Top 10 Often Forgotten Road Trip Essentials

There’s nothing quite like a good-old road trip. Having the freedom to move at your own pace, stopping when and where you want, makes travelling more convenient and ultimately rewarding. The only part that isn’t much fun is packing! When you’re juggling a long list of things to bring, it can be easy to miss even the most important ones. That’s why, with this guide, and a Thrifty rental car, you’ll be on your way to a stress-free road trip. Here are ten items that are essential, but easily forgotten.

1. Phone Chargers

A phone charger is undeniably important, but so easy to forget. Because we often keep them in the wall until moments before we head out, they can be left behind, leaving a trail of panic! Your car may have a wireless charger, but if not you’ll need to bring your cord along to keep you powered up along the way. Wherever you’re heading, you’ll also want a wall charger for your accommodation and a power bank for when you’re out on foot.

2. Water Bottles

You can always pick up water on the road—but who wants to pay for water? Fill up some bottles at home and take them with you, ideally in a cooler bag lined with ice packs. This way, you won’t have to worry about finding a petrol station or convenience store when you get thirsty, slowing your journey down in the process. 

3. Emergency Kit

It’s easy to forget about things you’ll need in an emergency—probably because emergencies are so unlikely to happen. Still, it’s really important to keep things like a first-aid kid, medication, flashlight, jumper cables and basic tools handy, just in case. Have a think about the items you have, or the items you need to pick up, and bring them along to keep you and the family safe.

4. Sunglasses and Sunscreen

Long drives often mean long hours in the sun. These hours can whizz by without you realising, leaving your eyes and skin exposed to UV and glare. Keep a good pair of polarised sunnies in the glove box, plus some good quality sunscreen for when you’re in and out of the car. Your eyes and skin will thank you later!

5. Printed Maps or Offline Navigation Apps

It’s so easy to just punch a destination into your GPS, and even easier to completely forget where you’re going if the GPS drops out! Always remember that you may not have the best signal in a remote area, so downloading your offline map or keeping a physical map is a great idea for a longer road trip.

6. Rubbish Bags

You’ll probably remember to bring along lots of your favourite snacks, but you may not remember to bring a bag to put the wrappers and  bottle scraps in. Once your on-road snacks are finished, dispose of the evidence in small rubbish bags that you can easily chuck out during stops or at your destination. It’ll make your journey easy and clutter-free.

7. Clothing for all Temperatures

As you travel from place to place, from day to night, temperatures can change drastically. Bring a few layers of clothing so you can change from one to another accordingly. Even if you don’t plan on leaving the car, it can be hard to predict how warm or cold it’ll be inside, so keeping some clothing options nearby will save you having to pull over and unpack your suitcase.

8. Games and Entertainment

Road trips are great fun, but sometimes you need a little extra assistance to keep the fun going. This is where things like podcasts, audiobooks, playlists can really come in handy. If you’re riding with kids, think of some travel games to play and bring along some colouring books or ipads to keep them occupied. This way, the hours will fly by.

9. Basic Toiletries 

If you’re going to be in the car for some time, think about the kinds of things you’d usually use during that time period. There’s nothing more annoying than being on the road and realising that you don’t have things like tissues, wet wipes, limp balm and moisturiser handy, so pack them in a small bag and bring it on-board.

10. Your Curiosity

When you’re on the road, it’s easy to get carried away with the task at hand, and all the organisation that goes with it. Try to remember that the drive can—and should—be part of the fun. Always take a moment to appreciate the scenery, whether that means stopping or just gazing out the window. If something in particular catches your eye, take an unexpected turn and explore it. Stop to grab some roadside fruit, or for lunch at that historic pub or charming cafe. It may add some travel time, but it’ll also add a new experience.

Hit the Road With Confidence, With Thrifty

And there you have it: ten simple things that’ll make your road trip more manageable, and hopefully more enjoyable. But there’s one more thing to add to the list, a Thrifty rental car. If you’re looking for a low-cost, low-fuss rental car that’ll make your next road trip an easy tick-off-the-list, get in touch and book your ride today!