4 Essentials for Traveling by Car
Does quarantine have you ever swapping out your jet-setting vacays and overseas getaways for humble staycations and in-state road trips by car ? If you’re turning to your trusty four-wheeler for your next big adventure, make certain to incorporate these four essentials on your packing list, otherwise you might just end up wishing for subsequent stay-at-home order.
Essential #1: A Reliable Navigation System in car
Yes, your smartphone has built-in GPS apps that you simply probably believe regularly to urge around town. But the further off the grid you get, the more you’ll be wishing for a steadfast navigation system for your car which will offer you real-time traffic updates, safety warnings, and even notify you of nearby can’t-miss attractions.
Affordable Alternative: Offline maps for your smartphone are great low-cost alternatives to an in-car GPS. Once you discover the town or area you’re trying to find , you’ll download the map while connected to Wi-Fi, then use it offline all day long. Either way, you’ll save your valuable data for your jealousy-inducing Instagram posts.Offline maps for your smartphone are great low-cost alternatives to an in-car GPS. You can also plan your routes and stops using a fast route planner app before hitting the road.
Essential #2: A Balanced Wardrobe
Whether you’re headed for the beach, the mountains, the large city, or the wilderness, every road trip involves a couple of key clothing items.. These are:
Comfy clothes – Hoodies, t-shirts, slip-on shoes, sports bras or bralettes for the women , and comfy sweatpants for everybody . Automotive travel isn’t a fashion show. Aim for comfort over everything else.
Athletic wear – albeit you’re not planning on doing plenty of strenuous activity, you’ll still want to be prepared with a couple of options you’ll break a sweat in, especially comfortable footwear. Well-made trainers for ladies might not be the cutest search for a day fashion or an evening on the town, but they’ll save your life on an extended hike or scenic walk (both figuratively and, possibly, literally).
Weather-specific outfits – Always research the weather before packing, albeit you think that you recognize what it’ll be like. Nothing puts a damper on an overcast beach trip like packing nothing but shorts and tank tops—at least with a sweater, you’ll make sandcastles without shivering.
Essential #3: Group and Solo Entertainment
What does every road trip, regardless of the length, location, or demographic, have in common?
A stellar playlist.
Whether you employ Spotify, Apple Music, or any number of music streaming alternatives, the right playlist for your road trip crew is merely a couple of clicks away.
However, as fun because it is to sing to your favorite songs together with your buddies, you ought to still pack some personal items that leave alone time, too. Pack books, movies, games, or whatever else will sustain your attention for hours on end. If you’re susceptible to ketosis , consider downloading some podcasts or audiobooks instead.
Affordable alternative: If you don’t have the newest personal gaming console, just like the Nintendo Switch or PlayStation Portable, download some free games for your smartphone to stay yourself entertained for hours. regardless of what your buddies say, you’ll never fail with a touch Toy Blast or Candy Crush.
Essential #4: Chargers, Cables, Consoles (Oh My!)
Just because you’re hitting the open road doesn’t mean you would like to be permanently disconnected from the remainder of the planet . the will to unplug doesn’t need to be literal.
Your cellphone is usually playing double, triple, and even quadruple duty once you pass by car. From taking photos to playing music to looking up your next layby , you would like full access, even on those long stretches of open highway.
That’s why you’ll always remember to bring these must-have gadgets:
A car charger – A charger for your car is straightforward , but important. Don’t believe making it through the day with the complete charge you bought overnight or assume you’ll be ready to connect while expecting lunch at the roadside diner. If you’re traveling with a gaggle (and aren’t trying to find a continuing fight), get one with multiple USB ports and cables long enough to succeed in the rear seat.
A dashboard mount – If you’re getting to use your smartphone as a GPS, put it somewhere you’ll actually see it. When you’re on an unfamiliar road with low visibility and questionable weather , you’ll be thankful you don’t need to keep looking down at your phone on your lap or trying (unsuccessfully) to prop it up against the gearshift.
A two-for-one AUX and charging dongle – Unless you’ve got Bluetooth speakers in your car (or still use CDs), you’ll need an AUX cord to play your music. except for newer iPhones sans-headphone jack, you’ll need a double-duty adapter that permits you to agitate and throw down all directly , so you never need to compromise.
Beyond these essentials, there are plenty of available gadgets for your car which will make road trip life that far better .
Hit The Open Road
With a well-stocked trunk and therefore the right road snacks, anything is feasible . Make the simplest of your car pass by being present, positive, and most significantly , prepared.