Whether you’re hitting the road with the whole family in tow, or heading out on your own for an interstate adventure, you’ll need some summer travel basics to get to your destination with as few bumps in the road as possible.
Taking the time to put together essentials before you depart will save you time and money on the road. Spend your precious vacation making amazing memories instead of visiting every rest stop on your route!
Check out our suggestions for items that make for a stress-free road trip and get ready to travel like a pro on your next journey.
1) Sunscreen
For any outdoor excursions during your trip, sunscreen is a must-have. Skin can burn in as little as 15 minutes if not properly protected and sunburns can make for a very uncomfortable car ride! Pack aloe in case of a burn to soothe painful, itchy skin.
2) Bug Spray
You don’t have to go far outside city limits to find yourself in bug country! Don’t chance days of scratching or a surprise allergic reaction. Invest in deep woods spray if you’re venturing far off the beaten path or keep things mess-free with citronella buttons to pin on clothing and pet collars.
3) First Aid Kit
Even small wounds can turn into big problems if left untreated. Make sure cuts and scrapes are disinfected and taken care of as soon as possible to avoid a trip to a clinic. Include bandages, sterile gauze pads, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, safety pins, instant ice packs, disposable non-latex gloves, and antiseptic wipes.
4) Hand Wipes
Make clean up a breeze with disinfectant and baby wipes. They’re perfect for cleaning up after little ones or giving yourself a quick freshen up after driving through the night. Make sure you’ve got a designated garbage receptacle to keep your vehicle tidy.
5) Snacks and Drinks
Pack a cooler full of healthy snacks and beverages to cut down time spent stopping to eat. If you’ve exhausted your provisions, stop at a grocery store to buy supplies for sandwiches and wraps that will go much further than any gas station hot dog.
6) Spare Footwear and Clothing
Your road trip might take you from one climate to another, so be prepared for any adventure by packing a pair of hiking boots, sandals, or water shoes. Between chilly summer nights and hours in air conditioning, it’s also a good idea to have a sweater and some long pants to throw on.
7) Audio Books and Podcasts
Perfect for solo trips or so the driver can stay entertained, Audible.com has over 180,000 titles for any taste and includes a one-month free trial. For a little more variety, download free podcasts and learn about endless interesting topics as the miles go by.
8) Maps and Road Atlases
Save on data charges and don’t get stuck without coverage by packing hard copy maps for your route. Paper maps can allow you to visualize your overall trip and are easier for drivers to glance at than a small mobile screen. If you’d rather stick to a screen, Google Maps can be pinned for offline use.
9) Travel Apps
Use the data you save reading hard copy maps for mobile apps to plan your next pit stop. The GasBuddy app can help you find the best gas prices around, or use AroundMe to save time when looking for the nearest drug store, washroom, and so on. Discover 10 travel apps for your next road trip.
10) Car Maintenance Kit
It’s something you hope you’ll never have to use, but will be glad to have if you run into car trouble. Stock your kit with items such as jumper cables, tire sealant, a tire pressure gauge, a compact fire extinguisher, and road flares. It’s also a good idea to research and practice using these items so you’re comfortable using them under pressure. For more ideas, discover 15 essential things to keep in your car.
Now that you’re stocked up on the essentials it’s time to hit the road! Find InTown Suites’ extended stay properties along your route for your home away from home on your epic adventure.
Whether you're hitting the road with the whole family in tow, or heading out on your own for an interstate adventure, you'll need some summer travel basics to get to your destination with as few bumps in the road as possible.
Taking the time to put together essentials before you depart will save you time and money on the road. Spend your precious vacation making amazing memories instead of visiting every rest stop on your route!
Check out our suggestions for items that make for a stress-free road trip and get ready to travel like a pro on your next journey.
1) Sunscreen
For any outdoor excursions during your trip, sunscreen is a must-have. Skin can burn in as little as 15 minutes if not properly protected and sunburns can make for a very uncomfortable car ride! Pack aloe in case of a burn to soothe painful, itchy skin.
2) Bug Spray
You don't have to go far outside city limits to find yourself in bug country! Don't chance days of scratching or a surprise allergic reaction. Invest in deep woods spray if you're venturing far off the beaten path or keep things mess-free with citronella buttons to pin on clothing and pet collars.
3) First Aid Kit
Even small wounds can turn into big problems if left untreated. Make sure cuts and scrapes are disinfected and taken care of as soon as possible to avoid a trip to a clinic. Include bandages, sterile gauze pads, adhesive tape, scissors, tweezers, safety pins, instant ice packs, disposable non-latex gloves, and antiseptic wipes.
4) Hand Wipes
Make clean up a breeze with disinfectant and baby wipes. They're perfect for cleaning up after little ones or giving yourself a quick freshen up after driving through the night. Make sure you've got a designated garbage receptacle to keep your vehicle tidy.
5) Snacks and Drinks
Pack a cooler full of healthy snacks and beverages to cut down time spent stopping to eat. If you've exhausted your provisions, stop at a grocery store to buy supplies for sandwiches and wraps that will go much further than any gas station hot dog.
6) Spare Footwear and Clothing
Your road trip might take you from one climate to another, so be prepared for any adventure by packing a pair of hiking boots, sandals, or water shoes. Between chilly summer nights and hours in air conditioning, it's also a good idea to have a sweater and some long pants to throw on.
7) Audio Books and Podcasts
Perfect for solo trips or so the driver can stay entertained,
Audible.com has over 180,000 titles for any taste and includes a one-month free trial. For a little more variety, download free podcasts and learn about endless interesting topics as the miles go by.
8) Maps and Road Atlases
Save on data charges and don't get stuck without coverage by packing hard copy maps for your route. Paper maps can allow you to visualize your overall trip and are easier for drivers to glance at than a small mobile screen. If you'd rather stick to a screen, Google Maps can be pinned for offline use.
9) Travel Apps
Use the data you save reading hard copy maps for mobile apps to plan your next pit stop. The GasBuddy app can help you find the best gas prices around, or use AroundMe to save time when looking for the nearest drug store, washroom, and so on.
Discover 10 travel apps for your next road trip.
10) Car Maintenance Kit
It's something you hope you'll never have to use, but will be glad to have if you run into car trouble. Stock your kit with items such as jumper cables, tire sealant, a tire pressure gauge, a compact fire extinguisher, and road flares. It's also a good idea to research and practice using these items so you're comfortable using them under pressure. For more ideas, discover
15 essential things to keep in your car.
Now that you're stocked up on the essentials it's time to hit the road! Find InTown Suites'
extended stay properties along your route for your home away from home on your epic adventure.
