Organizing a road trip can become stressful if you’re not well organized. However, if you have a clear list of what you need to bring on the road, your spring road trip will be the most relaxing and memorable spent time with your friends and family.
Gadgets and gear
Making sure you have a smartphone with you on a road trip is very important. Lots of useful smartphone apps such as Google Maps, Google Translate, and WhatsApp will help you find your way and stay in touch with your friends and family. Also, GPS can be quite useful since Google Maps isn’t always the most reliable source of information. Google Maps doesn’t always have driving directions that are up to date either. In cases like these having a good old reliable GPS will help you find your way.
Another very useful gear to have on a road trip is a wireless hotspot. Portable Wi-Fi or cellular data plan can be a lifesaver on longer road trips. These portable Wi-Fi devices will let you stay connected anywhere you go. And the best feature is the possibility for up to six devices to connect. This way you will be able to access Google Maps and other useful apps no matter where you are.
And because you are most likely going to use your phone for the most part of the trip, either to find your way or to communicate with others, your phone will need constant recharging. This is where phone mounts come in handy. This way you will have a permanent spot to hold your phone and charge it whenever you need to. It will keep the clutter down and make everything more accessible. You can also bring your camera if you want to capture all the new memories and fun times you spend with your friends and family on this road trip.
Clothes for the road trip
Packing the right clothes for the road trip is also an essential part of every packing list. The most important thing to keep in mind is to always opt for comfy clothes for the trip. The last thing you want during those long car rides is to feel uncomfortable in your own skin. Also, bring a number of different clothing pieces for different weather conditions. Dressing in layers will enable you to adjust to whatever weather awaits you at your final destination. Some of the clothing essentials would definitely be shirts, pants, underwear, pajamas, swimsuits, comfy jackets, lots of warm socks, and so on.
Road trip snacks
Packing the food for the road trip can be very tricky. You have to be careful with picking what food to bring because some of them are more suited for road trips and others aren’t. Try to avoid anything sticky or messy and implement healthier snacks. Even though you can stop to get some food along the way, it’s always useful to have some snacks in the car as well. Make sure to bring fresh fruit and veggies such as grapes, blueberries, and snap peas, and store them in plastic boxes. Get familiar with meal prepping too, it can be quite useful.
In case you’re planning to bring some food that can easily go bad, make sure to bring suitable high-quality camping setup such as fridge boxes that will keep your food in good condition. Store your fruits and milk products in these boxes, but try to avoid bringing bananas. No one wants the stinky smell of over-ripe banana peel in the car. Also, keep a water bottle close. It is very important to stay hydrated on these long road trips.
Toiletries
Make sure to also bring some essential toiletries. If you need to take any prescription medicines, pack them nicely in plastic containers and make sure to bring more than enough for the trip. Don’t forget Tylenol and other headache medicine. Bring your sunscreen. Sun protection is recommended for everyone, no matter the age. Sun exposure is one of the main causes of premature ageing and even worse skin issues such as skin cancer. Bring your shampoo, conditioner and other personal care products such as hand sanitizers, hand lotion, chapstick, etc. Pack some extra roll of toilet paper, bug spray, and wet wipes.
Fun stuff
Last, but not least, consider bringing some fun games for road trips. After all, the whole point of the road trip is to have fun with your friends and family while traveling. Be creative. Find different board games, or bring playing cards. Create a playlist of your favorite songs. Any form of entertainment will be great for making time on the road pass faster.
Conclusion
All things considered, going on a road trip requires some detailed planning in advance. It’s important to keep in mind all the necessities and essentials that you will need on the road. Make a list of all the things you need and you are ready for your spring road trip.
About the Author

Neil White
Neil White is an automotive&travel journalist from Sydney. Neil was into cars since he can remember, and road trips are his greatest childhood memory. Combining journalism and traveling is something that he was dreaming about, so now he is considering himself a really happy person.