15] ($35) to keep them from overheating in the car.