When you’re planning a road trip, you can never be too prepared. You need snacks and drinks, of course, but you also need the things to make your trip easier. It’s one thing to roll the windows down and have a blast with your friends in the summer heat, but if you have to bundle up in winter clothing while driving through snow—or drive in scorching hot weather with no air conditioning—it won’t be much fun. While there are plenty of things that can make road trips more pleasant, these are some of my personal favorites:
Tablet
It may seem like a miracle to keep children of any age occupied on a lengthy car trip, but with the correct activities, the trip can be enjoyable and even soothing for everyone. Preparing for a family road trip by purchasing a tablet to keep everyone entertained on the drive may be an option. This one device will provide a child with some of the most cutting-edge entertainment options available and one of the best road trip accessory to make your life easier.
Apple iPad Mini
What a user says:
I had my doubts about this relatively tiny-screened iPad, since I’m coming from an iPad Pro 12”. However, the screen is quite easy to adapt to. Doing notes on it doesn’t pose a problem since I’m used to zooming in even on my 12” ipad. IPad mini feels like a much more portable version of it, without sacrificing any quality. The screen is sharp, and the battery life is satisfying. So far, no complaints.
Headrest Tablet Mount Holder
When going on a road trip with a tablet, it’s a good idea to invest in a tablet holder. Everyone who is viewing may have a completely hands-free experience thanks to this device. A tablet holder is a great way to ensure that your kids stay entertained with their own iPads or other tablets while you drive.
Tryone Car Headrest Tablet Mount Holder
What a user says:
Bought this mount to my 8 year old son could mount his tablet and watch videos during car rides. Initial impression right out of the box was that it felt pretty sturdy and easily adjustable for different device sizes. Installation onto the headrest was extremely easy and it is just as easily removable. Had my son try to put a phone in it, then his tablet and he was able to do both with ease. Great product, highly recommend!
Travel Mug
The fact that the Hydro Flex tumbler is constructed of stainless steel like the majority of tumblers, was one of its selling points for us. Because of this, it is eco-friendly and may be reused, which is good for the environment. This tumbler works well for both hot and cold beverages. There is a wide range of color options available for the hydro flask, making it suitable for a wide range of consumers.
Hydro Flask All Around Tumbler
What a user says:
I love this Hydro Flask All Around Tumbler. It is a small enough size* to be able to place in my purse and the seal is so tight I will not leak (provided I do not have it fall over in there.) Very easy to clean, I just place it in the dishwasher.
*Much easier to carry around than the larger water bottles.
Jump Starter
When I’m on the road in my SUV, I normally bring along a power station since it includes everything I need, including a battery jumper, an air compressor to pump up the tires, a power converter to plug in a computer, and more. Even though I like having this charging station, I considered getting one for my mom. Considering how heavy the power plant is (almost 20 lbs), that wasn’t an option. I choose the Audewdirect Jump Starter, like many others, after watching a video by Project Farm and then doing my own research.
This lightweight jump starter can power up her car’s battery and charge her phone, tablet, and other electrical gadgets. Because it is powered by a lithium battery, this jump starter weighs in at only a hair over a pound.
When you’re on the road, it’s helpful to have a power source to charge your car’s battery or any other electronics you may need.
Audewdirect Jump Starter 1500A
What a user says:
Thank you for an Awesome product, something every woman needs in her vehicle. Love everything about this jumpstart. Thank you for fast service and I tell everyone how awesome it is.
Thank You
Car Inverter
You may have to put in some hours at the office even if you’d rather be relaxing on vacation. The use of a power inverter might be helpful in such circumstances.
The Bestek Power Inverter has dual AC outlets and two USB charging connections. This inverter weighs next to nothing and connects easily by cigarette lighter. This is easily transportable and may be used wherever a cigarette lighter socket is present.
Bestek 300 Power Inverter
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What a user says:
I have an earlier version of this product and needed a second one for another vehicle. The new one is so quiet I first thought it wasn’t working! But it charges very quickly! Plus the two USB ports are an upgrade from the old model. And this price fir the value beats anything I’ve seen. I can charge a laptop and tablet at the same time. Highly recommend!!!
