Summer is in full swing, and people all over the country are hopping in their vehicles for adventures. Some are heading to the campground; others are heading to race tracks. Regardless of destination, it’s important to fill your car with some fun — and occasionally nutritious — road trip necessities.
No. 10 – Playing cards
This suggestion is for the road trips that head to more remote destinations, specifically, those without solid cell phone coverage. Playing cards can help pass the time when camping or out in the wilderness. Solo players can play Solitaire while groups can play Poker, Go Fish, or many other games.
No. 9 – Music
Whether traveling alone or with others, it’s crucial to have music. The right tunes can lead to impromptu karaoke sessions. They can also kickstart conversations between the vehicle’s occupants. Bonus points if your car has a CD player or tape deck that can handle homemade compilations or classic albums from the past.
No. 8 – Drinks
Obviously, it’s important to have a significant amount of water for the road trip. That’s just important from a health and safety standpoint. What we are talking about are the fun drinks. Slurpees, random energy drinks, iced teas, coffee, or anything else that adds some flavor to the drive. Who doesn’t love wandering the gas station to find a new drink?
No. 7 – Snacks
For some reason, we always get hungry 10 minutes into any road trip. It doesn’t matter if we ate a large meal immediately before climbing into the car. We just crave snacks. Sometimes, it’s beef jerky. Other times, it’s salted peanuts or Charleston Chews. The options are endless. Although, it can be difficult to choose based on nutrition value.
No. 6 – Maps
This suggestion has two purposes — fun and practicality. Sometimes, coverage is not available so Apple Maps, Waze, and Google Maps just do not work. Maps can provide guidance in a pinch. They can also kick off a unique journey. If you are unsure of where to drive, just open the map and see what’s around. This could lead to some fun adventures.
No. 5 – Cameras
What good is a road trip if you aren’t documenting the sights and sounds? Obviously, cell phones have built-in cameras, so you will have at least one available on each road trip. However, it can be beneficial to bring a full-size camera with some lens options so you can experiment with different shots.
No. 4 – Books and/or tablets
This suggestion is more for the passengers of the vehicle. Some road trips require driving for six to eight hours in a single day, depending on the destination. This is fine for the driver, who will remain engaged, but the passengers will need something to pass the time. Books are a timeless option for those who want to get lost in another world. Tablets provide the opportunity to watch TV shows or movies. They are also options for portable games.
No. 3 – Football
As any veteran road tripper knows, it’s crucial to stop and stretch the legs throughout the day. Walking around is fine, but playing a quick game of catch will also help loosen up the entire body. Rest areas all over the country have large, grassy areas that provide plenty of space for this. Throwing the ball around is also just a good way to decompress.
No. 2 – Road trip games
Sometimes, people in the car just run out of conversation. If a road trip is especially long, they could exhaust the list of topics early in the drive. This is where games can step in and save the day. They can be as simple as I Spy or 20 Questions. They can be more elaborate like Would You Rather or Name that Tune. Dozens of game options exist to help pass the time.
No. 1 – Pillows and blankets
Like the maps suggestion, this checks off multiple items. Blankets can provide warmth in the event of an unexpected breakdown. They can also provide comfort for restless passengers. A pillow from home can also help passengers get more comfortable during long drives, especially if they need to nap.