Summer road trips growing up were always my favorite thing to do with my parents. Now as an adult, it’s one of our favorite things to do as a newlywed couple. Whether you pick a day to just jump in the car and go, or you are planning a multiple-day road trip it’s always good to stay organized. I learned a lot of great road trip tips from my dad and I want to share them with you! I’ve put together my top 5 ways to stay organized on a road trip that you can save for the next time you are planning an epic road trip!
The Snack Bag & Cooler
Often gas station pricing can be higher on things like snacks and drinks so packing a bag for snacks and a cooler will help you stay within your road trip budget. Here are a few ideas for packing your snack bag:
- Paper goods such as paper towels, plates, or tissues
- Wash your hands on the go with hand wipes and hand sanitizer
- Pack plenty of gum, sweet treats, and snacks such as chips, beef jerky, premade popcorn, peanut butter crackers, etc.
- Stock your cooler with water, sports drinks, and premade sandwiches to have on your first day on the road.
Car Preparation
Before you run out the door make sure that you have thoroughly looked your car over for any hazards that might come up on the road. It’s better to catch them now, than a day or two on the road. I always check the tire pressure, which includes the spare, oil level, and fill the tank up with gas so we are ready to hit the road first thing in the morning.
Growing up and still to this day, my dad would always take the car to get washed, fill up the tank with gas and vacuum the inside of the car before we leave for a big road trip. This has stuck with me even as an adult. One of my favorite tools to keep the inside of our car clean is the Hoover DustChaser Cordless Mini Vacuum. I love how lightweight and compact it is, weighing less than 3 lbs. It is cordless with fifteen-minutes of runtime and it is great for tackling tight spaces, such as in cars and hard-to-reach areas with the extended nozzle and tools. Having a clean car inside and out will make organizing your car for your road trip easier. It also makes the road trip that much more enjoyable with a clean space.
Emergency Kit
Emergencies can happen anywhere and your car is a great place to have a few extra items stored “just in case.” Items we like to keep in the car are an extra blanket, flashlight, and weather radio. In Texas, our weather can range from 100 to the teens in the course of a year, so it is better to be prepared for times when you need extra help. Also having a first aid kit in the car is a good idea.
Fur Friends
Take care of your pets, they are family too. When traveling with your pets it can be stressful for them too. Having a dedicated space in the car helps you stay organized. Pet Packing List:
- Collar (with tags) and Leash
- Water and food bowls
- Waste bags for stopping at rest areas
- Soft bed or kennel
- Favorite toys
Entertainment Station
Besides playing the classic road trip games like “License Plate” and “I spy”, it is inevitable that our phones and tablets will be present and entertaining passengers. Putting together a bag or storage bin that holds your various chargers, tablets, games, books and crafts for the kids will keep you organized on the road.
