Give your road trip some TLC.
Whether your classic automobile is embarking on an epic cross-continent journey, or just a quick weekender, a fully-loaded vehicle makes the ride easy and more fun.
Take a minute to make sure everything is ready to go before you leave.
Hydration and Energy Boosters
Staying alert on the road starts with hydration and energy. Quick-access drinks and energizing snacks keep you awake and ready for the miles ahead. Grab these must-haves before you hit the road:
- Water and electrolyte drinks fend off dehydration.
- Coffee and energy drinks keep your focus sharp when driving through longer routes.
For drinks that are ready when you need them, seek out options that don’t require refrigeration.
Keeping a couple go-to drinks on hand really makes a difference on a long journey. When properly hydrated, your alertness improves, and the ride won’t be so exhausting.
On-the-Go Snacks
Snacks are a must-have for any road trip. You’ll want options that cover both savory and sweet cravings. Plus, they need to be easy to store in the car. Here are a few crowd-pleasers:
- Granola bars and protein bars
- Fresh fruit or dried fruit
- Beef jerky or trail mix
- Chips and pretzels
When selecting your snacks, remember variety is of utmost importance. Each snack has its own perks. From the protein punch of jerky to the satisfying crunch of pretzels, healthy, energizing snacks keep you feeling good.
Best of all? These snacks don’t take up much space in the car. That’s important when you’re lugging around passengers and their luggage.
Safety Essentials
Safety should always come first when you’re on the road. Keep a few basics packed – they’ll be a lifesaver in unexpected situations. Here’s a quick list of important safety items:
- Pack a first-aid kit with bandages, antiseptic wipes, and pain relievers.
- Keep a flashlight and extra batteries.
- Include a basic toolkit for small repairs, including duct tape and a wrench.
- Roadside flares or reflective triangles increase visibility in the event of a stalled car or an accident.
Keeping these items in your trunk or glove compartment could save you in a pinch!
Sure, nobody plans for breakdowns or scrapes, but being prepared just makes overall good sense. Simple tools like these don’t just save time They bring peace of mind.
Comfort Essentials
Let’s face it: long drives can be tiring. Bringing along a few comfort items can help make the journey more relaxing. Consider bringing along the following:
- Travel pillow and blanket are great for when the driver needs a rest stop nap. Passengers can enjoy them all along the way.
- Hand sanitizer and disinfecting wipes keep things fresh.
- Sunglasses and sunscreen protect against harsh sunlight.
All of these items add some level of comfort and convenience that makes a big difference on a long road trip. Think of them as little “travel perks” that help keep you relaxed and refreshed.
When the sun’s beating down or your hands need a quick refresh, you’ll be glad you have them.
Entertainment Must-Haves
Do your or any of your passengers find taking to the open road as exciting as watching paint dry? Keeping everyone entertained isn’t always easy, especially on longer journeys.
A few choice items can keep the mood light and boredom at bay:
- Portable chargers keep devices and phones ready to use.
- Magazines or audiobooks are great for easy entertainment
- Board or card games are great for a quick break at rest stops. Also plan for some games to play while driving in the car, like I Spy and the License Plate Game.
Think of all of these as boredom busters. Small and easy to carry, they add fun and flexibility to even the longest road trip. Audiobooks, in particular, are great for passing time without needing to look at a screen.
Stock Up Before You Go
Traveling prepared just makes the trip so much more enjoyable. ExtraMile convenience stores offer all the essentials and make restocking easy. Before setting out, check the ExtraMile convenience store station finder to find a location along your route.