What To Bring On A Road Trip

Figuring out what to bring on a road trip can be frustrating because everyone wants to bring everything.  It is not long before the car is bulging and there is very little room to sit comfortably.

1. Essential Items. The items in this category are important for your road trip, and you need to find a safe place for them.  Be sure and put your emergency kits in the car last so you are able to find them quickly. Check that you have your insurance papers, and proper vehicle registration before you get on the road.  After that, be sure to have maps, printouts from your computer, or a GPS system handy. Also absolutely necessary but are commonly forgotten are your cell phone with charger for emergencies, money, traveler’s checks, credit card, any medications, and eyeglasses or contact lenses.
2. Comfort Items. The comfort items will vary from person to person.  Each person should choose a few items that they feel would make their road trip more enjoyable. Limit each person to one pillow per person, neck travel pillow, or heavy jacket that be used for a pillow. Lightweight blankets, iPod and charger or CD’s, toys, and electronic games are also advisable. A laptop or portable DVD player can be used to watch movies. Books or magazines are great for those who do not get dizzy from reading in a moving vehicle.
3. Packing Clothes.  Pack a small suitcase for your road trip that you will take in with you at hotels until you have reached your destination.  Put the suitcase in the trunk of the car where it is easy to get to so you do not have to repack the trunk every time you need it. The larger suitcase with clothes for you to wear at your destination can be packed at the bottom of the trunk. 
4. Snack Items. If you are going to picnic while on your road trip, pack one backpack or box with picnic paper supplies like: paper plates, cups, napkins, plastic silverware, paper towels, hand sanitizer, plastic bags, sharp knife, can/bottle opener, and trash bags.  Bring extra trash bags because you can use them for dirty or wet clothes. Chips, fruit, peanut butter, crackers, Granola bars, nuts, and bread are easy snacks to take along.  You may want to buy a cooler for your road trip so you can include lunch meats and condiments for sandwiches, cut-up carrots and celery, drinks, water and other food items that require refrigeration.