A Checklist for the Perfect Road Trip
Written by: Kenzie
I feel like road trips are a hit or a miss for people these days - either you love them or you hate them. But let me tell you that I love them! The endless hours on the road, the ever-changing scenery flashing past the window, the promise of being somewhere completely new some miles down the highway - it’s all so ideal to me.
Lately, I’ve really been craving a decent road trip somewhere pretty. I definitely have the travel itch and feel like I’ve been cooped up for a bit too long! So, to encourage my daydreams, I came up with a short list of essentials that make for the perfect road trip. Maybe it will inspire you to pack your bags and hit the road!
The playlist.
To me, this is one of the most important items. If you’re going to be sitting in a car for hours on end, you’re going to want some entertainment, I like to take into consideration who I will be traveling with and include songs from their favorite artists too. A good mix really helps pass the time - some old school classics, songs you listened to in high school, today’s hits, showtimes, it’s all fair game and it’s all good. I also like to have some podcasts (true crime always helps pass the time) and comedy specials ready to go in case I need a break from the music.
Snack stash.
Arguably the second most important item on the list, snacks are definitely a necessity. I like to pack some from home so that I’m not spending quite as much on gas station snacks. Puppy chow, grapes, and some kind of Chex mix or peanuts are always good from home snacks. When stopping for snacks at a gas station, I like to hit up the slightly fancier ones so that there’s a wider selection and less seedy of patrons (I’m talking Bucee’s if you don’t mind the crowds or Stripes).
GPS or maps.
Okay, okay, so maybe this is actually the most important item. If it’s a shorter trip or you pretty much know where you’re going, I think the phone GPS will do just fine. However, if it’s a much longer road trip to somewhere new, I’d suggest using an actual GPS that’s hooked up at all times so that you don’t have to worry about your phone dying or running out of signal.
Water bottle.
I like to always have water on hand. It helps me remember to actually drink it. At gas stations, I’ll pick up a soda or iced coffee, but I think it’s smart to have a big ol’ reusable water jug as well. Gotta stay hydrated!
Comfy stuff for naps.
If you and someone else re taking turns driving, bring along a pillow and blanket for mid-ride power naps. Sometimes it’s hard to get comfy in a moving car, but a nice blanket and a pillow pressed against the window really help squeeze in a power nap so you’ll be refreshed for your part of the driving.
Chargers for all electronics.
If you’re using your phone for music or for navigation, you’re definitely going to want to bring along a car charger. Even if you’re not using your phone for those things, you should bring along a car charger.
Disposable camera.
I think disposable cameras are so fun to bring along for any vacation! Yes I love taking photos on phones or digital cameras, but the old school look of disposable cameras brings about the nostalgia of family vacations in the 90’s and it’s super fun to look through all the photos once they’re developed and see what moments you were able to capture. Plus, you don’t have to worry about losing or damaging the camera since it’s typically cheap.
Sunglasses.
I mean, duh.
There ya have it, folks, my checklist for the perfect road trip! Did this inspire you to take a road trip with a friend? It’s easy on the wallet and good for the soul so I say, why the heck not!?
