The Ultimate Road Trip Packing List

Before you embark on any summer road trip this year, check out our ultimate road trip packing list to ensure you’re fully packed and ready to hit the road.

Essential Documents

No matter where you’re heading, you should always have important documents on hand and stored in your vehicle. This should include your license and registration, a copy of your insurance policy, important contacts, and the car manual.

Roadside Emergency Kit

Accidents can happen at any time and anywhere, so be prepared just in case. A roadside emergency kit should be packed and stored in your vehicle with items like booster cables, reflective vests and warning triangles if you need to pull over on the side of the road, a flashlight and light sticks, a whistle, a blanket, extra water, and snacks. This is also a good time to take a look at your spare tire to ensure it’s inflated and that you have everything on hand in case you need to change a tire.

A Real Map

Smartphones and GPS systems are pretty handy. But they’re not always reliable if your battery dies or you’re stuck somewhere without service. That’s why we always recommend having a real map stored away in your car in case you need to figure out where you are and what direction you need to head in. 

First Aid Kit

A First Aid Kit should be packed and stored away in your car at all times. Make sure it contains some staples like Band-Aids, antiseptic, Advil or Tylenol, bandages, and safety pins.

Sunglasses

One essential item that often gets overlooked is sunglasses. Sun glare can seriously impair your vision while driving, so it’s important to be prepared to shield your eyes so you can see clearly. It’s a good idea to keep an extra pair in your vehicle in the event that your original pair breaks. 

Car Adapters

Roadtrips and tech go hand in hand these days. Be sure to double-check that you have all of the necessary cables and car adapters if needed so you can charge your devices in your vehicle. Having a few backup ones might be wise too in case you lose or damage any. The last thing you want is to be stuck without a phone when driving long distances.

Music Playlist and Games

You can’t embark on a road trip without a good playlist in toe. So don’t forget to line up your favourite tunes and make enough of a variety so you won’t get sick of your songs in the first hour. Also, a deck of cards is always ideal when you’re camped out or need some fun and entertainment on the fly.

If you need your car serviced before or after your road trip, contact us at Ottawa Honda for professional, quality service. We’ll make sure your vehicle is safe and ready for the summer.