5 Ultimate road trip essentials for an epic adventure
A road trip is like a rite of passage, and everyone has done one at least once in their life. Planning one can be an adventure before you even hit the road. Many elements go into planning a road trip, and there are some essentials everyone should consider before planning their trip.
I am a huge road trip enthusiast and have taken my share across a few countries. Travelling by car is a great way to see the world at your own pace and schedule. With a car, you don’t have to rely on someone else’s schedule or transit availability. Whether you’re going on a spontaneous adventure or a planned trip, here are some road trip essentials to help you plan your trip.
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Road trips and memories of childhood
Remember those long drives with your parents as a kid? They might not have always seemed fun, but they were a cherished part of our childhood. Whether it was a trip to visit relatives, a school excursion, or an entertaining adventure with friends, we’ve all had our share of road trips. Some were shorter, some were longer, but they all hold a special place in our memories.
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We used to go on frequent day trips from Toronto when I was younger. It was a great way to see new places and more affordable than flying somewhere. We travelled quite a bit, even if it didn’t seem that fun then. Today’s road trip is a bit more fun than it used to be. There was nothing to watch in the car in those days, and I always had to argue with my dad over the radio. My parents weren’t big on road trip essentials. We all have stories of the best and worst road trips with our parents.
How the road trip was born
There’s a certain thrill in the unexpected road trips, isn’t there? The freedom of just hopping in the car and driving away, with the sun shining and the roads clear, beckoning you to explore. It’s a feeling that can’t be replicated, making road trips so memorable.
This wasn’t always the case. People didn’t go on road trips for pleasure in the past. They didn’t travel for fun. With the creation of cars came the wish to go elsewhere. To get away from the hustle and bustle. Initially, these outings were mainly reserved for the rich, as few could afford cars. But as they became more affordable, our fascination with road trips grew.
Road trips have even invaded Hollywood. With so many movies made about them, who wouldn’t want to go on one? They always make road trips seem fun and adventurous. After all, it’s an excellent way to see the world. Whether spontaneous or not, even the movies show that everyone needs some road trip essentials list to plan.
5 Road trip essentials
Some people are fanatical about road trips. They plan them for months. They seek out places so that they can go on a road trip. That’s what’s great about this mode of travel: you can make it what you want. For me, a few road trip essentials always come into play when planning an adventure.
Road Trip Essentials #1: Companionship
The most important road trip essentials are your travel companions. Being in a car with someone for hours can be hell, or it can be fun. So, unless you are into solo travel, finding the right companion is the number one priority. I’ve been on many road trips with Alex, my brother, friends, and even coworkers. Luckily, I’ve not had any bad ones, and I hope it stays that way.
As a kid, my childhood trips were not as vivid, so I assumed they were all good. Either that, or my mind has blocked them. Ha! Many of us thought our road trips were boring when we were young, but we look back at them fondly. Nostalgia is a big part of how we experience the world.
Road Trip Essentials #2: Destination
They often say that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters most. While that might be true, you do need a destination. Usually, it provides us with the reason for going in the first place. While seemingly impulsive road trips might seem like they don’t belong on a list of road trip essentials, they still need a destination.
You can plan on travelling to a particular spot, town, or attraction, even if it’s just down the road. That is still a destination. You will need an endpoint at some point, which could be “an hour” or a day from where you’re starting. You can make a road trip out of almost anything.
Many places in the world can inspire epic road trips. I want to drive around Ireland, from one castle to another. Or go on a safari – to me, that counts as a road trip. Perhaps even drive around salt flats in Bolivia or somewhere in Australia. So many great spots can be discovered in a car, whether where you live or in a different country altogether.
Road Trip Essentials #3: Duration
They often say that it’s the journey, not the destination, that matters most. While that might be true, you do need a destination. Usually, it provides us with the reason for going in the first place. While seemingly impulsive road trips might seem like they don’t belong on a list of road trip essentials, they still need a destination.
You can plan on travelling to a particular spot, town, or attraction, even if it’s just down the road. That is still a destination. You will need an endpoint at some point, which could be “an hour” or a day from where you’re starting. You can make a road trip out of almost anything.
Many places in the world can inspire epic road trips. I want to drive around Ireland, from one castle to another. Or go on a safari – to me, that counts as a road trip. Perhaps even drive around salt flats in Bolivia or somewhere in Australia. So many great spots can be discovered in a car, whether where you live or in a different country altogether.