Car Phone Holder Mount
Many of us use our phones while operating a car or truck since it has become so embedded in our everyday lives. However, it is essential that you locate a stable place upon which to set your mobile device. Investing in a phone holder for your vehicle will allow you to use your phone hands-free and concentrate on the road.
This holder is easy to put on or take off the car’s air conditioning vent. It is made to fit most vents and holds on tight to the vent slats.
Bestek 300 Power Inverter
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What a user says:
After my wife used this cell phone mount for a while, I decided to get one for my car to replace another mount that was passable and sturdy, but not as easy to use. The Beam Electronics mount is just as sturdy, but easier to get a phone in and out of. It’s also more versatile, as you can adjust its position and angle more flexibly, making it easier to customize to your car dashboard.
Wireless In-Car Bluetooth
If you drive a vehicle that was manufactured before the year 2000, chances are good that it lacks Bluetooth functionality. As a driver, you may use Bluetooth to make and receive calls and to listen to music wirelessly from your smartphone.
When it comes to adding Bluetooth to your automobile, an FM transmitter is one of the more affordable options. Plugging into your car’s cigarette lighter, the Nulaxy Wireless in-car Bluetooth sends out a signal on a FM frequency. As an added bonus, no installation is required. Once you’ve decided on a frequency, all you have to do is switch on the device.
Bestek 300 Power Inverter
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What a user says:
I’ve bought other transmitters in the past, only to be left disappointed repeatedly. I was nervous about trying this one, but I love it! I’ve bought multiple for our personal vehicles and one for my husband to take in his work truck. The volume is nice and loud (unlike others I’ve tried) and the sound quality is very good! It connects to my phone quickly and I never have issues with Bluetooth not working. I love that it has a USB port to charge my phone as well.
Igloo Thermoelectric Iceless Cooler
Whether you’re going on a day trip or a weeklong camping trip, an electric cooler will keep your food and beverages cold.
Igloo coolers may be powered by a 12 volt plug in your car, RV, truck, or boat. After being plugged in, your cooler can keep your food and drinks cold for the duration of your trip while using far less energy than your car’s tail light.
Igloo Thermoelectric Iceless Cooler
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What a user says:
The size is perfect for back seat of my truck. Used it for a 3 week driving vacation. Kept drinks and food cold. Portable size allowed me to take into hotel room at night and use a 120vac to 12vdc converter to keep it cooling. Three weeks of continuous running with no issues.
Trunk Organizer
Having a trunk organizer is a great all-around solution for storing your vacation necessities. It’s affordable, has plenty of room, and is waterproof. There are several storage spaces and pockets on the sides, and it can be secured to prevent it from moving about while driving. It may be tucked away out of sight by folding or rolling it up when it’s not in use.
Drive Auto Car Trunk Organizer
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What a user says:
Ordered this to organize my trunk a little better since i have a lot of small camping gear like headlamps, lamps etc. very big, sturdy. Love all the pockets it has for other stuff like my usb chargers, leatherman, zip ties. Love the hooks it has on each end to hook to something in the trunk and very easy to transfer. Highly Recommend. I have a lexus is 350 2014, takes about half or 1/3 of the trunk depending on how you position it.
Chair Cushion
During your road trip, you can spend a lot of time in your car, and start experiencing pain in your back and butt. It’s possible that the posture of the seat in your automobile is a major contributor to the discomfort you’re feeling. The Fortem Chair Cushion is highly suggested by Easy Posture Brands and might be a potential choice for you.
The Fortem is an ultra-lightweight cushion that molds itself to the contours of your body to provide support. It is constructed out of dense memory foam and may be used with a variety of seats.
Fortem Chair Cushion
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What a user says:
I was having tailbone and general bony butt pain after significant weight loss. Then I found this! I use this seat cushion for my vehicle and it makes a world of difference, especially with my 2 hours of commute for work every day! I also use it when I have to sit on wooden chairs and it saves my butt so much discomfort <3 LOVE it. Highly recommend! Keep stretching those hammies, but when you have to be sitting, this is a booty-saver.
Car Visor Extender
While glare from the sun can occur at any time of day, it tends to be most severe in the early morning and late afternoon, particularly during the summer. The sun’s angle at certain times causes reflections on your car’s hood, dashboard, and other vehicles’ hoods and dashboards. Sunglasses can assist, but there are instances when a sun visor is more practical.
