NorahIf there is one thing I am, it is a road trip girlie. Combine my longer vacation breaks (love the teacher life) with a dad who is retired and hates flying, and you have the perfect combination for an adventurous national parks trip. Since seriously pursuing our goal of visiting all 63 national parks, my dad and I have driven cross country twice, had a Utah road trip, a California adventure, and a trek up New England all the way to Maine. Some of these trips involved 15 hour driving days, which I do NOT recommend. However, they have given me a good sense of what is needed in order to have a smooth road trip, and I am happy to share my knowledge with you today. Read on for more specific road trip tips to help you have a great time!
Note: if you need recommendations on which parks to visit, I have a whole guide to Glacier National Park!
All of these essentials are designed to be more unique than the basic answer of “snacks”, because of course you need snacks! But, what will actually help you stay comfortable and feel like a human as you trek across the country? My essentials, below:
Electrolytes.
I just continue to recommend electrolytes on this blog because they are SO crucial to my feeling better while traveling. The average person is actually much more dehydrated than they think. Electrolytes are a wonderful way to ensure you are taking care of your body while also traveling. Plus, electrolytes allow you to drink less water, which can be helpful for long road trips. I have tried so many different kinds of electrolytes, and can recommend these and these. Electrolytes are probably my number one road trip tip because they really do help you stay so much healthier.
Hand sanitizer/wipes.
Hand sanitizer is super helpful for fighting off the germs, and wipes are just helpful for feeling like a real human. When I am on a road trip, there is usually a moment at about hour five where I begin to feel disgusting. Face wipes can be super helpful for feeling just a little bit more put together.
Sunscreen.
As unfortunate as it is, the sun can still glare through car windows. If you are on a road trip, you are literally in the sun ALL DAY. Please wear sunscreen. There are so many lightweight options out there at this point that can protect while not feeling gritty.
Utensils.
Having a small set of utensils can be very helpful when you are on a road trip. You can use these for snacks you bring, you can use them in case you forget utensils at a fast food stop, and you can use them to reduce your overall plastic consumption while on the road trip. These are a lightweight, small option that can easily fit in the car.
A family friendly podcast.
If you are on a road trip with anyone else in the car, you will inevitably run out of things to discuss. This is where podcasts come in handy-they are a great way to pass the time, and can be very entertaining. I do most road trips with my dad, and we have loved the National Park After Dark podcast as well as the Plodding Through the Presidents podcast. There are also excellent audiobooks out there that can be a great way to pass the time as well.
A jacket.
Even if it is set to be 100 degrees during your road trip, bring a jacket. It is better to be over prepared than underprepared, and when you are on a road trip you really do want to be prepared for the worst. In case something happens with the car, it is always better to have more layers than less.
Portable charger.
A portable charger is a necessity on any trip, but especially a road trip. There are so many fancy chargers you can get out there, but I personally try to go for a simple, cheap one. I perpetually lose portable chargers, and this one is affordable but still high quality.
Glass cleaner.
My dad always brings glass cleaner on road trips, because the reality is that you will be hitting a lot of bugs as you travel. There have been some days where the amount of gnats on the windshield has been downright disgusting. Window cleaner is a satisfying way to keep the car looking clean. Glass cleaner is one of the more specific road trip tips, but my dad swears by bringing it and will pick some up along the way if he forgets.
Cash.
It goes without saying, but I always recommend having a little cash on hand for road trips. In the U.S., most places take credit cards. However, similar to the jacket, having some spare cash just provides peace of mind while traveling.
A towel.
Even if you are staying at hotels along your road trip, having a towel that you leave in the car can be very helpful for random rain showers, muddy boots, cleaning up a mess, or even a makeshift sun blocker. Similar to duct tape, the towel can be used for quite anything, and is very versatile. I have two sizes in this specific travel sized towel. They are so convenient because they pack away so small.
Bonus: An organization system. Not necessarily one of the most specific road trip tips, but having a set system to organize everything in your car for your road trip can be so helpful. This can be super complex, but I like to keep it simple. Put your clothes bag/suitcase in the same spot every day, snacks go in the same spot, emergency materials are within easy reach, and any miscellaneous cords or tech devices have a spot. Ensuring that everything has a home can be a wonderful way to keep your mind calm as you travel.
Road Trips are some of my favorite ways to see the United States, and I cannot recommend them enough. They require a little more preparation and organization, but a whole lot more adventure! Hopefully these road trip tips will help you have the maximum amount of fun! Happy travels!
