From simple first aid, to cash on hand, expect the unexpected.
While most of us cover the basics when packing for a getaway, a few extra tips and tricks up your sleeve won’t go astray. Most great road trip stories include an element of surprise.
Cash on hand, literally
A friend had a large locket she wore on road trips—but it didn’t contain photos. Instead, a folded $20 note was hidden inside.
Surprising places travellers carry cash may include:
- taped on the inside of arm cuffs and watch bands
- slipped between socks and shoes
- a small zip lock bag clipped to the inside of jeans waistbands
- buttoned inside compartments sewn into jacket linings.
Nobody wants to be cashless on the road if their wallet, purse, bag or luggage is lost.
The non-emergency kit
It goes without saying that a first aid kit should be in the vehicle. But once you hit the highway, non-emergency basics feel like essential items.
Bugs are the bane of many road trips. You’ll need:
- anti-bug products to (try to) keep them at bay
- bite creams or gels because a few made it through
- instant cold packs for the sting
- over the counter painkillers.
If walking a lot, don’t discount the importance of blister treatments. Bad blisters can turn a road trip into an endurance test.
Sunscreen is the unrecognised hero of Australian road trips. Make sure you pack enough. We’ve all come home with one sunburnt arm.
Inspiring snack packing
Sometimes, it gets a bit lord of the flies out there when the chips and chocolates run out.
While most of us take nibbles on a road trip, the experienced traveller flat-packs snacks and conceals sweet treats like a Vegas magician.
Impressive efforts? Salami sticks in the toiletries bag. Fruit leather in T-shirt pockets. Hard candy in an empty sunglass case.
Those small side pockets in bags and suitcases have the makings of perfect lucky dips for foodies. You’ll be surprised what fits there.
Packing extra meds
Ever lost essential medications while travelling? Organising replacements is annoying when you’re on the go.
If taking daily meds, be prepared. Pack more than you need, and pack the extras separately in an unexpected spot.
Think innocuous places out of direct sunlight. The teabag box in the caravan cupboard is a prime place for your pill box.
Prioritise creature comforts
If travelling on cold days, pocket hand warmers and body warmers are fantastic, and won’t take up too much space.
Never underestimate the power of a pillow, whether a swanky travel design or one you pulled off the bed.
Coffee lovers can survive with a hot water thermos, coffee sachets, and if milky sweet is preferred, a tube of condensed milk.
Multipurpose superheroes
Certain items are worth their weight in gold when you’re on the road.
Tissues are eternally underrated, as are sanitisers.
A multipurpose balm is your new bestie. Dry lips, feet, hands, face: aggravated skin is frustrating when on break.
Let’s be honest — odour eliminating fresheners have helped saved many a friendship.
Extra water sounds obvious, but assuming you’ll be able to grab more on the road ahead is asking for trouble. Stock up first.
Next level extras
A savvy road tripper packs spare eye glasses and sunglasses. Losing prescription eyewear is a big problem if you’re the driver.
In today’s tech age, a portable charger can be crucial. Research first, and make sure you balance cost against practical usage.
As someone opposed to road trip sing-alongs (make it stop), clever road games are waiting to be discovered online.
A toolkit overhaul
Venturing into new terrain? Repack your toolkit for the vehicle you’ll be travelling in, taking into account potential conditions.
Dry and wet weather road trips put different pressure on your vehicle. Familiar roads in summer may be unrecognisable come winter.
Do your tools match the needs of the car you’ll be driving? Check requirements for make and model, and upgrade your kit if necessary.
Finally, did you pack duct tape? Anyone who watched MacGyver knows it’s the next best thing to magic: “If I had some duct tape, I could fix that.”
What’s your unexpected road trip story? Let us know in the comments section below.
Also read: Essential advice for your next Aussie coastal road trip