Road Trip Essentials #4: Entertainment
While talking to your companion(s) is a big part of the trip, you need other forms of entertainment to get through. I love to sing in the car, so music selection is always a big part of the trip. You can’t always count on the radio, so having your music can save your life—or at least make the drive less monotonous. Creating the perfect road trip playlist can enhance your experience and keep everyone in good spirits.
Some people are into games, books on tape, or even watching movies if the car has an entertainment system. It’s important to remember that watching movies can be fun for the passengers, but it’s not the same for the person driving. Whatever entertainment you decide on, make sure it’s not a distraction to the driver. Driving can be tedious, and even more so when everyone else is doing something together, leaving the driver staring at the road.
I’m not into watching anything in the car as I think it’s unfair to the driver. I’ve tried reading, but that was also a bust. Most of the time, the motion of the car makes reading challenging. I have fallen asleep many times, sometimes making me a lousy companion.
Road Trip Essentials #5: Food & Drinks
Snacking is high on the list of road trip essentials. I’m the type of person who wants to eat or drink something after being on the road for a bit. Candy? Chips? Healthy snacks? Sometimes, they all come along with water and tea. After too much libation, frequent bathroom breaks become a thing, but hey, it is what it is.
When selecting food and drink options for a road trip, it’s essential to choose items that are easy to access, don’t make a mess and can be put away if not finished. Grabbing a sandwich or a piece of fruit is better than a salad or meals that require eating with utensils unless you plan on stopping somewhere that has space for you to eat. A pop can might seem like a good idea, but you can’t close the can if you decide not to finish it.
You should also plan for a container to store trash so you can dispose of it responsibly. Also, avoid drinking too much, or you’ll constantly be looking for toilets, and that’s not fun. Planning your road trip food wisely can make the journey more enjoyable and less stressful.
Memorable Road Trips
I don’t think I can write about road trips without reminiscing about some of the best ones I have been on. They were in different parts of the world, but they all involved similar road trip essentials.
Iceland
The first time I went to Iceland was a pure road trip vacation. We drove around the island for seven days, stopping at a different place every night, which was needed after spending most of the day in a car. I loved driving in Iceland, as every day was a different landscape. Some days, we went through lush and rainy mountains. On other days, we drove through something that looked like the moon. There were waterfalls, rainbows, and sheep everywhere—pure happiness.
Canadian road Trip
My brother lived in Halifax, Nova Scotia, for a while, and we visited there several times. I have made the 16+ hour road trip from Toronto and back. We usually made an overnight stop, which made the trip more feasible. It also allowed us to see other parts of Canada, making us realize how big this country is. We also made trips from Calgary to Banff and back, admiring some of the most stunning views Canada has to offer.
A New York State Of Mind
When we decided to go to New York City, we opted to take a road trip and make an adventure out of it. This trip was about an eight-hour journey. It was September, meaning the leaves were changing colours, and fall was in full effect. Driving from Toronto to New York City was quite spectacular—almost as spectacular as NYC itself.
Italian Road Trip
We have made many road trips in Italy. There was the one around the Amalfi Coast, the journey to Calabria, or that time we drove around Sicily. Then, there was a time when we embarked on a road trip to Rimini. After driving from Naples to Rome, we headed east across the country. It was quite a drive. Some parts of the road went through the mountains and cut off the radio. We didn’t end up making it to Rimini. Instead, we ended up in a place called Alba Adriatica, which is quite impressive in itself.
Road Trip Planning Tips
When planning a road trip, creating a checklist is essential to ensure you don’t forget anything important. This list can include items like a first aid kit, extra chargers, maps, and emergency contact information. Utilizing a road trip planner with stops can help you organize your journey efficiently, ensuring you hit all the must-see spots along your route.
Remember to pack road trip gear that suits the climate and terrain of your destination. This can range from camping equipment for those looking to rough it in nature to more luxurious items like portable espresso makers for a more comfortable experience.
Finally, consider the various things to do on a road trip to keep everyone entertained. This can range from playing road trip games to exploring roadside attractions and taking scenic detours. Having a well-rounded plan can turn a simple drive into an unforgettable adventure.
Final Thoughts on Road Trip Essentials
Road trips are a great travel option. You can visit any place along the way, make as many stops as you want, and take as much time as you need. For those short on funds, road-tripping provides a lower-cost alternative to getting away. It also offers an opportunity to visit foreign places at your own pace.
The best thing about road trips is that you can control almost everything about them. You’re not dependent on others to make stops or decide to keep driving. You can choose where you stay and for how long. Pulling over to check out the view doesn’t involve asking someone else’s permission. Everything from music, food, stops, and how long you drive is up to you. That is the best feeling in the world.
