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Since moving to Texas, we’ve taken many road trips. We’ve done quick trips to Port Aransas and longer trips to New Orleans. Several times a year we head back to Oklahoma to visit family for special events and holidays. For many families, spring/summer time = road trips. I’m sharing my road trip essentials so you can make your next road trip a success!
Music
First on the list: tunes! Your favorite local radio station will quickly cut out, so I prefer to listen to satellite radio or Pandora. I keep all my favorite XM stations programmed so if we get bored with one, we can find something else easily. We also like listening to the comedy stations or NPR; especially if you can catch “Wait, Wait, Don’t Tell Me” or “Ask Me Another”!
Podcasts
The key here, is to make sure you download the podcasts before you hit the road. Some of my favorites are: This American Life, TED Radio Hour, and Criminal. If you missed it, be sure to check out the Serial podcasts. It will suck you in quickly and it is several hours of entertainment so you may be able to get the whole podcast listened to in one trip!
Pet Products
Can’t forget Fido! The main reason we like to drive when we take the 7 hour trip back home is so we can bring our pup Barkley. When traveling with your dog, make sure you bring everything he will need: food, water bowl, medications, poop bags, toys, treats, kennel, leash, and of course his collar!
Make sure your pet keeps his collar on and that his tags have your cell phone number on them. We try to interrupt our dog’s routine as little as possible. He usually sleeps during the day, so if we can take him for a run before we leave, he’ll usually just rest on the drive.
Snacks
We like to stop by Kroger before we hit the road to stock up on snacks. Gas station snacks are usually over priced and healthy option are harder to find. Bring along fruit, granola bars, raw veggies, chips, and a little candy. We even stock a mini cooler with drinks and anything that needs to keep cool. That’s especially nice in the summer!
Chewing Gum
Last but not least on my road trip essentials – chewing gum! Gum will freshen your breath when you don’t have time to make a pit stop and brush, and will keep you occupied if you start feeling sleepy.
When you are stocking up on snacks at Kroger before your big trip, be sure to grab the new Extra® 35-stick pack. The new, durable package is great for long road trips – the recycled package will be great when it gets tossed around the car.
My favorite is Extra® Gum Spearmint, but Extra® Gum Polar Ice® is a close second. Since these packs have more gum, they will last for your entire road trip – plus more to share! I grabbed these new Extra® 35-stick packs in the check out aisle in Kroger.
Do you have any fun road trips planned? What’s the one thing you always bring along?
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Michelle Heath says
First off, your lip stick game, is perfect. Second I take snacks and a GPS because I get lost super easy. I was born with no directional skills. Great post!
Angela says
Love your travel post!!! Gum is so needed!! Love your doggie must haves as well. We bring our two dogs on trips with us too. The podcasts made me think of my husband. Love this!!!
Angela
http://www.prettyinherpearls.com
elly says
We always have gum for road trips too! Jordan and I are both big gum chewers (is that a word?) so we always have like 4 packs! LOL
Katie says
I want to try the new pack, I’m tired of all the gum I have falling a part in my purse.
Also, you’re my podcast guru- just an FYI.
Kristy says
Gum is just a road trip staple, right? I love your tips! I really need to start listening to podcasts, but it’s hard with a toddler who wants to watch a DVD every time. Maybe I’ll start using my headphones. Lol.
brittany ashmore says
Love this girly! GUM IS A MUST on any road trip!
Kathleen says
I’m dreaming of an epic road trip with my family. I hope we can make it happen! As long as my husband is driving, I would definitely bring a craft like knitting along. I also love a good audiobook for the road.
Jaclyn says
Well aren’t you the cutest?! Gum is a great road trip essential! I like Peach Rings!!
Kathleen says
YES! I always have gum in my car on road trips! Because you’re absolutely correct that it helps keep you occupied and awake if you start getting sleepy! 🙂
Lauren Watson says
LOVE these packs!!! The rest of my road trip list is mostly salty snacks! 🙂 I’ve been wanting to check out podcasts too so definitely going to soon.
Carrie @huppiemama says
My family is taking a road trip from South Florida to Maine this summer – the longest we’ve ever done! These are great tips for our long drive. Thanks for sharing! #client
Brittany Boone says
Such a great post I love hearing about people’s road trip essentials this is too cute
BNBstyling.com
Wendy Perez says
How fun! This makes me want to get on the road and just go anywhere! Serial is soooo good! I was totally sucked into immediately.
Bonnie Scott says
We LOVE road trips! Just took one to Colorado with several pitstops! Several snacks always accompany us. This time, we made sure to grab a bulk pack of Kind bars from Costo, which more than came in handy! Great post!
Lindsey says
Great post! Especially love the tips for the dogs. & I love Extra gum too!
Alice Kerley says
Fun! Road trips are the best! I always bring flamming hot cheetos on my road trips! Gum is definitely needed after that!
xo,
Alice
Heather says
Always love a good road trip! We usually grab peanuts and such from the gas station, but I’m glad I saw this, so I can get creative with bringing along more healthier foods.