Jo drove down to California for the 4th and realized that a road trip can be improved with some preparation. Make sure you have everything ready to ensure safety, comfort, and entertainment.
Here’s a FabList of things to do before you go and what to have in your car to ensure you have a great, safe trip. Happy Trails!
Before you go:
Car Maintenance: Make sure your oil is changed, your fluids (windshield washer, radiator, etc) are topped off, and your tires are full of air. Also make sure your spare tire is ready to go.
Essentials:
Driver’s License, AAA Card, and Car Registration/Insurance: Make sure everything is up to date and easily accessible. Did you know that in some states your car registration must be signed? Jo learned this the hard way and had to pay a fine for that (and for speeding…oops!).
Emergency Kit:
- First-Aid Kit:
- Flashlight with extra batteries
- Road flares and reflective triangles
- Basic tool kit (screwdriver, pliers, adjustable wrench)
- Jump Starter
- Tire Inflator (Chrissie’s family uses this all year round – makes a great gift!)
- Duct Tape
Comfort and Convenience:
- Water Bottle: Make sure it fits into your cup holder!
- Snacks: Whatever makes the time go by! Snack bars, salty snacks, candy.
- A small cooler for drinks, yogurts, veggies.
- Travel Blanket
- Travel Pillow for your sleepy passengers
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen – Yes, it’s needed while driving! Don’t forget the left side of your face and left arm in particular if you’re the driver.
- Travel Mug: Make sure this fits into your cup holder.
- Hand Sanitizer: For after those public bathroom stops.
- Wet wipes
- Tissues
Entertainment:
- Books: Kindle (for your passenger, or for when you arrive)
- Music Playlist: Spotify Road Trip Playlists
- Podcasts: We love Smartless, The Rewatchables (for movie buffs), The Daily, Wiser Than Me with Julia Louis-Dryfus. See our full list here.
- Audible’s all lined up and ready to go. Here are our Summer ’24 Audible Road Trip Picks, as well as last summer’s picks, which are also great options. Read about Joanne’s recent road-trip listening choice for her 13 hour drive that she loved so much she didn’t want anyone calling her to distract her from her book….even 10 hours into the ride!
- Chargers & Power Banks (for the car and at hotels)
Maps & GPS: In addition to your smartphone, a physical map can be a lifesaver in areas with poor reception.
Medications:
Miscellaneous:
- Trash Bags
- Notebook/Pen
- Spare Key
Safe Travels!
BONUS: Nobody knows Road Trips better than Ford CEO and road tripper extraordinaire Jim Farley. We sat down with Jim who gave us his 7 favorite road trips, including where to go, what to drive, what to listen to and who’s riding shotgun!