Whether you’re heading out on a cross-country road trip or taking a shorter trip out of town, there are certain things that should be on your packing list. These items will make your trip more comfortable and ensure you are prepared for anything! So, before you hit the open road, make sure to check out this list of 4 Road Trip Fundamentals.
1. Water
Keeping hydrated is crucial when traveling, especially if you’re spending time inside a vehicle. Dehydration can wreak havoc on your body and cause everything from dry eyes to fatigue to blurred vision. It’s important to bring a water bottle with you on your road trip so that you can drink plenty of fresh, cold water throughout the journey. You can also bring a cooler or an insulated bag to keep your bottles in so they stay nice and cold.
If you’re going on a backcountry camping trip, or are traveling to an area that has access to water but isn’t safe to drink, it may be necessary to boil your water before using. You can also use water treatment systems that can remove pathogens. However, these systems aren’t always needed, depending on where you’re going. You might not need them if you’re traveling to a developed country with safe tap water.
2. Food
Food is one of the most essential things to travel with if you want to experience different cultures and cuisines. It is also a great way to connect with people. The most important thing to remember while traveling is to keep your food healthy! Eating a lot of fruits and vegetables, avoiding meat and dairy products will help you stay healthy while on your trip. You should also prepare some food ahead of time to ensure you have a healthy and delicious breakfast, lunch or dinner on your journey. You should also bring a cooler to keep your drinks and snacks cool. This will reduce your waste by not buying plastic bottles and save money on gas.
3. Comfort
During travel, you want to be comfortable and happy. It will make the entire experience easier and more enjoyable. Comfort can be provided by physical things, such as a comfortable pillow in the car or a good neck pillow for snoozing in your motel room. It can also be achieved through psychological comfort, such as the ability to make decisions and achieve goals quickly, efficiently and neatly. Often, we associate comfort foods with positive experiences or memories of good times with our parents or grandparents, such as the meals they made us when we were kids. This is why many people turn to such foods when they are feeling lonely or distressed.
4. Entertainment
Traveling long distances can get boring, so make sure you’ve got plenty of things to keep you occupied in the car. A playlist of your favorite road trip songs, a few foreign language audio apps for learning new phrases and a handful of games can help you stay entertained on your next journey. If you’re traveling with kids, a blanket or pillow preloaded with educational apps or a fun sticker collection will soothe them on the road. If you’re taking an overnight road trip, you may want to pack some board games and puzzles to pass the time.
