My Top 28 Things to Bring on a Road Trip

1. Chocolates – This illogically tops my list just because I love eating them.  I carry a bar in my bag everyday as an energy and mood booster.

2. Driver’s license – It’s against regulations to drive without a license. But even if you’re not the designated driver, it’s better to take this along in case you need to be an alternate/reliever driver for the long trip. It’s also useful as an official government issued proof of identification.

3. Cash – Because you never know if you’ll end up in places (convenience stores, gas stations, restaurants) that don’t accept credit cards; also necessary for parking fees, tips, purchases from street sellers.

4. Electronic Toll Gate Passes and/or coins – I distinguish this from carrying “cash” because tollgates (which are usually encountered during long drives) usually have faster lanes for “exact amount” payors or for those with prepaid electronic passes.  Coins are also useful for toll gates that charge small amounts (especially if you hate getting change consisting of old, smelly, soiled bills, or of coins enough to fill a leprechaun’s pot).

5. Mobile phone – To stay connected and for emergencies

6. Power bank and/or car charger for your phone – Because smartphones drain quickly

7. Maps – Useful if you get lost, especially if you’re in an area with poor mobile connection where you can’t “google” or use Wayz for directions.  I also try to bring a GPS navigator, as much as possible, to assist in navigating especially since it saves time by speaking out and “recalculating” when you make a wrong turn.

8. Camera – To capture random, surprisingly beautiful sceneries or memorable moments.  Smart phones can serve this function, but having a proper camera is best for evening or moving shots.

9. Bottled water – To stay hydrated

10. iPod or CDs – To provide music for the drive (iPod if the car has a Bluetooth or cable connection, otherwise bring CDs)

11. Flashlight – Very useful to find lost stuff under the car seats, or to check the engine/car exterior (if necessary), especially at night

12. Car registration – Because you might need proof of car ownership, particularly when dealing with government authorities (or sometimes requested if you lose your parking ticket). The original is preferable, but a certified true copy is usually acceptable, too.

13. Umbrella – When you have to get out of the car under unexpected rain or extreme heat

14. Spare tire – Double check if your spare is properly inflated (it often isn’t).

15. Medicines – Equip yourself with essential medicines for common health problems (e.g. painkillers/headache/nausea medicines, diarrhea medicines, fever reducers, antihistamines for allergies, etc.). If you have a special condition (e.g., diabetes, high blood pressure), don’t forget your maintenance medicines.

16. Chips and nuts – For snacking that do not require utensils…these are not too messy, and will not leave a smell in the car

17. First aid kit – Basic first aid necessities for minor injuries and concerns (band aid, antiseptic/antibiotic ointment, anti-itch ointment, insect repellant lotions)

18. A good book (a new or a favorite book), newspaper (to catch up on current affairs) and/or a good magazine – To read during the ride (if you don’t get car sick), or during stop overs.

19. Small bottle of liquid soap – Most public toilets don’t have toiletries.  This will cleanse or keep your hands clean and fresh during hand-wash opportunities.

20. Box of tissues – Again, most public toilets don’t have toiletries. Tissues are also useful for wiping your hands when you snack, or when you want to wipe something dry in the car.

21. Hand sanitizer and/or alcohol– I’m quite the germophobe so this is a good cleanser/sanitizer if you can’t stop to wash your hands, especially prior to eating or snacking. 

22. hand wipes – Added cleanser for the hands for my fellow germophobes, but also useful for cleaning when you spill something sticky in the car

23. Sunglasses – To protect the eyes and avoid headaches caused by UV/Solar glares during sunny days. It can also make you fashionable-looking for road trip photos

24. Pillow/Neck pillows – For napping, and to prevent stiff necks caused by falling asleep in awkward positions.

25. Shawl/long scarf – This is perfect as a blanket for staying warm and snug (especially when your car companions like to keep the airconditioning very cold), but can alternate as a fashion accessory.  For women, scarves/thin shawls can be worn to keep the hair intact when it’s windy outside, or the car windows are kept open (think Audrey Hepburn). Contrary to conservative opinion, men can also wear scarves (for instance, Hollywood actors such as Hugh Jackman, Robert Downey, Jr. have been photographed wearing scarves).  For men who are not convinced with the concept of “men scarves,” just bring a thin blanket.

26. Extra shirt – In case you get dirty, feel grimy, sweat extra unexpectedly, an extra shirt in the car would come in handy.  For extra-long drives (exceeding five hours), I like bringing extra change of clothes (undies, pants/shorts).

27. Flipflops – I sometimes like putting my feet up or moving my legs around the car… wearing flipflops ensures that I can do this without getting the car dirty with my shoes.  It’s easy to change back into closed or better-looking shoes/sandals upon arriving at the destination.

28. iPad or laptop/tablet – Especially useful when I have to work during the long drive. I usually accompany this with a wi-fi stick so I can send out emails or keep connected with the office while in transit.