I’m 30 years old, and I still don’t know how to drive, but that hasn’t stopped me from spending hundreds of hours in the passenger seat on road trips across the country.
I’ve road-tripped more than 26,000 miles across 31 states in every region of the continental US.
When it comes to packing up the car, I’ve certainly made some mistakes. I’ve forgotten important items and wished I’d packed essentials I hadn’t even considered bringing.
But 400 hours and more than a dozen trips later, I think I’ve mastered the art of packing for a road trip. Here are the things I’ll always bring with me, no matter the destination.
I often forget to pack motion sickness medicine for road trips and end up stopping for some on the way.
I’ve always been prone to motion sickness, but even if you’re not, driving on winding, hilly roads may make you feel woozy if you’re not used to them.
I always pack my own source of caffeine.
I hate that I need caffeine to stay alert, but that’s where I’m at.
I love a coffee stop on a road trip. But I don’t like to rely on them for caffeine because costs rack up quickly — especially on long journeys.
I prefer to bring Mio Energy to squirt into my water bottle. It adds a flavorful boost similar to Gatorade and keeps me hydrated.
I download playlists and podcasts to keep the car entertained.
When you’re driving on open roads, you never know when you’ll lose service.
I pack headphones to take breaks from socializing in a full car.
I’ve always road-tripped with other people. And as someone who values alone time, I find that packing headphones is the only way to get it in a cramped car.
Especially when road-tripping with others, comfy shoes feel essential to sustaining my good mood.
I always pick a cozy pair that slips on and off easily, like Wally shoes or Crocs.
Another mood booster for me is a clean car.
From empty food containers to candy wrappers, a road trip can quickly make a car messy. So don’t forget to bring a small trash can or bag to keep things tidy.
Don’t forget wipes — especially when eating in the car.
When something spills, or your hands are sticky, you’ll be glad you packed them.
And lastly, don’t forget a camera to capture those stellar American landscapes.
Of course, there are other essentials for road trips, like emergency gear, sunglasses, and a reusable water bottle. But the items on this list have helped me make a long, bumpy ride go smoothly.
Read the original article on Business Insider
The post I’ve spent more than 400 hours on road trips across the US. Here are 8 things I always pack for a long-haul drive. appeared first on Business Insider.
