30+ Important Things to Bring on a Road Trip

When it comes to traveling, road trips happen to be a fan favorite. Getting en route frequently made me realize there are certain essential things to bring on a road trip. So, whether you’re the driver or a passenger, you’d better be ready for it.

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But first… do you need to rent a car?

What Are the Most Important Things to Bring on a Road Trip?

Aside from your clothes or personal belongings, there are some things that are specific to road trips that you need to pack. And they each serve a different purpose; there are safety essentials, things you need to pack for comfort, others for entertainment, and some are just seasonal.

Safety Road Trip Essentials

Remember, safety always comes first! Think of all the possible scenarios; someone might get hurt, you could get into an accident, you might face a car malfunction, you could be stopped by cops at a checkpoint, you name it. So, it’s better to be always prepared; better safe than sorry!

Spare tire (always check up on tires at the gas station before hitting the road)
Battery booster cables
Fire extinguisher and warning triangle
Car’s manual
License, registration, and IDs (or passports)
If rental: car insurance, contracts, and relevant contacts
First-aid kit and meds

Comfort Essentials

Driver or passenger, traveling in a car, especially if it’s a long ride, could be uncomfortable. That’s why you need to make sure you have everything you need to guarantee your comfort throughout the trip.

Power bank/ USB cable to charge phones
GPS and mobile phone mount
Tissue paper/ toilet roll
Snacks and lots of water
Icebox
Travel mug and coffee
Sunglasses
Window shade
Travel pillow
Swiss army knife

Entertainment Essentials

The main reason why people choose to go on a road trip in the first place is that road trips are always fun, so make sure they are by keeping your gang entertained.

A kick-ass playlist
Book(s)/kindle
GoPro and GoPro car mount
Prepare some road trip games

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Seasonal Essentials

There are some things that you’ll be needing depending on the season and destination. So, these are also things you need to bear in mind.

Blankets
Shovel
Mosquito repellant
Sunscreen

Don’t Forget Your Travel Insurance!

Travel (solo or not) isn’t always rainbows and butterflies – things might go down south sometimes. You might fall ill or lose your luggage, and that’s when you’ll thank me for having your back covered with travel insurance.

SafetyWing offers different travel insurance packages, tailored to your needs, but their Nomad Insurance is my favorite option.

This travel medical insurance is perfect for frequent travelers. It covers lost checked luggage, travel delay, doctors, hospitals, and more. It even covers the COVID-19 emergency quarantine period if deemed necessary by a physician.

GET INSURED NOW – Nomad Insurance

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Nadine Arab

Nadine is an Egyptian curly-head who decided to quit the norm because it just doesn’t suit her. She ditched her 9-5 as a magazine editor to pursue her dream of becoming a full-time digital nomad and to inspire aspiring travelers to embark on their own solo adventures.