Modern Road Trip Essentials to Make Everything Peachy Freakin’ Keen

It’s summer. Time to load up the kiddies in the ol’ Vista Cruiser and hit the open road. Sun, fun, and a thousand miles of sizzling tarmac await. For some, a road trip is a nostalgic romp through Americana. For others, it's a slow, sweaty spiral into vehicular madness—where Spotify playlists go to die, the scent of gas station jerky lingers like regret, and rest stops become battlegrounds. Either way, you're not making it past the city limits without a few modern upgrades.  

Once upon a time, road trip gear meant wicker picnic baskets, thermoses, and road maps that required actual folding skills. Then came the golden age of portable battery packs, Bluetooth speakers, and—just in case—an actual paper map for that authentic “we’re definitely lost” moment. 

These days? We’ve evolved. Here’s what you really need to make your summer road trip as smooth as freshly paved asphalt. 

Get our free mobile app

For Staying Charged and Connected 

Portable Power Bank
This is your lifeline. Whether you're camping in the outlet-free wilderness or simply don’t want to fight over the single USB port in the car, a portable power bank keeps everyone's devices alive. Especially important if you're traveling with people who don’t understand that 4% battery isn't a challenge—it's a crisis. 

Pro Tip: Some banks can even jump-start your car. That’s right—it’s like having a tiny, silent pit crew in your glovebox. 

Multi-Port Charger or Multi-Cable
You could rotate who gets to charge next, Hunger Games-style. Or you could bring a charger that lets everyone plug in at once. USB-A, USB-C, maybe even Lightning if you’re feeling nostalgic. 

Travel Wi-Fi Router
Spotty Wi-Fi? Not on this trip. A travel router can boost signals, create a secure network, and give you fewer reasons to scream at the spinning buffer wheel. (Looking at you, middle-of-nowhere motel with “free Wi-Fi.”) 

For Entertainment and Navigation 

Tablet, E-Reader, or Bluetooth Speaker
Let’s be real. No one wants to hear someone play the mouth harp or read aloud from a battered copy of War and Peace. Load up the audiobooks, cue the playlist, and prepare for actual entertainment—without the dramatic sighing from the back seat. 

Dash Cam
Document your trip—and protect yourself in case someone thinks brake-checking you is hilarious. Plus, you might accidentally capture Bigfoot. Just saying. 

Portable Projector
Want to stream the latest season of whatever show you’re addicted to while camping next to a scenic cliffside? Slap a movie on the side of your car, a barn, or a conveniently flat boulder. Bonus points if you pack popcorn. 

Final Thoughts?
Whether you're a family of four, a carload of besties, or a solo soul on a soul-searching detour to nowhere, a modern road trip requires more than snacks and good vibes (though you should definitely pack both). Bring the gear that’ll keep things running, charged, and slightly less chaotic. 

Because getting under each other's skin is a right of passage. But forgetting your power bank? That’s just unforgivable.