I’m going to be driving across the US in a couple weeks and want to know the best things to bring along for the ride!

    • LittleLordLimerick@lemm.ee
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      1 year ago

      Just want to say that this is a fantastic answer. Pay attention to the parts about printing/downloading stuff. There are huge parts of America where you won’t get a reliable cell signal sometimes for hours.

  • porthos@startrek.website
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    1 year ago

    Binoculars. You will be traveling across lots of landscapes, stick a pair in the sidedoor of your car so if you stumble across a nice vista or see a cool animal you can get a better look!

  • Scrubbles@poptalk.scrubbles.tech
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    1 year ago
    • Snacks - stock up at the grocery store, you’ll spend way more across the states in gas stations
    • Advil/pain reliever - you’ll get headaches staring at the road for that long, and muscles will cramp up
    • Water. So so so much water. Soda is fine but bring a few gallons of water
    • Get a good charger system for your phone, and make sure you can hook it up to your car reliably

    Oh and most important, bring peace of mind by getting your car checked before going. Go in and ask for a full inspection, tires, brakes, fluids, belts. I had a belt burst 8 hours from anywhere and had to sleep in my car, just get that stuff checked now

  • Echo71Niner@lemm.ee
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    1 year ago

    Slippers so you don’t have to wear shoes, make sure you have ‘radio.garden’ app on your phone so you can Bluetooth to your car. Sandwiches, simple home-made that needs no refrigeration for days, and a water bottle. Trash bags, small ones, and your chargers.

  • Extras@lemmy.today
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    1 year ago

    Toilet paper, water and trash bags

    Edit: kitty litter, roadside repair equipment and spare tire

  • kratoz29@lemm.ee
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    1 year ago

    Chips, water, soda, a good playlist on your smartphone, a charger obviously and offline maps, if possible a non annoying partner.

  • Frank [he/him, he/him]@hexbear.net
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    1 year ago

    I got a ton of use out of hanging a hydration bladder/camelbak off the back of my seat. Being able to drink water one handed without have to fiddle with bottle caps felt much safer on the road.

    Tooth brush, towel, and basic toiletries are nice if you want to get a quick shower at a truck stop.

    You can download maps from google in advance in case you run in to spotty coverage. It might be worth getting an old school printed on paper road atlas in case you have any trouble with your electronics

    Ymmv, but i have a couple of magnetic “yay police” and other right wing brainworms bumper stickers for driving through hostile territory. Idk if it helps, but anything that keeps thieving rural cops off your tail is worth considering.

    Sunscreen! I’ve gotten sunburn on my left arm while driving for long distances before. I though car windows had uva/uvb filters but i guess not?

    Bring some change in case you run in to an unexpected toll road somewhere.

    Toilet paper! You never know.

    Extra socks and an extra pair of shoes.

    I hope you have a fun trip!

  • Bigs@kbin.social
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    1 year ago

    The advice here is good, but it may be a little too safe.

    If you want an adventure, use an atlas and truck stops like Loves or Pilot for snacks, a nap or shower. These places are rad, super safe and clean (the stigma is bullshit). It can be a little more expensive and take a little longer, but there are a LOT of great and interesting people in the US and it’s pretty much the safest it’s been since the sixties.

    Also, I recommend favoring AM or FM radio (in that order) to hear some wild stuff out in the boonies.

    Edit: Make sure your car’s lights are all working so the cops don’t waste your time. The US may be safer than it has been, but the cops sure ain’t.

  • magnetosphere @beehaw.org
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    1 year ago

    Sunglasses. Sometimes the sun will be at just the right angle to blind you, and the sun shade won’t help.

    Advil or Tylenol or something like that. Especially handy if you forget the sunglasses.

    Pesto Bismol, some antacid tablets, etc. It’s possible that one of those those new restaurants or gas station snacks won’t agree with you.

    Toilet paper. Just because someplace has a toilet doesn’t mean it’s well equipped. Also useful if there’s NO toilet, but it’s an emergency.

  • poprocks@beehaw.org
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    1 year ago
    • If you’re driving with someone, a good neck pillow for the passenger so they can rest when you trade off.

    • Back pillows for everyone.

    • Be sure to text someone everytime you make a stop for gas and let them know where you are, where you’re headed next and approximately when you’ll get there - that way if you don’t text they’ll know to call and have an approximate location to look for you.

    • building off the last item, add air tags in your car and belongings that you can track and also share the account info with trusted family/ friends to help locate you in the event something goes wrong

    • Bring little orange cones in case you break down or have to fix a flat. Safety first - vest doesn’t hurt either.

    • Download music or audio books as you won’t get reception in many areas.

    • good pair of sunglasses and a backup pair

    • extra prescription meds - split between two bags in case you lose one

    • cut proof and RFID blocking bag of some sort put your wallet, phone, keys in when you stop - fanny packs are great but not for everyone. Find one that works for you whether it be a backpack or something else. Travelon is a great brand.

    • stop for gas each time you get to half a tank. I know it sounds like overkill but you never know if you’ll be diverted for a road closure through the heartland with no services for 100+ miles. It never hurts to have a full tank, give yourself a stretch, bio break and caffeine refill.

    I’ve done road trips with a partner and solo - you’ll have s blast. Make sure you’re safe first and foremost. Do tons of research before you go so you hit all the spots you’re interested in and have backup plans in case places are closed. Take some pictures but also just enjoy your journey.

    Have a great trip!

    Edit: many swipe typos