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There's nothing quite like hitting the open road for an epic summer adventure. But whether you're driving cross-country or just a few states over, a successful road trip requires some planning and preparation.
Equip your ride with helpful mobile apps and vehicle accessories to make your journey safer, more convenient and all-around enjoyable. From hi-tech tools to low-tech must-haves, here are some of our favorite travel companions.
Mobile Apps for the road
In today's digital age, there's truly an app for almost everything–including taking the headache out of road trip logistics. Here are some useful apps to download before departing:
- HotelTonight reservations - For flexible travelers and those who aren’t much for planning, this app is a game-changer for scoring last-minute hotel discounts on rooms that would otherwise be vacant.
- GasBuddy pricing - Nobody wants to overpay at the pump. And with gas prices constantly in flux, it can be hard to find the best price. GasBuddy scouts out the cheapest gas prices nearby so you can plan your fill-ups smartly and avoid price gouging.
- iExit Interstate Exit Guide - Stop playing the guessing game about what exit to take for food or gas. This handy app tells you which businesses, restaurants, gas stations, and amenities are available at each exit along your route so you can catch everything.
- Waze navigation - Easily find your way with this traffic and navigation app. Using analysis from crowdsourced data to provide real-time updates on accidents, road closures, speed traps, and more, you can modify your route accordingly for the quickest drive.
- Roadtrippers - Almost like having a personal travel guide, this app acts as part road trip planner and part travel guide. Easily map out driving routes and discover off-beat attractions, photo ops, restaurants and more.
- Libby - Don't forget to download entertainment apps for books, podcasts, music playlists, and other audio entertainment for when you inevitably lose signal in those remote stretches. Bonus points if your car has Wi-Fi capabilities. Libby opens up a world of books for audio listening or reading on mobile phones or tablets. Connect your phone to your vehicle via Bluetooth or USB and you’ll have a narrated book for your travels.
Car Accessories for Comfort & Safety
The right gear can also go a long way toward making your road trip more comfortable, safe, and hassle-free. Be sure to pack these car essentials:
- Rooftop Carrier - Maximize your vehicle's interior space by stowing bulky luggage overhead in a secured roof carrier or cargo box. This also keeps frequently needed items easily accessible without unpacking the entire trunk.
- Portable Jump Starter - A dead car battery can leave you stranded on the side of the road. Avoid hours of roadside waiting and bring a portable jump starter to ensure a safe restart of your vehicle without needing another car for a jumpstart.
- Dash Cam - In the unfortunate event of an incident on the road, a dual-facing dash cam provides video evidence of exactly what happened, while also discouraging distracted or reckless driving.
- Air Compressor - Avoid driving on your spare donut tire or excessive roadside waiting by bringing an air compressor. This will quickly inflate a tire puncture and get you safely to the nearest repair shop.
- Trunk Organizer - Corral your road trip snacks, clothes, cooler, and other supplies with adjustable compartments in a handy trunk organizer or cargo bin to prevent things from rolling around.
- Sunshade - A quality sunshade relieves the intense heat radiating through your windshield or side windows while reducing UV exposure. It can also help keep your car’s tech features, like the LCD screen, from getting too hot.
- Power Inverter - This gadget plugs into your vehicle's power outlet to function as a conventional AC outlet for charging phones, laptops, and other electronics.
- Travel Cleaning Pack - Things can get messy on the road. Avoid big messes and permanent stains by putting together your own travel cleaning pack. Baby wipes, paper towels, disinfectant spray, and a trash bag will help keep your ride smelling fresh and tidy from fast food stains, drink spills, or any other messes.
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