The Filba visor is easy to install. After installing, you may tilt the visor to eliminate glare and improve your view of the road.
Filba Car Visor Extender
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What a user says:
I have only been using g it for a few days & love it. It is sturdy on the visor, no slippage, it was easy to attach and best of ALL it reduces the glare than could lead to an accident, so it keeps me safe.
Lumbar Support Pillow
When your lower back is properly supported, you may relax your abdominal muscles and sit up more tall when driving. It’s much easier to have a firm hold on the wheel if you have something to rest against, and it also keeps you from slouching.
The Samsonite Lumbar Support Pillow is one of our top choices and is suggested by the experts at Easy Posture.
Samsonite Lumbar Support Pillow
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What a user says:
This is a fairly thick cushion and braces my back and pushes me forward in the seat, which is more comfortable since I am a short person mowing with a commercial zero turn. It keeps me from jarring my back.
Pet Travel Bag
Whether you’re taking your pet on a vacation or because he’s apart of the family, you’ll need to make sure he has everything he needs to be comfortable on the trip. Dogs need specific accessories for car travel, especially on lengthy excursions. This pet travel bag is perfect for transporting daily or long trip necessities including food, water, treats, a leash, and more.
Modoker Pet Travel Bag
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What a user says:
This is a fairly thick cushion and braces my back and pushes me forward in the seat, which is more comfortable since I am a short person mowing with a commercial zero turn. It keeps me from jarring my back.
Kids Travel Tray
If you taking a lengthy car ride with your child, having a tray like this should be able to hold everything they need and keep it all neat and tidy. Your child will like having a space to store their tablet computer, as well as a place to store food, supplies, and toys.
Lusso Gear Kids Travel Tray
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What a user says:
It’s waterproof, got a lot of side pockets for storing stuff, also holds bottle/cup snug to prevent spills. It kept my son entertained for a few hours until he decided he’s bored with it already. Overall a good product. The only problem I had with is it came way higher than my son’s lap height but it was because of the kind of carseat he has.
Emergency Keychain Car Tool
The emergency window breaker and seatbelt cutter helps you get out of the automobile quickly. The auto window smasher may be used on most automobiles. It may be carried on a keychain or stored in a glove compartment because of its small size and lightweight.
Resqme emergency keychain escape car tool
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What a user says:
Makes me feel better that this is attached to the keychain, so in an emergency situation, it will be easy to find (unlike the hammer-type emergency tools that are available)….and I always have one with me (and my son, too) no matter what vehicle I am riding/driving in.
Electric Car Blanket
Since I live in a colder climate, I decided to add a blanket like this to my car’s emergency kit last year. I didn’t believe I needed it until I and a few other people got caught in a traffic congestion for almost 24 hours. To anybody who must travel often or for extended periods, I strongly recommend investing in an electric blanket; it made all the difference for me in the frigid weather.
Stalwart Electric Car Blanket
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What a user says:
Bought this for my car that doesn’t have great temperature control. It has a nice long cord, so I can plug it in up front and it will still reach my son in the backseat. It warms up really quickly and stays warm as long as it is plugged in. I just wish it was washable (can’t due to the cord being permanently attached.)
Car Trash Can with a Lid
Having a trash can in your vehicle is critical for keeping things clean and healthy. You may keep your trash confined in this bin until it’s time to dispose of it. Feeling clean and comfortable is as simple as keeping your surroundings clean and free of trash.
Resqme emergency keychain escape car tool
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What a user says:
I bought this little beauty hoping it would keep my 2 grandsons from leaving small trash in my car. When I went to empty it, I found 2 soda bottles, opened package containers, candy wrappers, etc, etc, etc. I decided instead of hanging it, I would place it in the middle of the back seat and attach it to the fold down armrest. It’s perfect!!! Go get yourself one, you won’t be disappointed. I just wish I would have done it sooner. Love it!
Paper Map for Road Trips
Paper maps from Rand McNally are a great way to get an overview of a region. While the GPS feature on your smartphone is convenient, a paper map is preferable in the event that you lose cell service or your battery dies. Having a backup just in case never hurts.
