The United States is home to diverse landscapes, unique landmarks, and stunning sights, and one of the best ways to see and visit them is by hopping in your car and taking a road trip. Road trips have long been a popular way to travel, but more and more people are planning to drive to travel within the country. Around 25% of Americans plan to take a domestic trip in 2024, with 63% traveling exclusively by car.
Not only is it convenient and budget-friendly, but it's also an easy way to stop by multiple locations to soak in the views, have fun at famous attractions, and make memories with your companions. It's not just the destinations worth seeing either; the US has many scenic drives all over the country from California to Florida. However, like with any other mode of travel, you'll still need to pack some essentials if you'll be spending hours or even days on the road. It pays to be prepared to make the most of your time and experiences. Here's what to pack for your all-American road trip:
Whether you're in your car or stopped at a destination along your trip, the sun's UV rays can threaten your well-being. Your eyes are especially vulnerable; without protection, you might develop issues like eye sunburn or even risk long-term conditions such as macular degeneration and cataracts. Sunglasses are a must to keep your eyes safe on the journey.
A pair with 100% UVA and UVB protection will do the trick for protection, but you can also customize your shades to address other vision needs. Prescription sunglasses are a convenient choice if you need vision correction; you can enjoy perfect vision while staying protected from UV rays. Top models like the Maui Jim Ho'okipa-907 or the Oakley Holbrook can offer high-quality vision correction and sun safety while still looking stylish.
You can enjoy the scenery on your road trip without compromising protection. Other types of shades, like polarized sunglasses, can help if you're driving. The polarization allows for less glare, improved visual clarity and contrast, and reduced eye strain for optimal comfort.
Hydration is essential for keeping you healthy and refreshed on your road trip. Since water might not be easy to come by when driving through more remote areas, bringing a reusable water bottle can keep you hydrated on the road. Rather than buying multiple plastic bottles for the trip, which are bad for the environment, rack up costs, and can lead to clutter in the car, a reusable bottle can easily be filled up at your accommodation, or rest stops for water on the go.
An insulated water bottle can also keep your liquid colder for longer, allowing you to stay cool even if you're visiting warmer or dryer states. A bottle like the Venture Lite Water Bottle from Tervis can provide easy sipping or chugging while staying leakproof, so you won't have to worry about spillages in the car. It also fits into most cupholders, so you can easily grab it for a drink.
There are few things more disappointing than wanting to capture a spectacular view or communicate with people back home and having your phone die on you. You might not be able to plug in your phone easily on the go, so packing a powerbank can keep your phone charged on your road trip so you won't miss a single moment on your road trip. You can plug in your phone wherever you are; no need to search for power outlets at rest stops to charge.
Some powerbanks can also charge multiple devices at once, so more people in the car can get a chance to recharge their phones or other gadgets at the same time without having to take turns. The Mophie Powerstation can charge three devices simultaneously and provide your phone with two full charges. Thanks to its compact size, you can slip it into your bag to keep your phone charged even while stepping out of the vehicle to head inside a national park or buy snacks at a rest stop. You won't have to miss out on capturing the sights on your trip with your phone fully charged.
