6 Things to Get Before a Long Road Trip

There are a lot of things to get before a long road trip!

Headed out on the open road? You’ll need to prepare for a long journey with lots of stops. What should you carry with you? There are the basics and then there are the things that will save you time, money, and worry on the road. An extended warranty for instance, keeps your car in good shape so it can take you to your destination.

Extended warranties and emergency kits help ensure you have a safe, enjoyable vacation. 

Here’s a list of six things to buy or collect before you head out on the road: 

Extended Warranty

When was the last time you checked your warranty coverage? If your car’s factory warranty has run out, it might be a good idea to get an extended warranty before your trip. Extended car warranty covers repairs for certain auto systems and can even provide roadside assistance and car rental reimbursement. 

Make sure you complete any scheduled maintenance before you strike out on the road. Whether or not you have warranty coverage, your car should be in tiptop shape before you get behind the wheel. 

Be sure to check your local repair shops to see what you would be spending on regular and unscheduled repairs before you invest in an extended warranty. However, a short-term warranty might be a great idea before you take an extended road trip.

Make sure you do your research before signing a contract with an extended warranty provider. Online reviews like these Protect My Car reviews are a good source of legitimate information on these warranty plans. 

Emergency Kits

You need to make sure you’re prepared for anything on the road. Here’s a list of a few emergency kits you should take with you and what they should contain. On the list of things to get before a long road trip, an emergency kit is top priority.

• Emergency car kit: A copy of your license and insurance paperwork and your car’s manual should help in case of any emergency. Any paperwork that has to do with the car or that you might need in an emergency should make it into an envelope you keep in the car. Also, make sure your fluids are topped off and your spare tire is inflated properly. 

• Roadside emergency kit: Consider packing or purchasing a roadside emergency kit with items like a battery charger, flares, duct tape, flashlight, and rain poncho, etc. Be sure you have standard car safety items and any extras for inclement weather, such as snow scrapers and umbrellas, you expect on the trip. 

• First aid kit: Be sure to include headache medicine, bandages, antibiotic ointment, break-apart cool packs, and any medications your family needs. Other good ideas are vitamin C packs, tissues, Chapstick, and common cold meds. 

Though the following are not necessarily emergency supplies, these would come in handy while you’re on the road:

• Snacks and beverages: Stock up early with individually packaged items that will stay fresh. It’s also a good idea to keep drinks in a small cooler. Avoid packing snacks that would melt or make a mess if spilled or left out in the weather. Remember, your car’s interior is essentially your living space on the road, so keep those crumbs to a minimum. 

• Extra clothes: Make sure you can stay comfy on the road with an extra pair of clothes to change into. Extra socks will make sure your feet don’t suffer as well. 

Spare supplies

It’s easy to pack too much on a road trip, but one thing you don’t want to forget is extra chargers or batteries. If you have extra chargers, pack them ahead of time so you know you have one in your bag. 

Other ideas for spares are:

• Headphones
• Charger cords
• Cash
• Flashlight
• Toilet paper
• Camera
• Books
• Hat

Apps and Maps

You might know where you’re going, but if you want to explore areas on the way, travel apps and paper maps are the way to go. Don’t forget to download your favorite audiobooks, movies, or tunes for the road and travel games for the whole family. 

Consider downloading apps for the following before you take off:

• Navigation
• Podcasts
• Playlists
• Audiobooks
• Games
• Travel Info
• Gas prices
• Traffic 

Gear for Relaxing and Quiet Time

Pillows and blankets and cozy clothes should all make the road trip easier for everyone. The more comfortable the trip, the fewer the stops, which can save you money on the road. It’s also a good idea to pack books, toys, and other things to keep everyone quiet and occupied on those long stretches of the road trip. Your list of things to get before a long road trip needs to include down time options!

Safety Kit

A safety kit is a must-have if you’re planning a road trip soon. This toolkit should contain supplies like face masks and face shields, disinfecting wipes, disposable gloves, and hand sanitizer. These supplies can help keep you and your family protected at pit stops and rest stops. 

Packing All the Things to Get Before Your Long Road Trip

The key to efficiently packing for a road trip is to prepare everything you need ahead of time. Make a list so you don’t leave anything behind, even if you’re rushing to leave the house on the first day of your trip.