Planning a summer road trip and don’t know where to start? Here are seven essentials that you shouldn’t leave your driveway without.
Tunes
No road trip is complete without an epic playlist. Whether your style is Country or Indie, remember to download your road trip playlist before you go and have a way to play it through your car speakers. Don’t be afraid to expand your list from only music; podcasts and audiobooks are another great way to spend time on the road.
Navigation
This may seem like a no-brainer, but you’d be surprised how many road trip disagreements could be avoided by having proper navigation. Stay on good terms with your road tripping crew by ensuring you have a backup if your phone dies or reception is lost. Nothing is as trusty as a good old Trip Tik (a customized booklet of your route available for free to CAA Members). And remember, you can never have too many maps!
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Camera Gear
Did you really go on a road trip if you don’t have any photos on Instagram to prove it? No matter if your camera gear is a DSLR and GoPro or just your phone, it will capture your memories forever. A camera is also a great way to film carpool karaoke! To avoid missing a great capture due to a dead battery, make sure you have a car charger and a backup battery pack.
Travel Pillows
Few things are worse than trying to take a nap in a car without a pillow. Leaning on a seatbelt just does not suffice. Pack a travel pillow and blanket. This is also a great back up if you need to spend the night in the car and it just makes the entire trip way comfier. (Disclaimer: naps are for passengers only, not the driver!)
Snacks
When on a trip you not only need to fuel your car, you need to fuel yourself too! Stocking up on snacks ahead of time is an ideal way to avoid pricey gas station eats. Some road trip classics include trail mix, dried fruit, beef jerky, cheese and crackers, veggies, granola bars, and your favourite candy bar. It’s okay to indulge in a few chips and chocolate while on the road, but having a good balance with healthier snacks will make for a better trip in the long run.
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Caffeine
Snacks are great, however, we all know the real fuel for an experienced driver is coffee. Not a coffee drinker? Try a high caffeine tea instead. Whether you’re a coffee addict or a tea lover, the key to success is to bring your own travel mug. Not only is this great for the environment, it also allows you to get more of that liquid gold and keep it hot for the long journey ahead.
A CAA Membership
Last, but certainly not least, is your CAA Membership card! Being a CAA Member not only gives you peace of mind with its Emergency Roadside Assistance, a Membership also provides thousands of discounts. From hotels and restaurants to car rental perks and attraction tickets, a Membership makes the perfect road trip companion.
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