Rand McNally Road Atlas
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What a user says:
Got this and didn’t realize it was a big as it is, but that’s ok, super easy to use and no way can I misplace it among other items in house or in my truck when traveling. WOW. What a great and thorough atlas. Takes me back to pre-gps when you actually used maps and they helped you learn where all is in relationship to other places. Love the atlas big time.
Car Travel Pillow
Having a travel pillow to help maintain your neck and spine in a neutral position while providing some support is the best way to relax and sleep on the road. Take a travel pillow on your next car journey so you can relax and enjoy the ride.
FHSGGP Travel Pillow
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What a user says:
I bought two of these pillow for our road trip last month and they were so useful! My kids were able to sleep comfortably in the car while we were making our long drives. Definitely worth the money. Highly recommend!!!
Car Seat Belt Pad
According to The National Highway Traffic Safety Administration, if you want to reduce your risk of severe injury or death in a vehicle crash, the greatest thing you can do is buckle up. If you’re anything like me, however, you may find the seatbelt a bit irritating. After some research, I decided to get the Mikafen Car Seat Belt Pad seatbelt cover due to its high ratings. It is soft, well padded and has made wearing a seatbelt more tolerable.
MIKAFEN Car Seat Belt Pads
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What a user says:
These are great, they’re really soft and slide just enough on the seatbelt to move them when and where you like. Game changer for short drivers that have a seatbelt rubbing on their necks(;
Dog Seat Cover for Back Seat
Pets are considered members of the family by the vast majority of owners. It makes perfect sense to take them along on vacations. Nonetheless, they, like you, need to feel at ease throughout extended travel times. High-quality dog seat covers not only provide a safe and comfortable space for your dog during vehicle trips, but they may also reduce the amount of damage done to your car by your pet’s hair, urine, and vomit.
Vailge Dog Seat Cover for Back Seat
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What a user says:
Our trip with our 90 pound Shepard went great! He stayed put, no slipping and sliding. We paired the cover with a good harness and Kurgo Auto Zip Line so he could have some ability to move from side to side. He was often in the car after a day in the river and the seat did not get wet. The shedded hair was easy to shake out when dry which was easy to do since once set it up taking the cover in and out of the car was very easy. Glad we bought this!
Key Finder
One of the worst things that may happen on a trip is to lose your vehicle keys. Maybe you pulled over to stretch your legs and now you can’t locate your keys.
If you have a Tile Mate connected to your keys and have synchronized it with the Tile app on your phone, you can use the app to locate your keys anytime you need them.
The Tile Mate may be quickly attached to your keys, making it very easy to locate them in the event that they are misplaced and allowing you to save a significant amount of time as a result.
Tile Mate
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What a user says:
Finally a little gizmo to put on my car key ring to help me find them when I can’t remember where I put them. Easy to attach to your key ring, easy to download the app that plays the alarm, easy to push the button to trigger the alarm and easy to find your object as long as you are within hearing distance of what you put the tile on. Used it this morning. Glad I put one on my keyring because I know I’ll be using it. And the price at the time I bought it was reasonable.
Car Registration and Insurance Holder
You should always travel with your car’s registration and insurance paperwork in one convenient location. You never know when the police may pull you over, so you should always be prepared to quickly access it.
Use this Cacturism Car Registration and Insurance Card Holder to store and protect your vehicle’s registration and insurance cards.
Cacturism Car Registration and Insurance Holder
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What a user says:
I bought 2 of these, one for each of my cars (one black & one pink) & was not disappointed, these are so cute & hold all the information you’d need if you got pulled over in a cute & convent booklet. It’s not. Bad quality & I’d definitely recommend to anyone who’s looking to keep their glove compartment clean & organized.
