Five Road Trip Essentials

While road trips are often memorable experiences, inexperienced travelers who venture out down an unfamiliar highway clueless and unprepared can find themselves running into serious problems. The proper gear, however, can help avert these crises.

A Paper Map

For those looking for an adventure, try using an old-fashioned paper map. While they’re certainly more difficult to use than modern GPS systems, their hands-on nature will allow you to truly tame the open road like your parents and grandparents did. It is also advisable to bring a back-up navigation system in the event of an emergency.

Sleeping Gear

Because road trips often take a few days or weeks to complete, spending money on hotels and motels can be expensive. Sleeping inside (or outside) of your car can be a cheaper alternative. A sleeping bag and a big wool blanket are always smart choices.

A Reliable Cooler

Sometimes road trippers can go hours without any sign of real food, other than gas station snacks. A large cooler can come in handy when you do finally stumble upon a grocery store. Moreover, the ice can be refilled at any of those gas stations you pass by.

A Portable Jumpstarter/Air Compressor Pack

Long stretches of driving across unfamiliar terrain can often lead to problems. A two-in-one Jumpstarter/Air Compressor (around $70) can save you when you have a flat tire or dead battery. If you’re ever in a real pinch, and in the United States, AAA often lets customers sign up for a membership and receive service the same day.

Duct Tape

Duct tape can be your best friend when on the deserted open road and away from the luxuries of civilization. Whether it’s an exposed electronics wire, a hole in a camping chair or even a broken pair of sunglasses, duct tape is the solution.