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What To Carry in Your Car While Travelling?

Long-distance drives in my car on panoramic roads have given me some of my most fun and memorable travel experiences. It’s one of the best feelings, especially when I’m travelling with my friends, family or solo. Over the years, I’ve learned that proper planning is key to a successful road trip.

First and foremost, when I’m travelling with my baby, I never forget to pack plenty of baby sleepsuits. I remember one trip where I didn’t bring enough and had to make an emergency stop to buy more when the baby spit up on the last clean one. Lesson learned! Babies can fall asleep anytime in the car, so it’s important to be able to easily change them into sleeping clothes.

Secondly, I’ve found that having a suitable, practical car is a must. There’s nothing worse than breaking down in the middle of nowhere. I make sure my car is well-maintained, fuel-efficient and comfortable to drive, whether I’m going a short distance or all the way across the country.

I also swear by making a detailed packing list before any trip. A list helps me figure out what’s truly essential and keeps me from forgetting important things in the chaos of getting ready to leave. Here are some of the key things I always make sure are on my list:

Below is a List of What You Should Bring While Travelling in a Car;

Medical Kit

 I’ve learned the hard way to always bring a well-stocked first-aid kit. You never know when you or a passenger might need urgent medical care and being prepared has saved me more than once. I make sure to pack:

  • Medications for any pre-existing conditions
  • Motion sickness medicines (I’m prone to car sickness myself)
  • Crepe bandages
  • Band-aids
  • Scissors
  • Cotton swabs and balls

Documents for the Car

While many documents are available online these days, I always bring physical copies when I’m traveling through areas with spotty internet. Having my registration and insurance cards easily accessible has gotten me through many a check post. I keep these in the glove box:

  • Valid driver’s license
  • Up-to-date insurance certificate
  • Vehicle registration

Emergency Car Supplies

After having a tire blow out on a deserted stretch of highway, I never leave home without:

  • Puncture repair kit
  • Jumper cables
  • Car jack
  • Basic car repair tools Even if your car has roadside assistance, it’s always good to be prepared for minor emergencies yourself.

Car Essentials

We are all aware that vehicles are machines and all machines are prone to breaking down sometimes. As you travel, your car might face a mishap along the way. Therefore, carrying specific car emergency kits such as puncture repair kits, jumping cables, car jacks and other basic tools is important. Although most automobile manufacturers give roadside assistance to customers, it’s good to carry these tools to be on the safer side.

Electronic Gadgets

You might need your tablet, smartphone, music system or whichever electronic gadget that might help you in one way or another. Do not forget your phone charger because it is useless to have a phone or tablet discharged. Power banks are useful mobile charging pads and should also be included in this list. Also, a USB cable will help charge your smartphone from the power bank. You can also use the USB cable to play your favourite tracks when you connect it to the car’s music system.

Food and Water

It is not good to depend on the shops to buy food and water because you might not find them everywhere. Therefore, carry enough food and water to your car. If you’re travelling long distances, your food might go bad. So, you can pack a few snacks to get you going until you find a good restaurant.

Essential Things to Keep you Comfortable

You should also carry essential stuff such as pillows and bed sheets to have a comfortable time in the car. Such things might also be helpful, especially when it gets late while you are still on the road and the only option you have is to spend the night in the car. As you carry baby sleepsuits, bringing a pyjama for yourself for the night is good too. 

FAQs.

What should I pack if traveling with a baby?

Always bring extra baby sleepsuits and diapers. Babies often need outfit changes on long car rides. Have a well-stocked diaper bag with wipes, medications, bottles and toys to keep the baby comfortable and entertained.

What documents should I carry in my car?

Keep your driver’s license, vehicle registration and up-to-date insurance certificate in the glove compartment. Having physical copies is crucial when driving through areas with unreliable internet, as digital documents may be inaccessible.

What emergency car supplies are most important?

Pack a puncture repair kit, jumper cables, a car jack and basic repair tools. Even with roadside assistance, it’s good to be prepared for common issues like flat tires or dead batteries, especially on remote stretches of road.

What electronics should I bring?

Bring your phone, tablet, chargers and a power bank. Download maps, playlists, audiobooks or movies to stay entertained and on track. Remember a phone mount and charging cables that work in your vehicle.

What food is best for road trips?

Pack a cooler with water and portable snacks like trail mix, granola bars, dried fruit and jerky. Non-perishable, individually-wrapped portions are convenient and minimize mess. Don’t rely solely on finding restaurants on your route.

About author

Articles

I'm Amir Nour. I've been an auto mechanic for 20 years, working with all types of cars. I started part-time during high school, spending my after-school hours at a workshop changing engine oil. Over the years, I learned a lot and now have knowledge about automatic, petrol, and diesel engines. I work at workshop in Gerry's Car Care, in Brampton. I also buy and sell cars. I love finding cars, fixing them up with my mechanic skills, and selling them in perfect condition. On weekends and in my free time, I enjoy writing online blogs about cars to share my knowledge with the public.
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