My Road Trip Essentials

Last week I was contacted by a representative from RelayRides and invited to participate in their Road Trip Essentials campaign. RelayRides is a peer-to-peer sharing car rental service that connects you (and/or your car) with other folks who need some wheels. While I have never tried their services, I have taken some road trips in the last couple of years, and definitely have some "must-haves" when it comes to hitting the road. (This isn't a sponsored post - I was just invited to participate for fun!)

Here is my list of essentials when it comes to getting in your car and GOING FOR IT like a pro!

Sunglasses. Obviously a long car ride warrants some eye protection. Nothing says "God dammit" like being blinded by sun while you're trying to drive. Personally, I can't be trusted with nice things, so when it comes to sunglasses, Forever21 is my sanctuary. Sunglasses that cost more than $10 can go pound sand, or find some fancy girl's face to hop onto.

Cardigan. The inability to regulate your temperature in a car is one of life's biggest biatches. Pretty sure it's one of Jay Z's 99 problems. A comfy cardigan that you can take on and off as the temperature fluctuates in the car is a must.

Comfy socks. Whether it's summer or winter, taking my shoes off in the car on a long road trip is necessary for me. As a passenger, I need to be able to kick off my shoes and get into a comfortable position. This makes a nice, cozy pair of socks a necessity. In the summer, if you've got the cool air cranking in the car, your footsies will get chilly and need some snuggles. In the winter, you'll probably be wearing comfy socks anyway because... coldness. Go the silly fuzzy sock route, or do what I do and bring along some SmartWool or cushiony hiking socks.

Water bottles.  One big one for every person in the car! If you're savvy and have a cooler in the car with you, bring a couple gallons of water and keep them chilled. Refill your bottles at every rest stop or gas station. 

Dunkin Donuts. If I had my way... Dunkin Donuts iced coffees and Coffee Coolatas would be a part of my daily diet. Unfortunately, Dunks don't exist in Canada - or at least not on this side of the country. It's still on my list of road trip essentials. Just because I don't have it doesn't mean I don't NEED IT. 

Maps. Because I have neither a smartphone nor a Garmin (because it got stolen), road maps and printed directions are kiiiiind of still part of my road game. No matter to me - it's a great exercise in building my directional awareness and map-reading skills.

iTrip or similar iPod connection to your radio. To play dose tunes doe.

A selection of your favorite CDs. Think you're too new-age to use CDs? Joke's on you. In the cities or more densely populated areas, your iTrip will be useless. This is where having your best selection of CDs with you will be a life-saver! Oh, what's that? Your car came equipped with an iPod player and/or auxiliary plugin? Well THAT MUST BE NICE FOR YOU. CONGRATULATIONS ON ALL YOUR SUCCESS. I suppose you're also taking your private jet for your trip, and thus don't even need my "road trip essentials"!?!

Full gas tank and general knowledge of where gas stations and larger towns are located along your route. Just keeping it real logical, guys. You don't want to be stuck out in the desert with no gas for 30 miles in either direction. You just don't. Keep an eye on that gas gauge, too.  Don't zone out and forget to notice when the red "E" is flashing. (David, I'm looking at you.)

Football. Well, why not? Bring along a football to have something fun and active to do when you get out of the car to stretch at rest stops. My personal favorite option is my Nerf Turbo spiral football with the whistle...

Camera. No matter where you're going, there are no doubt going to be some cool things to see along the way. If you don't think that's true, then YOU'RE THE PROBLEM. Sorry for yelling. But it's true. Take pictures, capture the memories you're making!

Snacks. WHOOHOO probably one of the most fun parts about a road trip - picking the snacks! Some good ones to include: Chocolate Turtle Chex Mix, granola bars, Freihofer's Powdered Mini Donuts, gummy candy, almonds, animal crackers, apples, and bananas.

Other less exciting things you shouldn't leave home without:
- fully charged ipods
- fully charged phones

- car phone charger

- paper towels/Kleenex

And just for fun, here are some pictures from one of the last road trips I took - a trip from Vancouver to all parts of Oregon and back again!

What are some of your road trip essentials?
What are your favorite snacks to bring on the road?
Where was your last road trip?

If you'd like any more information about RelayRides, check out their site here. Please note that I've never used the service personally and can't make any claims about how awesome it may or may not be! Poke around and check it out for yourself!

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