What to pack when going on a road trip

By Sarah Balke

As a kid, we did a lot of family vacations in our Ford Econoline van. To this day, I absolutely love a road trip adventure...the best memories are created during the journey!

Whether you are planning a weekend adventure or a cross-country road trip, packing for vehicle travel allows for more flexibility versus traveling by air. Comfortable travel clothes and a cooler for picnic food are just the start.

Here are a few more things to put on your packing checklist:

1. All medications: This is probably the trickiest necessity to pick up on the road, so make sure everyone has all medication needed before leaving. Consider getting a daily pill organizer and only taking what is needed, plus one or two extra days. This will also let you know if a refill is necessary before leaving, and prevent losing an entire supply of medication in the unfortunate event of theft.
2. A travel pillow and blanket: Be prepared to pull over and take a nap if you start to get sleepy. Getting comfortable while sleeping in the seat of a car can be tricky, unless you have proper neck support. This will also help your passengers trying to catch a few zzz’s to sleep better.
3. Adjustable lumbar support: Most newer cars have some type of lumbar support for the driver. However, if you are going to be spending a lot of time on the road, consider getting an adjustable lumbar cushion for each passenger as well.
4. Compression socks: I know this doesn’t sound very sexy, but I’m not talking about your grandma’s TED hose. Compression socks have come a long way in terms of style. Check out Amazon for some incredibly cute knee-high compression socks. These will help reduce swelling in the feet and ankles, and help reduce the risk of blood clots in the legs from extended periods of sitting.
5. Two cloth face coverings in sealed bags for each person: Pack two clean masks for each person on the road trip. After each day, wash the mask that was worn, and, if possible, hang to dry in the sun. Start each day with a clean mask for rest stops, gas stations, and when running into a store to pick up last minute supplies.
6. Hand sanitizer: Make sure to bring plenty of hand sanitizer. Single use packets are convenient for use before eating and after a gas fill up. If you are using hand sanitizer from a bottle, don’t leave it in a hot car. This can cause the alcohol to evaporate and make your hand sanitizer less effective. There is also a risk of fire if the bottle is left in direct sunlight, such as the dashboard of the car.

A road trip is a perfect way to see the great USA. Now get planning and visit our National and State Parks, enjoy the great outdoors, and take in the beauty all around us!

Sources:

https://www.health.harvard.edu/heart-health/ask-the-doctor-compression-stockings-for-long-distance-travel-

https://www.insider.com/is-it-safe-to-leave-hand-sanitizer-in-your-car#:~:text=Although%20hand%20sanitizer%20may%20still,heat%20above%20104%C2%B0F.%22

https://fox6now.com/2020/06/19/fire-department-warns-against-leaving-hand-sanitizer-in-cars-after-dashboard-fire/