Who doesn’t like road trips? It is one of the best ways to spend your vacation. One of the leading benefits of road-trip is that it is hassle-free. You do not have to wait in long queues and arrive way before the time you want to leave. Plus, in the current situation, you will not have to worry about being at a place where you can come in contact with large crowds.

Moreover, you cannot deny the flexibility that a road trip offers. The spontaneity associated with road trips makes them all the more thrilling! While there are fewer things to worry about on a road trip, there are a few essential things that you must have if you go on car journeys frequently. Here is a list of things that you must have if you are a road trip fanatic:

1)Keep your license and insurance updated.

These things are pretty obvious but very important nonetheless. If you are a frequent road trip enthusiast, you must stay updated on the expiry and renewal dates of your license and your car’s insurance. Having third-party car insurance is legally mandatory in almost all states. This insurance covers costs for third-party injuries or damages if the insured vehicle is involved in a road accident.

Although an International Driving Permit (IDP) is not a requirement for interstate driving in the United States, it would not hurt to get one. An IDP will give you an extra form of identification, which can come in handy if you ever lose your driver’s license or are stopped by a police officer. You can get your international driving license online or through your local AAA.

You must also have your license on you at all times. If you get pulled up during your trip and fail to show your license, you will most likely get a ticket.

2)Talk about roadside assistance with your insurance company

While having road trips could be spontaneous and fun, being stranded on an empty road for car problems can be equally frustrating. One of the main concerns of people who plan road trips revolves around the breakdown of their cars in the middle of their trips. In such circumstances, roadside assistance offered by insurance companies comes handy. 

Your car insurance company generally provides roadside assistance. In severe circumstances, the company is likely to send a service vehicle or a tow truck to your location and make sure that you can get on the road again.

Minor hiccups in your road trip are expected. Changing tires or jumpstarting your car are some troubles you should always remain prepared for. But what will you do if the engine light pops up and smoke starts to come out of your car’s hood? These are some problems where you need roadside assistance.

Note: Companies offer various options for roadside assistance. However, the range of assistance that you will receive depends on your insurance policy and its coverage. Almost all insurance companies provide basic roadside assistance options along with all of their insurance policies.

3)Maps

You might think that this is lame. Who needs a map when we have our phones? But hear us out! When you travel through roads, it is more than likely that you will be passing through locations where you will get no cell service.

In such circumstances, if you are not familiar with the road or the location, it might become challenging to navigate through the area. It is wise to have a map in hand if such a situation arises on your road trip.

4)First-aid kits

First-aid kits are one of the most essential things to have on your road trip. When you travel in an airplane or on a train, you can ask the respective authorities for any emergency aid during your trip. But when you are on a road trip, you are only dependent on yourself.

Suppose you get hurt while fixing your car’s tire in the countryside. The closest medical facility is about 20km from your current location. What will you do? To avoid being completely helpless in these situations, you need to have first-aid kits in your car.

You can also keep a few emergency medications in your first-aid kit for stomach illness and vomiting. It could be helpful for people that get car sick.

5)Set aside emergency cash

While you have greater access to ATMs on a road trip whenever you need them, you never know when you might be urgently requiring money. You might end up in a location with no cash in the nearby ATMs, but you need immediate cash to fill up gas. Having a couple of hundred dollars would be good enough for tackling emergencies. Keep it in a separate space in your car if you lose your wallet or get robbed.

In Conclusion

Road trips are the best way to experience scenic beauties while you travel. But along with the fun of a road trip, you never know what you might expect during one. You might never use all of these things at all times,  and hopefully, you will never require to use some of them at all. But the point is, you should make sure you have them within your reach when you do.