Everyone loves a good vacation. It’s a chance to channel our inner wanderlust and explore the hidden gems of the world. Traveling is the perfect way to unwind from the stresses of our normal lives. One of the most memorable types of traveling is road trips with your friends or family. Nothing beats putting on some good music, rolling the windows down, and enjoying the scenery as you cruise down the open road. However, there’s nothing worse than forgetting to pack the essentials. Whether you’re hitting the road for several days or weeks, we’ve got you covered. Here are 10 road trip essentials everyone needs.
Reliable Transportation
By far the most important part of a good road trip is having a vehicle that will reliably get you from point A to point B. There are many options out there, so you’re sure to find something that fits your needs. Are you looking to drive in style? Consider an exotic car rental like a Porsche or Lamborghini. If you’re planning to go on a large family road trip, a luxury sprinter van rental may be the perfect option for you. For special occasions like weddings, birthdays, or anniversaries you could get a classic or vintage ride as a unique way to celebrate. Whatever you choose, be sure to do your research and consider extra amenities too such as plush seating, heating and cooling capabilities, and more.
A Cooler for Perishable Snacks and Drinks
Depending on what time of year you’re going to be on the road, you may encounter some extreme temperatures. Going on a road trip means you won’t have access to the typical convenience store every other block and you can’t explore nature on an empty stomach. Make sure to pack a cooler (or a few) to store all the food and drinks you’ll need. Look for coolers with ice retention properties to keep your drinks icy cold and your food fresh. Whether it’s cracking an ice-cold beer while you’re fishing or carrying your favorite snacks, a cooler is sure to come in handy on your next road trip. If you need a vehicle with more space, renting a luxury van can ensure that you have the storage to fit luggage and coolers comfortably.
Healthy, On-the-Go Snacks
The best snacks while traveling are filling, healthy, and give you the boost of energy you need for your long-awaited adventure. Some people prefer stopping at a gas station to get snacks while others solely eat fast food. If you don’t want all those extra calories or the dreaded mid-day slump, make sure to stock up on healthy options like protein bars, apples, almonds, nuts, and other fruits. Keeping a large stock of snacks in your van or car is essential to an enjoyable road trip.
Ziploc Storage Bags
Ziploc bags are one of the most overlooked items to bring along on a road trip. Although you could store everything in your backpack or cooler, it’s likely that you’ll want to carry smaller portions for daytime adventures or if you’re traveling with younger kids. Ziploc bags keep your foods fresh and prevent contaminants like dirt, dust, and moisture from getting in. Larger Ziploc bags can also come in handy if you are traveling during the summer months and plan on going swimming. Wet swimsuits can be a hassle, so these bags can be a great way to keep them separated from other clothing. There are also many environmentally friendly options that let you leave all the places you visit looking just as beautiful as when you arrived. Stasher bags, for example, are made of easy-to-wash silicone so they can be reused time and time again. They also come in a variety of different sizes so they are sure to be perfect for all your travel needs.
First Aid Kit
No matter how well you’ve planned your road trip, accidents can still happen. Slipping on the muddy ground, feeling chronic pain, or cutting yourself are all plausible scenarios. Having a basic first aid kit in your van or car is absolutely essential. Some of the most common items you’ll find in a first aid kit are cleansing wipes, bandages, gloves, medications, disinfecting solution, scissors, tweezers, and gauze pads. A first aid kit will allow you to treat injuries quickly and reduce the risk of complications. In addition, you can also pack your vehicle with some other emergency supplies such as blankets, flashlights, batteries, and more to be sure that you are ready for any situation.
Emergency Car Kit
Never drive long distances without bringing an emergency kit for any car malfunctions you may encounter. Imagine trying to find someone to help jump-start your car when you’re in the middle of nowhere or hitchhiking your way back to a random town. These situations are not only frustrating but could be potentially dangerous. Anything can occur on the road, so it’s imperative that you have things like an emergency hammer or jumper cables with you. Being prepared with these items will help you stay safe and save you time in the long run. If you are renting a luxury van or other vehicle for your road trip, make sure to check with the company about their roadside assistance services.
Air Mattress
Bringing a reliable air mattress guarantees that you’ll always have a comfortable place to sleep during your time on the road. You may be worried that an air mattress won’t fit in your vehicle. Fortunately, most of them can be folded and easily stored in a suitcase, carry-on, or in a designated storage bag. However, if you have a smaller vehicle you may consider renting a luxury van for your road trip to ensure you have enough space. This also gives you the option to blow up the mattress and sleep in your van if necessary.
Mobile WiFi Hotspot
A mobile WiFi hotspot can be an absolute game-changer for your trip. It’s great to have so that you and your travel partners can enjoy some entertainment along the way. Not to mention, it’ll save you some data on your phone plan. A good WiFi hotspot has long-lasting battery life and super-fast internet speeds, providing you with a good internet experience when you need it most. It can also save you in case of an emergency where you otherwise may have no cell signal.
Coffee Maker
Driving long distances at odd hours of the day and night can lead to fatigue, so a coffee pick-me-up is sure to be a frequent necessity. Instead of hunting down the nearest coffee shop, bring your own coffee press. That way, you can enjoy hot drinks without wasting time trying to locate a nearby cafe. If you’re not sure what to look for, try a portable french press that is easy to clean, carry, and brews all the drinks you love from lattes to espresso shots.
Portable Phone Charger
There’s nothing worse than your phone running out of juice, especially during a long road trip. Whether it’s navigating your way through the unknown or taking pictures of the beautiful scenery around you, phones are a necessary aspect of your trip. Having a portable phone charger in your van or car is absolutely essential. Be sure to charge the portable device before you head out, so it can keep your phone powered up throughout the day.
Rent a Luxury Van for Your Next Road Trip!
Now that you know the essentials to bring along on your road trip, you’re ready for your next adventure. Finding the right transportation for your needs is extremely important. Fortunately, Legends Car & Van Rentals has you covered. We provide luxurious vehicles for rent in Arizona, California, and Nevada. With our select Mercedes sprinter vans and Cadillac Escalades, you can ride in style and comfort. Contact our friendly customer staff to receive a custom quote, so we can help you have an amazing experience on your road trip!