Summertime is best known for its wonderful weather, cocktails, mocktails, ice lollies and the list goes on but does not end unless you include road trips. I have never been a fan of road tips because I have a small bladder and any amount of liquid I drink equals 2 visits to the loo or its trouble for me. So imagine my surprise when boo invited me along his road trip across Europe, I obviously accepted and was very happy as I was not going to let this ruin my time with boo. Our road trip from UK to LT lasted over 28 hours, this is one of the longest I have done in my life, I think the last longest was around 20 or less hours driving from ZM to MW a few years back.
I have done a few road trips in my time but I will honestly say none of them had taught me much compared to my recent 28 hour plus one. Today’s post I wanted to share top 5 tips for road trips which I think could be handy for those planning on going on road trips this summer or any time in the year.
Luggage – the beauty about road trip travel is that you can pack as little or as much as you want dependant on the car size. It’s awesome way to travel because there is little to no restrictions on size of your products i.e. face or body products. But my tip is carry the following in an easy to access bag either in front seat with you or back seat: Wipes (All purpose wise for the body), toothbrush and paste, face cloth, bottle of water, plastic cup and face cloth.
Snacks – Again another beauty about road trips is that you can pack as many snacks as you want. Boo and I knew driving through Europe everything is so expensive since the Gas stations are so far away from supermarkets so we decided to pack enough food to feed a small village. I recommend packing the following foods/snacks: Energy bars and drinks, fruits like Bananas, chicken nuggets (even adults like us love these), chocolates (cookies are allowed) and most importantly water. I know me and water don’t mix but during that long road trip you will get dehydrated so it is important to keep hydrated with water and energy drinks to keep you boosted and awake.
Wear comfy clothes – This is a tip from boo, I personally was not too bothered but I am grateful he suggested it. I suggest getting as comfy as you can possibly get, I wore shorts and loose top. No jewellery as I would not recommend it as your digits get swollen. I also wore open comfy flats which I highly recommend as nothing is worse than swollen feet for some this could leave to DVT for lack of movement on long trips.
Neck pillows & Blankets – We knew we would be travelling most of the night so it made sense for us to carry neck pillows and blankets (mostly for me). I slept during the night and Boo slept during the day for quick power naps and our pillows/blankets came in handy. Plus don’t forget your eye mask, this is God sent for sleeping during the day. Boo enjoyed his eye masks big time probably more than me.
First Aid kit – Most people do not realise the importance of having a first aid kit in the car, this is not only for you and your family/friends it’s also for whom ever you could be in the position to help. Now that I am first aid trained I know it is handy to have the first aid items on me on the time. Apart from your usual first aid box content I add in pain killers and for us ladies if not in your handbag I put some pads in the first aid box too. During our road trip Boo started to suffer from headaches it was handy that I had the pain killers and the water that you should always have on you when traveling.
These are some of the road trip tips I wanted to share, what are some of yours?
Do you like road trips? 🙂
Anderson Lachat says
On an unfamiliar road, you never know when the next gas station will appear. When traveling with kids, be sure to stop often — not just for snacks and potty breaks, but also for fun.
Britni says
I really like road trips. Having young kids kind of puts a damper on things, it just means you have to plan ahead a little more!
XmasDolly says
Road trips ahhhhhhhhhh I sure do miss those. Ever since I developed Spinal Stenosis my road trips were over. This brings back so many great memories. Thanks for sharing. ~sigh~
Miranda says
Awww bless, so sorry to hear that. Glad to have brought happy memories.
Rosey says
I’m sad summer’s over and we didn’t take any road trips. We’re usually such big travelers.
Miranda says
Summer is still around here lol, shame about no road trips your end. Maybe next time
Jessica says
I love road trips! I have been on a handful with my husband and it is kind of romantic to some degree and Kind of like a “get to know you” trip as well. Nice roundup!
Miranda says
I totally agree it is romantic and it is the get to know your more type of trip
Colette-JamericanSpice says
I agree with all of these because this is what we do when we travel.
However, we usually only pack a little bit of neosporin and bandaids. I should definitely get a kit.
Thanks for the list!
Miranda says
At least you pack something some people dont even remember at all
Joanne T Ferguson says
I love road trips and they are always so much fun! Thanks for highlighting your top tips in making sure I have everything I need for my next road trip!
