6 Must Haves For The Perfect Road Trip

Taking a road trip can be a once-in-a-lifetime experience. It will allow you to truly bond with your friends or family while also getting to see more of the world. In order to make sure you can focus on having fun and making memories, you will need to plan ahead. Make sure you have these six must-have items packed to make your experience the best you can have.

1. Car Radio

The radio can help set the mood for your whole trip. Having a quality car radio can let you enjoy relaxing music stations like KLOVE, listen to audiobooks, or even play your GPS through your speakers. Listening to the radio can help you stay awake and focused or give you and your fellow travelers some fun tunes to jam to. There are endless options when it comes to upgrading your car's stereo, or you can stick with your basic AM/FM radio. Regardless of what type of system your car has, it will be essential to ensuring your trip is as fun and safe as possible.

2. Emergency Bag

No matter how thoroughly you plan, there are bound to be unexpected issues along the way. Be sure to pack a durable emergency bag full of necessities so you'll be prepared. You should be ready for minor car issues, bad weather and potentially getting lost or stranded. A small emergency can easily turn into a major emergency if you don't have the right items on hand. Leaving for your trip with all the necessities in the trunk will give you peace of mind and help keep you and your passengers safe.

3. Spare Tire

One of the most common road trip issues you can run into is a flat tire. Make sure that you have a spare as well as a jack and proper tools so that your trip doesn't have to end or be severely delayed due to a wrecked tire. Having a spare on hand will allow you to get to a repair shop for a new tire and get back on your way more quickly. You'll also save money on a tow truck if you have the right supplies and knowledge to change the tire yourself.

4. Snacks

Make sure to pack plenty of snacks and drinks for your trip. Staying properly hydrated with a full belly will help you stay focused and have fun. Be sure to have enough for everyone in the car to avoid unnecessary stops and bickering. Snacks and caffeinated drinks will also help you stay awake when driving at night or at the end of a long day. Planning ahead for snacks will also help you stay on budget. You won't need to stop as often and you'll buy food less impulsively if you aren't extremely hungry.

5. Medications

Running out of necessary medications while you're away from home can be dangerous. Make sure that you have enough of your medicine on hand to get you through your entire trip. You should also keep your doctor's number with you in case you do run into trouble. If you run out of or lose your medication you'll need to coordinate with your doctor and a pharmacy nearby to get replacements. In addition to prescription medications, be sure to pack any over-the-counter drugs you will need. Pain relievers, antacids, antihistamines and motion sickness medication could all come in handy on your road trip.

6. Maps

Even though most people have access to GPS through their phone or a device in their car, it is still important to be able to find your way with a map. If you are in a remote location, you may not have access to a signal to search your route online so a backup plan is important. Keeping an atlas or map of the area you are traveling in the car will ensure you have what you need to find your way. You want your vacation to be safe and fun. Be sure to keep your road trip on track by taking all these items along.