Happy Friday everyone! It’s going to be an exciting weekend for Canadians as we’re celebrating Victoria Day. Victoria Day is a federal public holiday that lands on May 23rd this year, which means Canadians are gearing up for a long weekend. For many of us, we like to take this opportunity to head out of town, see the mountains, and reconnect with nature.
Preparation is key to a smooth and successful trip. Whether you’re planning on hitting the road this weekend or this summer, I’ve compiled a list of essentials that have been very helpful for me during my travels. Here are 13 road trip essentials.
1) Important Paperwork and Documentation. Before you hit the road, make sure that your paperwork and documentation are readily available and up to date. This includes your license, registration, and insurance policy.
2) Emergency Kit. Every car should be equipped with an emergency kit. Depending on the length of your road trip, you may choose to reduce or double the number of items in your kit. Items such as a first aid kit, batteries, non-perishable food, and water are an example of some items that should be readily available. Visit my post ‘8 Emergency Essentials You Need for Your Car’ for more.
3) Medication and Supplements. Don’t forget to bring necessary medications and supplements on your trip. You can also have pain killers, allergy medication, and antacids handy just in case.
4) Charge Your Devices. Make sure you have all your devices charged before you head out. Whether you’re using your devices for entertainment, reading, music, or as a GPS, it’s important to have everything charged beforehand so you’re able to utilize them. You may also choose to bring a portable charger for your devices in the event you or someone in your group needs it.
5) Stay Hydrated. It’s very important to stay hydrated, especially during a road trip. Encourage everyone to bring a reusable tumbler filled with water. The great thing about reusable tumblers is they have temperature control. You can save space in your car by leaving behind your cooler knowing that the tumbler will keep your drink nice and cold all day long.
6) Fill Up. Fill up your tank before you start your trip. While you’re at the gas station, be sure to check your tire pressure as well. (Most stations in Canada offer this service.) If you’ve got a gauge at home, be sure to check the pressure before you head out.
7) Bring Snacks. Snacks are the best part about a road trip and depending on where you’re going, there may not be a place to eat for miles. I tend to make a trip to the grocery store several days before my trip to save time and money. If you haven’t planned that far ahead, you can pick up some snacks before you make your trip.
8) Napkins, Wet Wipes, and Hand Sanitizer. With all the snacking going on in the car, you may not always be able to find a place to pull over to wash your hands. Keep yourself and the car clean by having napkins, wet wipes, and hand sanitizer handy.
9) Trash Can. To ensure maximum comfort and cleanliness, be sure to have a trash can handy. You can bring a small waste bin from home and tuck it by your feet, or simply just use a small trash bag.
10) Extra Clothing and Accessories. When it comes to trips in general, it’s important to expect the unexpected. I often carry a tote with a pillow, blanket, hat, t-shirt, sweater, rain jacket, umbrella, and socks. I also encourage everyone else in your group to do so as well. In the event the weather gets too hot or too cold, you can still enjoy your trip knowing you’ve packed some extra clothing.
11) Personal Hygiene Kit. Carrying a personal hygiene kit may or may not be necessary depending on the length of your trip. However, if you plan on carrying one, a few examples of what you can include are facial wipes, makeup, a toothbrush, toothpaste, mouthwash, floss, a hairbrush, nail clippers, and deodorant.
12) Reusable Tote. Whether you’re going on a hike or plan on doing some shopping, having a reusable tote readily available is always a good idea. You can use it to carry your reusable tumbler along with any other articles of clothing and accessories that you may need when you leave the car, such as an umbrella.
13) Camera, Binoculars, and Other Accessories. If you plan on going sightseeing or you’re interested in photography, be sure to bring your camera and binoculars.
How will you be celebrating Victoria Day? What are your must-have items and accessories for road trips? For those who don’t reside in Canada, what are your plans for the weekend? I’d love to know!
These are all a must for road trips. For us, coffee and snacks are the most important.
Yes, coffee is an absolute must! Thank you for reading!
These are all such helpful tips! I can’t wait to get back out on the road again soon… and I love your tip for staying hydrated, that truly is so important!
Yes, staying hydrated is so important! Thank you for reading Heidi. I hope there’s an opportunity this year for you to go on a road trip!
This is so helpful! I actually JUST returned from a cross country road trip with my husband and we used several of these tips.
That’s wonderful! I hope you both had an amazing time. Thank you for reading Isabelle!
Sounds this list so good. Thank you so much for sharing.
Thank you for reading Mariann!
