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Today is the day folks. I am working half a day and then Sophie and I are headed out!! We are driving halfway to my Grandparents house and staying the night and then finishing the drive tomorrow. My Grandparents will keep the little Soph-meister while I am living it up on the road with my bestie.
Tonight Sophie and I are staying at a La Quinta Inn. Did you know that pets stay FREE at La Quintas?? I sure didn’t but was very pleased to not have to pay an enormous pet fee in addition to paying an arm and a leg for a least minute room. It’s the small things in life…
I have been road tripping to my Grandparent’s house for the past few summers now, it’s a 9-10 hour drive from my house, and so I feel like I know a thing or two about road trips at this point so today I decided to share with you some of my road trip must haves. Keep in mind that I am a single lady with a dog so if I had kids this would be a completely different list.
1. Audiobook- I love to read but I don’t have time like I used to so I “check out” audiobooks from my local library. I say “check-out” but really I just downed them onto an app on my phone and plug my phone up to my car. It’s a brilliant idea if I do say so myself! Right now I am finishing up The Husband’s Secret by Liane Moriarty and I have Fly Away by Kristin Hannah in the queue ready to go!!
2. Playlist- Although I mostly listen to audiobooks when I drive it’s always good to have a backup playlist for when I get tired and am about to fall asleep. lately I have been listening to anything by Maroon 5 or the Magic Mike 2 soundtrack.
3. Snacks- Another thing I do when I get sleepy is eat a snack. If I am munching on something, I am awake. My go-to snacks for this trip are Nutri-Grain bars, mini chocolate donuts (don’t judge), iced animal cookies ( a road trip staple), and flavored peanuts. It will be a little bit more challenging this year since I am wearing Invisalign but that will just make me wonder if I really do need a snack that bad. LOL!!
4. Water- I always have an ice chest in the car with me on road trips because I am always drinking something in the car. I keep it in the front passenger floor board so it’s easily accessible.
5. Spark/Slam- Sometimes the road gets boring and I need a little energy boost so I am bring a few of my fave flavors of Spark and Slam to keep me going.
6. Oil- I’m talking about engine oil here. My Dad always said never to travel anywhere without extra oil so I always have that with me. Along with some Fix-a-Flat, tire pressure gauge, and my roadside assistance card. I am nothing if but prepared.
7. Phone charger- I have one that pretty much just stays in the car but it’s always good to mention. I also carry an external charger in case I should wind up somewhere without access to a wall outlet.
8. Aleve- I keep a tiny bottle in the console because you never know when a headache will hit.
9. Sunnies- Gotta keep those eyes protected!
10. Umbrella- There is nothing I hate worse than getting caught in a storm and not having an umbrella so I always keep one in the car.
And last, but not least, a bestie to travel with you!! I will be picking mine up tomorrow and we will hit the road on Wednesday. I can’t freaking wait!!!
What are your road trip must haves??
Great list! I love your idea of audiobooks.
These are some very important must-haves, Ricci! Great list. I always get my oil changed but I never thought of carrying EXTRA. Thanks for the tips.
Have a fun road trip/vacation! I love taking books on CD with me to listen to on long trips. Snacks are must haves too! Have a great time!!
Snacks, tablets, and games are all required on road trips. You never want your kid to be bored or cranky.
I love audio books. Unfortunately when I listen to them on the road, they combine with the sound of the wheels on the pavement, and it makes me super sleepy.
This is such a great list! I always forget something we need when we go on a roadtrip so I’m going to bookmark this so I can check items off as we prepare for our next one.
I love road trips! Snacks are most certainly a must have. Otherwise, you will be riding with a bunch of grumpy people.
For us it’s the playlist, the snacks and tons of water. I love those Peanuts, have not seen those around here yet.
Oh that phone charger is a must have. I left mine at home but my friend and one and it saved me when I was in NYC last week…a must have for sure!
Great round up for road trip things. I would say you are well organized. Especially with number 6….oil..that is impressive.
If the kids are with us, we never leave without snacks and drinks. I also always bring a power bank to keep the phone charged.
This is a great list. I always take snacks with me anywhere I go and also my sunglasses. I got distracted by the TastyKake donuts in the picture!
I love your list of must haves. I need to buy me a portable charger. I keep meaning to pick one up. This blog is a great reminder. Thank you.
I also pack fresh fruits and veggies on a road trip. As I have type two diabetis. All that sugar would only be good if my sugar plummets.
GREAT list of must haves on a road trip! I remember most of them, but I’m horrible at remembering to bring my charger!!! Luckily I carry one in my car! Have fun on the road and be safe!
I have to admit that I LOVE frosted animal crackers! Stay safe and have fun on your road trip with your bestie. It’s so sweet that your grandparents are dog sitting for you.
Your list is pretty similar to mine. I really like listening to audiobooks on road trips. An external charger is absolutely necessary too.
I love listening to podcasts on road trips! Oh… and beef jerky! :)
I love road trips and was great what you highlighted as must haves! I must be hungry as the chili lime peanuts caught my eye right away! I had never heard of the fruit punch bars for energy, but will be checking them out soon!
These are great tips! I rarely go on road trips but I travel to Europe every summer by plane so many of these tips apply as well!
Water and snacks are my travel essentials. How do you carry the extra oil? Through a jug? I don’t even know how to refill the engine oil. Poor me. :(
Snacks are definitely a must, every one tends to get hangry, my blood sugar drops really easily so again it’s a must have
We are going on a roadtrip this weekend and we must always have Snacks, water and chargers! They are a MUST for us traveling with a small child!
Being prepared eliminates unnecesary pirchases on the way. Looks like you guys are having a great time with your road trip!
We love going on road trips and for us, road trips are not complete without water, snacks and music. :) Looking forward to our next road trip!
I always take some Tylenol or advil with ne in case I get a headache. If it’s spring or fall or I’m suffering from allergy isdues, I pack my allergy meds too.
I love the idea of audio books but I never actually use them. Maybe my next road trip will be the beginning of the audiobook era for me!
I also bring lots of snacks during road trips. Pillows and blankets are a must for my kiddos, too.
Great list of must haves! I completely agree! Phone charger, Snacks and aleve are a MUST! I usually don’t leave home without these things!
This is such a great list!!! Snacks are a must with us when traveling anywhere!
When i go on a road trip i love to bring a ton of snacks and good music. Having the right music really helps the time go by.
Such a great list of items. I always make sure we have snacks for the kids, water, fully charged electronics, books, DVDs and a scheduled stop because with kids you just have to stop.
Sunglasses is on my “go everywhere” list. Snacks, water, and entertainment are definitely road trip essentials.
Those are great ideas for things to take with you on road trips! Thanks so much for the ideas.
For sure on that headache medicine! We took a short trip today and it just came rushing in. I love the audiobooks tips too. I usually listen to music but something I need something more. Great tips!
Audiobooks are a MUST! I also have to go anywhere with my external chargers!
Sunflower seeds (in the shell) are a must have for me. It’s a nice snack, but it also gives you something to do so you’re less likely to fall asleep.
OK, so I can take my kitten???? That’s awesome! Also no judgment for some donuts…everyone loves a good donut now and again. (;
Coming Up Roses
I enjoy road trip with my kids so we always buy snacks. My kids are a big eater, planters is our favorite too. Snacking on nuts is better for them