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14 Road Trip Essentials to Pack Before You Hit the Gas

For a foolproof vacation. *crosses fingers*

By Lori Keong

Apr 28, 2016

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Kelly KnoxStocksy

The road trip that everyone envisions is all fun and camaraderie, racing down the highway with your friends—music blasting out the open windows. But snack and car emergencies are bound to happen when you're trapped in a hot vehicle for hours, so we've rounded up a packing list to consider before you hit the road.

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Neck Pillow

Neck aches on a long car ride are the worst since you're usually twisting around a seat belt to find the right groove. This pillow supports the natural curve of your neck and helps you sit upright (which is better for your back anyways). As for the snoring: you're on your own there, buddy.

Original Bones Neckbone Pillow, $15; bedbathandbeyond.com.

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Moisturizing Mist

When you're cruising with the windows down, ward off any free radicals and inevitable parched skin from the dry air by spritzing on this refreshing mist throughout the day.

REN Flash Defense Anti-Pollution Mist, $38; sephora.com.

Roadside Assistance Kit

Pray that you never have to use it, but *should* you, there's a jumper cable, flashlight, pliers, electrical tape, and more to fix any true SOL emergencies.

Performance Tool W1555 Deluxe Roadside Assistance Kit, $28; amazon.com.

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Auxiliary Cable

Once you have the perfect road trip playlist cued up, hook up this tangle-free auxiliary cable that fits all devices.

iXCC Tangle-Free Auxiliary Cable with Gold Plated Connectors, $5; amazon.com.

Deodorant

Because no one wants to share a car with a sweaty person. No. One. If you already own a natural deodorant that you know and trust to work, by all means use it, but otherwise try a trusty pH-balanced stick with a mild scent to disguise any lingering smells.

Secret Antiperspirant and Deodorant Spring Breeze, $4; drugstore.com.

Cooler

The most valuable player on any long car ride. Protect it with your life.

Deluxe Cooler Cube, $50; mountainsmith.com.

Sunglasses

Keep your eyes fashionably protected from sun glare.

1) Olivia Wood Sunglasses, $100; woodzee.com.

2) See Eyewear Hexagonal Glasses, $99; seeeyewear.com.

3) Black Betty Glasses, $295; smokexmirrors.com.

4) Karen Walker Limited Edition X-Ray Sunglasses, $245; stevenalan.com.

5) Le Specs 'Flashy' Sunglasses, $70; nordsrom.com.

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Water Bottle

Yes, you could tote a plastic water bottle, but the best way to keep your drink chilled on a long car ride? This insulated, twist-top flask that can retain heat and cold (up to 24 hours for iced drinks).

24 oz. Hydroflask, $30; hydroflask.com.

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Navigator

To save up on phone data, check out the most updated navigation system you can keep right on the dash. This one allows for voice-activated navigation and Bluetooth hands-free calling so drivers can avoid any unnecessary swerving.

Garmin DriveSmart 70LMT, $350; buy.garmin.com.

Camera

Not that we're of the "pics or it didn't happen" mentality, but it is fun to document your trip in an unorthodox, non-Insta-ready way.

FujiFilm Instax Mini 8 with Strap and Batteries, $56; amazon.com.

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Anti-Nausea Medication

Because apparently hairpin turns don't mix well with an unsettled stomach.

Dramamine Non-Drowsy Naturals with Natural Ginger, $7;amazon.com.

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Sunscreen

To prevent the ol' one-arm tan on car trips, slick on some paraben-free, moisturizing sunscreen.

Dr.Jart+ Every Sun Day UV Sun Fluid Broad Spectrum SPF 30, $34; sephora.com.

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First Aid Kit

Just in case, keep a slim kit that easily slides beneath a seat.

Coleman Expedition First Aid Kit, $205; amazon.com.

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Snacks

Though we know you've probably already stocked up on Cheetos and soda, pack a non-perishable nutritional snack that will stave off hunger between rest stops.

Kind Bar Variety Pack, $16; jet.com.

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