Load up the car—summer is here, which means it's time to indulge in the classic American road trip. Whether you're just heading a few hours away to the beach or venturing cross-country, you shouldn't take your car out of park until you've packed these 10 essentials.
SuperVizor
Designed by a New York City Paramedic, the SuperVizor could save your life. Store this little gadget on your car's sun visor in case of an emergency—it's got a stainless steel seatbelt-cutting blade and a carbide tip window punch that will help you escape your vehicle if there's an accident.
Related: 7 Safety Tips for Road Trips
Bobble Water Bottle
Unsure about the quality of water you're getting when you re-fill your bottle at a rest stop? Ease your worries with the Bobble, a reusable water bottle that comes with a replaceable carbon filter designed to make tap water cleaner and better tasting.
Reed's Ginger Chews
Motion sickness can put a damper on any journey. Pack a big bag of Reed's Original Ginger Candy Chews to help stave off nausea. (Ginger root is proven to help with digestive issues.)
Pet Safety Harness
Your pet deserves to be safe in the car, too. Buckle your cat or dog in with a Pet Safety Harness, which works with all pet leads and car seat belts to keep your animals restrained in case of an accident.
Related: Expert Tips for Pet Travel
Just Ahead App
If the national parks are on your itinerary this summer, download the Just Ahead app, a set of audio travel guides that will alert you when attractions and things to do come up as you drive through areas. You don't even need cell phone or internet coverage for this app to work.
BiteSizers Portable Food Scissors
Bringing healthy snacks with you on the road? The BiteSizers Portable Food Scissors eare travel-friendly food cutters. Cut up fruits and veggies into convenient snack-sized portions, and save money and time by not stopping for fast food.
Scout App
Download the Scout app and you'll feel like you've got an expert guide riding shotgun with you. This app can find the cheapest gas stations near you, read aloud turn-by-turn directions, and find the best parking options near your destination.
Secur Products 6-in1
This little device has everything you need in case of an emergency—a window breaker, seatbelt cutter, a built-in LED flashlight, a flashing emergency red light, and a power bank to charge all your USB devices.
Related: Tiny Travel Gadgets You Didn't Know You Needed
AAA Emergency Road-Assistance Kit
Be prepared for anything with this 42-piece emergency road-assistance kit from AAA. It contains everything that safety experts say you should keep in your vehicle (like a flashlight with batteries, booster cables, duct tape, an emergency poncho, and first aid supplies) all packaged in a handy carrying bag.
Portable DVD Player
Kids aren't quite known for their patience on long drives. Keep them entertained (and quiet) with this super-affordable portable DVD player. It's even got an integrated handle to make it easy for little hands to carry.
You Might Also Like:
- 10 Inspiring Summer Drives to Add to Your Bucket List
- 10 Amazing North American Road Trips
- 7 Ways to Stay Awake and Alert on a Long Road Trip
Read the original story: Don't Leave Home Without These Road-Trip Essentials by Caroline Morse, who is a regular contributor to SmarterTravel.
(Photo: Thinkstock/iStock)
