Road trip essentials can make or break your next adventure. New experiences on the open road are what make road trips so alluring, whether you’re going solo or with your closest friends, chasing a coastal drive or heading inland for a change of sceneryBut you don’t want to simply jump in the car without any preparation — you never know when an emergency might arise, and a little planning goes a long way once you’re a few hours from the nearest town. These road trip essentials will help make your next trip more enjoyable, and much safer.
Road Trip Essentials: 5 Must-Have Items
1. Maps
Even with your route planned out, bring a map of the areas you’ll be driving through. That way you can easily find the right road if you hit a detour or want to explore somewhere new. A paper map works, but downloading a GPS app like Google Maps is more convenient — and Google Maps lets you save areas for offline viewing, handy if you lose signal (which happens more often than you’d think on a road trip). Screenshot your accommodation address and any booking confirmations too, in case you lose reception right when you need them most Our fuel and trip cost calculator is also worth checking before a longer drive, so you know roughly what to expect.
2. Portable Battery Packs
It’s easier than ever to look up local reviews or share photos on the go, but most phones only last a day under normal use — GPS and other data-heavy apps drain batteries even faster. A portable battery pack is a cheap, easy fix. Just remember to charge it beforehand and bring the right cable for your device.
3. Water and Snacks
Road trips can easily run for several hours. If you’re in for a long stretch, pack water and snacks in advance — fruit, granola bars or nuts all travel well. Packing a picnic lunch is a fun option too, and it saves money if you’re on a tighter budget.
4. Basic Toiletries
Keep the car stocked with paper towels, cleaning wipes and hand sanitiser, plus toilet paper just in case — not every rest stop keeps their restrooms fully supplied. Sunglasses and sunscreen are worth packing too, for visibility and sun protection.
5. Emergency Kit
Hopefully you won’t need it, but an emergency kit is worth having — Band-Aids, antiseptic, antibiotic ointment, aspirin, gauze pads, bandages, a flashlight, duct tape, multi-tools and jumper cables all earn their place. This RAC-endorsed WA road trip checklist is a good source if you want a more complete rundown of what to pack.
If you’re planning a trip and need a car rental, we can help. At Ace Rent A Car, we have an extensive fleet of vehicles available for hire. Contact us today to arrange your next road trip.