Road trips are my favorite thing. I love to travel and experience new things. I didn’t realize I was gone so much until I received several messages from friends if I was going to be in town this weekend. They were like you are always gone on the weekends, so I wanted to make sure you were around. Weekends are usually the only time I get away because I work full time Monday-Friday. I typically will either take Friday off or take a half day then leave for the weekend. Sometimes I’ll take Monday off, but it just depends on the trip. Even my managers are always asking what I am doing this weekend, because I’m always finding something to do. I love to explore and find new things. Plus, it has been a long time since I have been bad in the Midwest. I’m trying to soak it all in.
Anything that makes my life and drive easier I am all about because usually I’m in the car for a few hours before I get to my destination or going to the next thing on my list. I like to be organized because clutter drives crazy and I can’t have things just thrown around in my car.
Phone Holder
It took me forever to find the right phone holder for me. I got mine at AT&T when I upgraded my phone. I love it because it hold my phone plus I can move it up and down, side to side, and closer or further away from me. It’s perfect. It has a suction cup to the bottom so it stays on my dash. I have tried almost every time of holder and this has been best. I am always recommended it to people.
Car Charger
When going on car trips, you definitely need a car charger to charge multiple devices. I have 2 that I rotate between. One has multiple plugs for the cords so I can change my phone and iPad at the same time. Or if I am traveling with someone we can both charge our phones. I am so paranoid about my phone dying, so I always make sure I have car chargers with me. The other one plugs into car inverter – it has 2 sockets and 4 charging ports.
Portable Charging Ports
I will be honest I hoard these like they are going out of stock or something. I have so many charging ports. It has become a joke now if I bring them, and everyone knows I have enough for everybody. The 2 that I use the most is a magnetic charger that fits on the back of my phone and holds my credit cards. The other has the plug connected to it so I don’t have to worry about cords.
Cooler
There are so many different sizes, so it depends on the road trip on which on I will bring. I probably have a cooler in every size imaginable. I have an insulated lunchbag that I typically bring because it fits a lot and it’s moldable. It’s not the hard plastic type of cooler. I like to snack a lot so I usually have a bag specific for that.
Car Desk
I have used this more than I thought I would. If you spend a lot of time in your car and work from your laptop I highly recommend this. You can also use it for eating on as well. Mine fits onto the steering wheel. When I am done it small enough I slid it under the passenger seat or up against the side. Depending on when I am going to use it again.
Car Mattress
Another obsession of mine is car camping. If you are car camping while on your road trip, these are some of my recommended basics. I have used my air mattress a few times and it is so comfy. I actually like the pillows better than the pillows I bring. You can get mattress for the whole backend of the car or just the backseat. There are so many options available and it also depends on your car too. Also make sure it comes with something to inflate the bed.
Jump Starter Pack
I am paranoid that I am going to be stranded, so I asked for jump pack for my birthday. I love mine because it’s does multiple things if needed. It’s a jumper pack, flashlight and charging port. I leave it in my car all the time.
Air Freshner
I have one in my car all the time. I use to have carry fabreze in my car and spray when I was done for the day. My car has to smell clean and fresh. While I was researching for this post, I saw a car air purifier. I had never heard of such a thing but if you are in your car for a long time this might be something to invest in as well.
Car Organizer
There are so many different organizers. You’ll just have to figure out which one works best for you. If I am staying at hotels during my trip, I’ll pack everything in bags. It could be a quick overnight trip and I’ll have at least 3 bags. If I am car camping, I have everything in different bins under my bed set up. I have a bag that I keep things that always need to stay in my car. It’s usually in the backseat behind the passenger seat.
If you are travel with kiddos, I have seen backseat organizers that have a pocket for everything. I have an organizer for the side of the passenger seat. When I am car camping, I have a place where I put my phone, chap stick and my keys. All things that I need to grab quickly.
Car Cup Coasters
This is something I never knew I needed until recently. I was with my mom at a quilt shop and they had these. My mom picked up 2 for her car, and I had no idea what they were so I asked. She grabbed 2 more for my car and it has been life changing. No longer have to worry about my cup getting all sweaty and dripping on me.
Sunglasses Clip
I recently got one because I had a gift card with a few dollars left on it and I don’t know why I didn’t get this sooner. I am always forgetting my sunglasses somewhere, so I have a pair of black goodr sunglasses there all the time.
Windshield Shade
I personally go back and forth on this one. I have one for when I am car camping, but I never use it during the day. I’m tempted to try it on the next trip but it just seems like more work than what it worth. if you have one and love it, let me know.
Emergency Kits
I love how this already comes in a bag. You can get a roadside emergency kit and a first aid emergency kit. Plus it already has everything that you need and you can restock as you use it. There are so many different sizes depending on the space and need. One of my favorites is from Pinch Provisions because it comes with a cute bag and it’s small so it can fit anywhere. Another that I want to try is Welly.
Cup Holder Extender
This is on my holiday list because I love my hydroflask but it doesn’t fit in my cup holder. If I can get this expander I can fit my drink there. Also the one I want is a 3 in 1 Cup Holder adapter with a phone holder and detachable food tray. I am snacker during road trips, so this would be perfect to have someone close in reach.
Cleaning Supplies
Having wet wipes to keep your hands clean. Cleaning Gel to get in the vents and hard to reach places. I have seen trash containers that fit in the side panel of the car. Kleenex Holder on the sun visors. There are so many options that you can do.