| Brand | Price | Features | Rating |
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Model: Apple iPad Mini Dimensions: 7.69″ x 5.31″ x 0.25″ inches What we liked: Small, lightweight, sharp image quality What we didn’t like: Pricey to add memory |
 4.8 |
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Model: Tryone Car Headrest Tablet Mount Holder Dimensions: 7.56″ x 3.74″ x 2.05″ inches What we liked: Easy to install, very sturdy What we didn’t like: Nothing to speak of |
4.5 |
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Model: Hydro Flask All Around Dimensions: 4.49″ x 4.13″ x 3.74 inches” What we liked: Keeps beverages hot, hot and cold, cold What we didn’t like: Lid not leakproof |
4.7 |
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Model: Audewdirect Jump Starter 1500A Dimensions: 6.5″ x 1.38″ x 3.35″ inches What we liked: Easy to use What we didn’t like: Wires are short |
4.5 |
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Model: Bestek 300 Power Inverter Dimensions: 4.8″ x 3.1″ x 1.9″ inches What we liked: 2 AC and USB outlets’ What we didn’t like: AC plugs too close |
4.6 |
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Model: Beam Electrical Car Phone Holder Mount Dimensions: 2.72″ x 3.39″ x 5.51″ inches What we liked: Access to phone, very sturdy What we didn’t like: It blocks the vents |
4.2 |
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Model: Nulaxy Wireless In-Car Bluetooth Dimensions: 6.4″ x 4.9″ x 2.1″ inches What we liked: Bluetooth capability, uses an SD card What we didn’t like: A little big |
4.4 |
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Model: Igloo Thermoelectric Iceless Cooler Dimensions:12.87″ x 16.65″ x 18.23″ inches What we liked: Iceless, electric, sturdy What we didn’t like: Nothing to speak of |
4.4 |
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Model: Drive Auto Trunk Organizer Dimensions: 23″ x 17″ x 11″ inches What we liked: Folds easily, several compartments What we didn’t like: Nothing to speak of |
4.7 |
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Model: Fortem Chair Cushion Dimensions: 18″ x 14″ x 3″ inches What we liked: Gives you support What we didn’t like: Harder than expected |
4.4 |
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Model: Filba Car Visor Extender Dimensions: 12.8″ x 6.22″ x 0.87″ inches What we liked: Blocks sun, easy to install What we didn’t like: Nothing to speak of |
4.5 |
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Model: Samsonite Lumbar Support Pillow Dimensions: 4.1″ x 12.8″ x 3.6″ inches What we liked: Blocks sun, easy to install What we didn’t like: Nothing to speak of |
4.5 |
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Model: Modoker Pet Travel Bag Dimensions: 16″ x 14″ x 8″ inches What we liked: Very well organized, can be used daily What we didn’t like: Nothing to speak of |
4.8 |
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Model: Lusso Gear Kids Travel Tray Dimensions: 16″ x 12.5″ x 1.5″ inches What we liked: Can hold cups, lots of compartments What we didn’t like: Not as sturdy as we would have liked, doesn’t fit all car seats |
4.3 |
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Model: Resqme Emergency Car Escape Tool Dimensions: 3″ x 1.25″ x 0.62 ” inches What we liked: Had to use it once and worked perfectly, like that it can attach to keychain What we didn’t like: Nothing as of yet |
4.7 |
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Model: Stalwart Electric Car Blanket Dimensions: 59″ x 43″ inches What we liked: warms up nicely What we didn’t like: Nothing as of yet |
4.4 |
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Model: Ryhpez Car Trash Can with Lid Dimensions: 6.3″ x 6.3″ x 9.5″ inches What we liked: Has a lid, collapsible, fits car or truck What we didn’t like: Nothing as of yet |
4.4 |
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Model: Rand McNally Road Atlas Dimensions: 11″ x 0.5″ x 15″ inches What we liked: Big, easy to read What we didn’t like: Nothing as of yet |
4.7 |
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Model: FHSGGP Travel Pillow Dimensions: 11″ x 0.5″ x 15″ inches What we liked: works well What we didn’t like: Had to restitch seams |
4.3 |
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Model: MIKAFEN Car Seat Belt Pads Dimensions: 11″ x 0.5″ x 15″ inches What we liked: very soft What we didn’t like: Moves around |
4.5 |
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Model: Vailge Dog Seat Cover for Back Seat Dimensions: 14.25″ x 11.77″ x 4.13″ inches What we liked: Easy to install What we didn’t like: Attracts hair but easily cleaned off |
4.6 |
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Model: Tile Mate Dimensions: 14.25″ x 11.77″ x 4.13″ inches What we liked: Easy to use, easy to install app, can be used with Android What we didn’t like: Only works within 250 ft |
4.6 |
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Model: Cacturism Car Registration and Insurance Holder Dimensions: 5.5″ x 5.1″ inches What we liked: Keeps you organized What we didn’t like: Nothing as of yet |
4.7 |
