Rev Up Your Road Trip with This Handy Checklist

It’s time to hit the road! Rally the troops and any fur babies coming along for the adventure. Let’s make this a ride to remember! This easy packing list will see you through to your destination. In addition to the obvious clothes and bathroom bags, add the following items and your trip will be as smooth as new asphalt.

The Little, Important Things:

• Cash & coins (think: toll booths, parking meters, cash only diners, laundromats, etc.)
• Toilet paper/paper towel
• Garbage bags
• Hand Sanitizer
• Umbrellas
• Sunscreen
• Bug Spray (if needed!)

Essentials – The Paperwork:

Hopefully, you already have these in your ride, if not, be sure they are before you embark.

• License, car registration, and insurance papers 
• Car manual 
• Info for roadside assistance
• Paper map (don’t trust that your phone will always be reliable!)
• Get Your Audiovisuals in Order:
• Phone charger (AC or USB, whatever your car has) and hands-free mount
• GPS unit (if you aren’t comfortable with paper maps, this is a good alternative), Music/audiobooks/podcasts – Make sure you have options in case you lose service!
• Any handheld electronics to keep the kids preoccupied when singing, “The Wheels on the Bus” won’t suffice. 

Fuel Isn’t Just for Cars:

Make sure it isn’t just the car that has enough fuel between stops! In addition to the usual juice, granola bars, and beef jerky, bring some real food that won’t give anyone in the car the gurgles or result in an emergency rest stop! 

Here are some suggestions for healthier alternatives:

• Ocean’s Salads, Ocean’s Snackits and Ocean’s Tuna Pouches make convenient and delicious travel companions
• “Travel friendly” fruits: apples, bananas, and oranges
• Crunchy veggies with hummus, such as cucumbers, peppers, and carrots
• Water (use reusable water bottles, Mother Earth thanks you!)

PS: Don’t forget some handy forks and napkins!

And finally…

Be Prepared – The (Potential) Trip Savers:

• First-aid kit
• Extra Car Fob AND an extra key 
• A fully inflated spare tire, a lug wrench (to get the tire off), and a tire jack
• Forever flashlight (the kind you can power by winding)
• Basic tool kit (or at least a multi-tool)
• Jumper cables
• Also, don’t forget a big jug of water, just in case!

Sources:
https://www.theglobetrottingteacher.com/road-trip-packing-list-essentials/
https://ordinarytraveler.com/road-trip-packing-guide
https://www.thebarefootnomad.com/travel-tips/our-essential-road-trip-packing-list/