Miranda says
You’re most welcome.
Marts says
I love to go on a road trip! Unfortunately I cannot since I am an office person. But yeah, I’d love to explore! Thanks for the info. Might come handy soon!
Miranda says
I am an office person too 8-5 but I use my weekends for most travel.
Shaney Vijendranath says
Comfortable shoes and clothes is a must! We travelled 8 hours by car and it was extremely hot, I was so uncomfortable in my sweat pants.
Miranda says
I am not big on sweat pants but I can imagine they were really hot. Next time I am wearing PJs
lisa @bitesforbabies says
I don’t ever take road trips but I do travel to Europe every summer…many of the items are the same I would bring on a long-haul transatlantic flight!
Miranda says
Ah cool, I am making 2015 my year of travel either road trip or flights.
Bernadette says
I love roadtrips!! We do alot of spontaneous trips so we usually keep a few things in the backat all times.
Miranda says
I need to do some spontaneous trips too
Jacob Fu says
Yeesss! We love going on road trips and these are the perfect tips. Thanks for sharing 🙂
Miranda says
You’re most welcome
CourtneyLynne says
These are some really great tips! I’m all about the snacks on road trips! If I have the right snacks and drinks I’m set!
Miranda says
Thanks, I need to work on my snacks and drinks skills
Ourfamilyworld says
These are wonderful tips. We love going on a road trip. Snacks and game activities for the kids are very important.
Miranda says
Thank you
Liz Mays says
We have some big road trips coming up so this will be handy. Anything that makes the trip easier is helpful!
Miranda says
Thanks Liz and hope the post helps.
Izabela says
Great tips. I love road trips and can’t wait to go on the next one.
Miranda says
Thanks.
Angelic Sinova says
Snacks are a MUST for road trips! Also, a good playlist and a first aid kit! So glad you included that because for some reason most people over look it. Nothing’s worse than not having a bandage when you need it <3
Miranda says
Tell me about I hate not having bandages.
samantha says
I love this list!!! you definitely need a emergency kit and should always make sure tires are good to go on the trip. before going on road trips i would make sure i had a good amout of water and home snacks and a god assortment of music. I will be using some of your tips on my next car trip
Miranda says
Music yes absolutely a must have.
Miranda says
Music yes absolutely a must have.
Lisa says
Great tips for any road trip. I have a first aid kit that is always in my car. Thankfully we have never needed it. The water and snacks are just as important.
Miranda says
Thank you
Nancy (@spiffykerms) says
I am the QUEEN of packing enough snacks for road trips. My husband and I just moved to California from Canada – so of course we’re going to venture out each weekend and explore. So, I’m in charge of snacks. Gotta keep me from getting HANGRY LOL
Miranda says
Hahaha, I suck at snack preparation.
Miranda says
Hahaha, I suck at snack preparation.
LizZ H. says
There are some great tips here!
Miranda says
Thanks
Valerie@Occasionally Crafty says
Great tips! I just got back from a road trip. My number one tip is to pack a hotel/overnight bag so you don’t have to bring EVERYTHING in for a quick overnight stop. I pack swimsuits, pjs, and a change of clothes, plus a few toiletries. Everything else stays in the big bags packed until we get to our destination.
Miranda says
Those are great tips, we had a few essentials and lots of food
Jaime Nicole says
I love the idea of taking wipes, which is not currently on my list. There are SO many road trip messes that wipes would have helped with!
Miranda says
I can emphasise the importance of taking all purpose wipes as I find myself in need of them big time so was happy we took them.
Jodie Paterson says
I went on a road trip recently and we all forgot to bring water and snacks, it was awful haha. Luckily we stopped at a shop to pick some up. I absolutely agree that neck pillows and blankets are a good idea!
Miranda says
I am glad boo thought about water and snacks as if it was me planning we would have forgotten it. Neck pillow is a must have and blankets are welcome
Alicia Marlene says
I love road trips! This is a great post I wish I would have read it before my last trip, but atleast I got it in before I leave this week. Road trips are my most relaxing time. Cranking the tjnes, windows down, enjoying the world! Thanks for a great post!
Xoxo
Alicia
http://www.lifeofafatgirl.ca
Miranda says
Thank you and hope it has been useful