Great ideas! The reusable tote seems like such a needless addition but trust me, the number of times it has come in handy are innumerable!
Oh absolutely! It’s definitely one that comes in handy every single time. Thank you for reading Pooja!
These are some really great suggestions for things you would need when taking a road trip/trip. I always make sure my technology is charged, have hand sanitiser, a face mask, water and snacks! Thank you for sharing your ideas and tips!
Lauren x
Yes, those are absolute musts! Thank you for reading Lauren!
Absolutely amazing tips, my biggest challenge during most of my road trips is that my devices are usually not fully charged. For my next road trip, this would be my checklist.
Bringing a portable charger is so helpful on long trips! Thank you so much for reading Dorcas!
Great tips. I always have trouble with staying hydrated. I’m planning a big road trip up to Canada next month to visit Banff and Jasper National Parks and I can’t wait!
How exciting! Banff has magical views, you’ll absolutely love it! I haven’t been to Jasper yet, but hopefully this summer will be the first. Thank you for reading Wendy!
These are all great suggestions and this post makes a good checklist before a road trip. Thanks for sharing. Have a great Victoria Day Weekend!
Thank you so much Jodie! I hope you have a wonderful Happy Victoria Day weekend!
Lovely suggestions and tips! Personally, I always carry an extra hand sanitiser, napkin, wet wipes and band-aids with me before going on a road trip! I will definitely consider using a reusable tote, too! Thank you so much for sharing. x Penny | http://www.whatdidshetype.com
Yes, those items are absolutely key! I even keep a few in my bag at all times. Thank you for reading Penny!
Ooh great suggestions! I’ve never been on a road trip before but I’d love to someday, and this will be really handy. I’d have never thought of bringing a small trash can but I can only imagine how useful that’ll be! Thank you so much for sharing, I hope you enjoy Victoria’s Day x
I’m so happy you found these tips helpful! Bringing a small trash can with you is so important, it keeps your space nice and clean so you can enjoy your trip. Thank you so much for reading and I hope you have a wonderful weekend Ceri!
This makes me want to get out and about in a road trip! I love your tips; they are brilliant and will help make it a great experience.
Thank you so much Molly! Preparation is key and these tips will hopefully make things much easier!
This is such a helpful list! I’ve always absolutely loved road trips but it’s been a few years since I’ve had one. I’ll have to plan something this autumn with my husband and I’ll certainly be turning back to this list to prepare fully!
Thank you so much Stephanie! I hope you have a wonderful trip with your husband in the fall!
I’m keeping this for my next road trip! So helpful!
That’s wonderful to hear! Thank you so much Sofyah!
I’d love to go on a big road trip one day and these are some of the essentials I would bring with me! x
Lucy | http://www.lucymary.co.uk
I’m glad to hear it! Thank you for reading Lucy!
So helpful! I’m pinning this for later. I firmly believe road trips are incomplete without snacks. As in my case, I never leave home without them. Thank you for sharing this!
Thank you so much Vanelle! Snacks are the best part of going on a road trip! 😀
Great article and reminder, thank you for sharing
Thank you for reading!
I’ve never been on a road trip but I’d love to do one one day. These are great tips. I’d never have thought to take a small trash can with me but what a great idea x
Road trips are a ton of fun and I hope you can experience one soon! Having a small trash can is a must. Thank you for reading Jenny!
These are all such great points. We’re looking at getting a campervan soon so these will all be essentials for us. Snacks are a MUST! Haha.
Claire.X
http://www.clairemac.co.uk
Oh how exciting! I hope you and your family have many wonderful adventures in the new camper-van. Thank you for reading Claire!
I love this! Snacks are a must, and whenever I go anywhere (even a short trip) I always carry a water bottle and a few snacks- just in case! Great post x
Yes, snacks are super important along with hydration! Thank you for reading Eleanor!
Thanks for sharing this essential list. I thought I was super organised and had our ‘road trip pack’ aced but alas your list is brilliant. Next time I’ll need to include some of those documents you mentioned. Never thought of those 🙄
I’m so glad this has been helpful! I’ve been adding to my list for years and it can always use improvement time and time again. Thank you for reading!
Great list and I think it’s good to place an emergency kit and medication on top because these are often forgotten and sometimes hard to access in need. Unlike forgotten snacks – these will remind themselves quick enough and with time to find them. Car emergency kits should be checked also that they contain everything. It’s easy to use when in need but often forgotten to replace used items.
Emergency kits and medication(s) are absolutely essential. Thank you for reading!