I’ve done A LOT of travel. I not only love it personally, but have a career that affords me copious amounts of paid travel and digital nomadism if I want it. When friends text me, they start by asking, “Where are you at right now?”
While the pandemic has put a real damper on that movement, I’ve found a safe haven in my 2008 Ford Escape. I’ve always loved a road trip for clearing my mind and working through what’s going on between my ears, but during 2020, it really was a lifeline to friends and family and peace of mind when I needed to make sure the world was still out there. I am so grateful to be able to afford and manage a car in NYC.
So here’s my list of things to bring along on your road trip, starting with the most important thing during these times.
Mask | Hand Sanny | Gloves
Duh, a mask. Have several stowed away in the glovebox just in case.
I don’t stop much on a road trip, unless it’s to get out on a backroad and take a deep breath over some stunning scenery, but when you have to fill up or use the bathroom, wear disposable gloves and/or use that hand sanitizer. I recently got these Everyone bottles of spray hand sanitizer, which come in aromas that aren’t Nail Polish, Vodka That’ll Burn Your Stomach Lining and I’m Choking.
Snacks
People don’t think about this enough when they’re packing for a road trip.
Look, I like stuffing a McDonald’s chicken sandwich and greasy ass fries in my face every now and then, just like the best of us gluttons, but I save that kinda thing for short trips. When you’re in the car for a significant portion of the day (my longest is 16 hours), it’s key to eat something other than junk, because your digestive system is already gonna be unhappy and you need both your mind and body to be in the game. And you know, gas stations, even the impressive ones like Buc-ee’s, just aren’t gonna have things that make you feel good about yourself.
Here’s a typical snack assortment:
Trail mix – Nuts, dried fruits and this is the kicker, I break up some dark chocolate bars to mix in.
Fruit – No brainer, although you know, maybe not oranges unless you peal them beforehand.
PB&J – Easy to make, easy to eat.
Yogurt – I drink those little Activa cups like a smoothie, especially as they get warmer, they’re a bit more liquid. I promise, it still tastes good.
And do not forget the water!! I take a large reusable water bottle, but also pack 2-3 extra water bottles. It doesn’t go bad, and it sucks to be stuck on the road, not wanting to stop and lose momentum, just because it feels like you just consumed a wool sweater.
Pillow
I, for one, cannot wait for our autonomous car overlords so I can really use a pillow in the car, but until then, it’s still good to pack.
One of those small, decorative ones on your couch can be used behind your back to adjust a little and relieve some pressure and pain. Your favorite from your bed, throw it in, because no matter whether you’re saying at a hotel or crashing with a friend, they don’t always have the right cushion for your pudum. And you want to get a good night’s sleep for another day of driving tomorrow.
Collapsable Trash Can
Changed my freaking life. Before I had one of these, I’d get off a road trip and have a whole day long cleaning session ahead of me, which you know, sucks when you’re getting off of a long drive and just want to relax.
The flexibility of a collapsible one means that you can stuff it in between seats and suitcases and it’s not as wobbly as a hard, plastic bin.
Utensils | Napkins
Look, the snacks, they’ll keep you going for a good amount of time, but if you’re anything like me, after five or six hours, I’m gonna have to eat a warm meal. Especially in the era of covid-19, you’re either going through the drive-thru or ordering take out. Who says you can’t eat enchiladas or lo mein on a road trip?
That said, if you’re gonna turn your center console into a table for flimsy take-out boxes, you need plenty of napkins and a sturdier set of utensils than most restaurants provide. I have the K-Bar Tactical Spork in my glovebox. Who doesn’t love all the utensils in one utensil!
First Aid Kit
Also the name of a great band, but this is something you should just always keep in your car. While you probably won’t use it that often, you’ll be stressed and annoyed in a time of (hopefully) small crisis that you don’t have one handy.
And you might as well throw a thermometer in there now too. I check my temperature like it’s an OCD tick nowadays, and it gives me peace of mind that I’m not gonna be a patient zero.
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