Nothing spells freedom quite like the classic road trip! It’s just you, your tribe, and the long tarmac ahead. But things can go from ‘livin’ the dream’ to ‘total nightmare’ pretty rapidly if you’re not prepared. Today we share some road trip packing tips from the Cox Auto family to keep your journey on track.
The essentials
Before you start your road trip packing, take some time to plan your route, allowing for refuelling and good rest breaks every two hours. Share the driving where you can, and have a back-up plan in case your GPS or mobile phone goes out of range. Consider starting your journey in the morning so you can get a good night’s sleep before take-off. If you’re travelling with kids, pack the iPads (and their chargers!), but also consider some fun games to play together.
Don’t leave home without these essential items:
- Drivers license
- Toll tag or day-pass (if travelling on toll roads)
- Roadside assist contact numbers and insurance details
- Vehicle owner’s manual
- Spare tyre and emergency supplies
- Basic first-aid kit
- Water (some for the car, some for you!)
Stay connected and comfortable
Of course you’ll have your mobile phone with you, but you’ll also need these important items for your road trip if you want to stay connected:
- Phone charger / portable battery
- Road trip playlist (we love this one but there’s something even more fun about a mixed-tape or stack of favourite CDs)
- Headphones (just in case you need some ‘me’ time)
And for added comfort and style:
- Sunglasses
- Sunscreen
- Insect repellant (an Australian road trip essential!)
- Travel pillow
- Reusable travel mug
- Hand sanitiser or baby wipes
- A blanket (to snuggle up with or for an impromptu picnic!)
- Plastic or reusable shopping bags (for unexpected shopping trips, wet clothes or storing rubbish between stops)
- A towel
- Lots of warm clothes like socks and thermals (especially if you’re embarking on one of these winter road trips in Victoria!).
Check out our car emergency kit checklist for Australia to learn more about what essentials to bring!
Travel friendly snacks
Stock up on nuts, dried fruit, trail mix and other snacks that don’t require refrigeration. Breaking these snacks up into small portions in snap-lock bags (or reusable containers for a more sustainable option) is a great way to share in the car without the mess! And remember to leave the fresh fruit and vegetables at home if you’re travelling into a protected fruit growing area. Carry plenty of water and keep a stash of fizzy sugar drinks to keep your stamina up on the long stretches!
Car care
Plan ahead and book your car in for a service with us before you hit the road. We’ll give your car a thorough safety-check in line with the VACC’s accredited Critical Safety Check program and keep you on the move with our premium service experience. Ask about our complimentary loan cars and flexible prepayment options and rest assured that we’ll go that extra mile to keep you on the road.
Pre-checks
In the week leading up to your road trip, run through a handful of simple pre-checks on your vehicle to avoid any last-minute roadtrip stress. Check your tyre pressure, lights, windscreen wipers, coolant and engine oil. If your simple checks turn up anything unexpected, give us a call and we’ll help you on your way.
Now that you’ve considered what you need to know and pack before going on your road trip, it’s time to hit the road and enjoy the journey! Have we missed anything? Share your road trip packing tips with us on our Facebook page and tell us all about your adventures next time you’re in for a service.
Ready to hit the road? Check out the ultimate Mornington Peninsula road trip itinerary!
