Most everyone loves road trips. What’s not to love? Besides the occasional horrendous traffic, road trips are a great way to expand your areas of travel, imagination, get a sense of freedom and relax. Whether you go on a road trip by yourself or with friends or family, there are road trip essentials that everyone needs to have with them. I have broken these essentials down into categories, for your convenience.

Car-Essentials:

There are many things that are necessary for road trips incase of car inconveniences.

1. Jumper cables

This should be a no-brainer, but many people do not carry these with them. If for some reason your car battery were to die, or someone else’s, you have to have jumper cables to jump-start the car. These should be in every vehicle.

2. Spare tire, tire jack, tire iron

Most of the time these things come with the vehicle when you buy it, but if for some reason you do not have these things and get a flat tire, you’re out of luck. These should also be in every vehicle.

3. Tire pressure gauge

This is useful for when the little “low tire pressure” light flickers on, on your dashboard. That way you can pull over, measure each tire’s pressure and add air to the appropriate tire(s).

4. Flash light

This is for as much your own benefit as for the car. If, for some reason, you need to find something in the dark, you have a light! This is also useful if there is ever trouble under your vehicle’s hood.

5. First aid kit

I know that Volkswagens come with first aid kits, but I’m not sure about other car brands. But whether or not your car comes with one, you should have one. If your vehicle does not come with one, I suggest making your own. Mine consists of Band-Aids of all sizes, Bactine spray, Neosporin, Tylenol, Ibuprofen, Sudafed, tweezers, mini scissors, gauze, gloves, antiseptic wipes and a few other little things.

6. Ice scraper

If you live or are traveling somewhere that you know it is going to snow, this is useful to get the ice off your windows and windshield so that you can actually see while driving.

7. Umbrella

No one wants to get out of his or her car and get soaked by rain. Always carrying an umbrella prevents that!

8. Blanket

Incase your vehicle breaks down and it’s cold outside, a blanket can come in very handy. Or if one of your passengers is cold and wants to take a nap!

9. Baby wipes

These are extremely useful in the car. I keep a cheap, Walmart brand, pack of baby wipes in my glove compartment and use it to clean up spilled drinks, clean my hands before eating, among other uses.

10. Spare money

You never know when you’ll have an emergency. Whether it’s for food, gas, or another incident, having spare money hidden in your vehicle is always a good idea.

Self-Essentials:

Eating on the road can get expensive. It’s a good idea to go a couple days before your trip and get some snacks. A few of my favorites are: Luna protein bars, Lance sandwich crackers, a few of your favorite candy bars and Cheerios.

2. Drinks

I always buy a pack of water to keep in the trunk or back seat, and put two or three up in the front with me. I’ve also found that Red bull is an essential (especially if your road trip is over five hours). I love the new blueberry flavored ones.

3. Pencil and Paper

If you are a passenger on your road trip, or if you have others traveling with you, having a pen and pencil is very useful. Write down or draw some of the awesome things you see along the way!

4. Plastic grocery store bags

I mainly use these as trash bags. I really hate having a trashy, dirty car and using these bags (that EVERYONE saves anyway) is an easy way to keep your vehicle clean.

5. Tissues

This is basically self-explanatory. If you need to wipe your nose or clean up something, use a tissue.

6. Aux cord

Today’s car rides, short or long, require and auxiliary cord. Crank up those tunes, sing along and enjoy your amazing road trip!

7. A good book

If you’re a passenger on said road trip, a good book is always a key item to have to pass the time by. If you’re going solo, take at least one book to read once you reach your destination!

8. Phone charger

For those using their phone to listen to music on their auxiliary cord, and/or as a GPS on his or her drive, chances are you’ll need a phone charger to keep your phone just as alive as you are.

9. Sunglasses

Everyone needs sunglasses, especially if your road trip takes up many hours/several days and you’re battling sunrises or sunsets.

Road trips are fun, relaxing ways to take a unique type of vacation. Whether you go on a road trip by yourself or with friends or family, take these road trip essentials with you, and you’ll be golden.