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Whether you're itching to take the whole family on a budget-friendly road trip, go on a solo adventure, or just prefer driving over flying (especially as we continue to weather the global pandemic)—a little preparation is the key to a hassle-and-drama-free car ride.
When it comes to road trips, helpful tools span the gamut from utilitarian things like maps, backseat garbages, and roof racks to extend the useable space, to health and wellness items like anti-nausea medication and hand sanitizer to keep you healthy, to amusing add-ons like a handheld video game console and a Polaroid camera for entertainment.
To help you come up with the ultimate packing list, we've compiled more than two dozen road trip essentials that will make your travels safer (and more fun!), regardless of whether you're headed to the beach 10 hours from home or embarking on a multi-week cross-country journey. There are plenty of gadgets and gizmos for everyone in the family—couples, kids, toddlers, tweens, and even dogs. So before you strap in, besides your road trip playlist and travel-friendly snacks, make sure you have these ready to go.
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For Solo Road Trips
APEMAN Dash Cam 1080P FHD DVR Car Driving Recorder
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For Solo Road Trips
APEMAN Dash Cam 1080P FHD DVR Car Driving Recorder
In the event of an accident, a dash cam—a dashboard-mounted camera—ensures you have the proof you need to show you weren't at fault. And bonus:Sometimes your insurance company will even give you a break on your monthly premium just for owning one.
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To ensure safety on the road, it's important to take breaks every two hours, saysa senior program manager for the NationalSafetyCouncil. For couples traveling together, take turns driving withyour co-pilot and prepare to comfortably snooze with this fluffy infinity pillow wrapped around your neck.
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It's wise to have a first-aid kit on hand in case of emergency so that a little cut or a jammed finger doesn't ruin the fun. This mini kit includes nearly 100 hospital-grade supplies, including band-aids and antiseptic, but is easy to stash in a glove compartment or center console.
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Rand McNally 2021 Large Scale Road Atlas
Though you might not initially think you need a physical map—that's what the GPS on your phone is for—Redditors say it's a must-have, since technology and, particularly phone service, can fail.
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This compact game console (it's just 6.2 inches!) will provide endless hours of fun in the car for kids and adults alike.
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Okay, so it's not technically an "essential," but these whimsical custom-made air fresheners that come in nine unique scents can be personalized with any photo you like, so even if your toddlerisn't along on the journey, she'll always feel close.
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For Cross Country Trips
Beam Electronics Universal Smartphone Car Air Vent Mount
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For Cross Country Trips
Beam Electronics Universal Smartphone Car Air Vent Mount
Taking your eyes off the road—even briefly—can have dire consequences. According to the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, looking down for even 5 seconds when you're going 55 mphis like driving the equivalent of a football field with your eyes closed. If you count on your phone's GPS to guide you, this smartphone mount will help you focused straight ahead.
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These organizers feature spots to cradle a tissue box, cup holders, and more to setbackseat passengers up for a comfortable ride. It also has space to fit an iPad if you're looking toprovide endless entertainment for kids.
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For Cross Country Trips
High Road StashAway Car Trash Can with Lid and Storage Pockets
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For Cross Country Trips
High Road StashAway Car Trash Can with Lid and Storage Pockets
Now 35% Off
Any good road trip includes plenty of snacks, especially for kids, but all those wrappers need not end up on the floor. Hook this portable leak-prooftrash can onto the back of the center console to keep your car tidy en route.
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For Long Drives
S'well Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
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For Long Drives
S'well Vacuum Insulated Stainless Steel Water Bottle
When the hot summer sun is beating in your windows and thirst strikes, the miles between rest stops can feel extra long. Alternatively, if you're roadtripping through the cold winter months, there's nothing like having a steamy beverage in your hands.This water bottle, which keeps liquid cold for up to 24 hours—or hot for 12!—will help you stay hydrated throughout your journey.
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For National Park Trips
Igloo Iceless Thermoelectric Cooler
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For National Park Trips
Igloo Iceless Thermoelectric Cooler
Now 15% Off
Whether you're planning to stop for a picnic or simply want to bring some perishable snacks along for the ride, this cooler plugs into your car's dash to keep food and drinks as cool as 36 degrees—no ice required.
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It's not easy to eat in the car especially if you have a toddler in tow, but once you've finished lunch, you don't have to sit in a bed of potato chip crumbs for the rest of the ride. This compact, but high-powered vacuum plugs into your dash to assist with quick clean-ups.
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Don't settle for subpar coffee from any old rest stop; stash these packets in your glove compartment instead. Simply drape the origami-style pouch over your thermos, filter water through, and add the condensed milk to your liking for barista-style coffee—no special tools required.
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Fill this USB powered diffuser with your favoriteessential oilsto help relax, refresh, and rejuvenate on a long drive cross country.
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If your car is jam-packed, free up valuable space byadding a cargo bag to the roof to stowanything you won't need enroute. This waterproof soft-sided carrier is a great option, since you don't need any special roof racks for installation.
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Like an extension cord for your USB-powered devices (smartphones, e-readers, and more), this small gadget provides ample space to power up, soyou and your passenger won't have to squabble over who needs the charger more.