7 Summer Road Trip Essentials for 2021

The sun, the sand, the shores. Have I mentioned the sun? You’re ready for a summer road trip to get your Vitamin D fix in the great outdoors. Whether you’re driving 100 or 1,000 miles, it’s important to have everything you need when you’re on the road.

Today we’re sharing our must-haves. And, with 10,000+ miles of road trippin’ under our belts, we’ve learned from a lot of real-life challenges.

So learn from our mistakes and pack these top essentials to help enjoy some fun in the sun.

Let’s dive in!

#1 – Portable 12v Refrigerator

First up: the food.

The Dometic CFX3 refrigerator holds up to 50 cans and keeps your food and drinks cool so you can drive for days on your summer road trip. It will also work as a freezer with temps down to -7 degrees.

This portable fridge works off AC, DC, and solar power. In addition, you can use Wifi or Bluetooth to control and track the temperature easily from your phone.

Never go hungry on those long stretches of empty highway.

#2 – Cell Phone Signal Booster

Stay connected to the world with the weBoost Drive X cell phone signal booster.

Minimize your dropped calls and get faster internet speeds with this booster. You’ll also get better streaming with it, even if your summer road trip has you traveling in remote areas.

This device works with several carriers, including Verizon, AT&T, U.S. Cellular, and T-Mobile. Not to mention, it’s compatible with 5G networks.

#3 – First Aid Kit

Prepare for your summer road trip with a survival first aid kit that includes items for trauma emergencies.

In the kit, you’ll find gear to help control bleeding, like a tourniquet and Israeli battle compress bandage. Mobilize bone fractures until help arrives with the included large medical splint.

This kit can attach to other Modular Lightweight Load-carrying Equipment (MOLLE) gear. So you can add this to your existing gear, or you can make this a first step toward building your supply. Either way, it brings some peace of mind.

#4 – Roadside Emergency Kit

Be prepared for a breakdown or vehicle emergency on your summer road trip.

A roadside emergency kit has a reflective warning triangle, flashlight, and safety vest for nighttime use. Additionally, it comes with tow ropes and jumper cables to use if you’re stuck or need a little boost. You’ll also find a safety hammer and seatbelt cutter to help you escape your vehicle in an emergency.

This car roadside emergency kit comes with all the essentials you’ll need to feel safe on the wide-open road.

#5 – Multi-Port USB Car Charger

Charge your crew’s devices during your summer road trip with a 65-watt Jelly Comb USB charger.

This car charger plugs into your cigarette lighter adapter and can charge up to six USB devices simultaneously. It’s also loaded with protective features to ensure your devices charge safely.

In addition, it comes with a back seat extension to make sure even those farthest from you can stay charged. It’ll work with most USB-powered devices because of its universal compatibility.

#6 – Road Trip Apps

There’s no shortage of apps for your summer road trip.

Plan your ideal route using Roadtrippers. This trip-planning app shows gas stations, lodging, and must-see destinations along the way. It also features other trip routes to guide your planning. In addition, those in your party can log on to view and edit the route right along with you.

See all the quirky, cool, and one-of-a-kind attractions along your summer road trip route with the Roadside America app.

Stay on route with Google Maps and Waze. These GPS apps come with voice navigation and automatic rerouting to help you find your way. OsmAnd is another GPS app that works completely offline. This is especially helpful if you’re roaming more remote places.

Need to fuel up? Find the lowest gas prices along your route with GasBuddy. Ready to pull over for the night and get some shut-eye? Download HotelTonight to find the best prices on last-minute hotels.

If you’re planning to camp in a tent or RV during your summer road trip, a must-have app is The Dyrt which lists campsites all over the country. Campendium is another good option to help you find the perfect RV site. Both of these apps list sites to stay overnight boondocking or free camping sites.

Finally, one app to download is Hipcamp. You can book RV and tent sites, treehouses, and glamping sites from this app. Much like Airbnb, these sites are privately owned. When you reserve a spot, you are paying the landowner, or host, to camp on their property.

#7 – Power Inverter

This inverter uses your car’s cigarette lighter to power two standard 110-volt electronic devices.  It’s rated at 200 watts, meaning you can power up to 200 watts worth of devices simultaneously.

Use the outlets to charge your camera for all your photographing needs on your summer road trip. Or use it to power up your passenger’s laptop when they need to catch up on some work down the road.

This inverter has several safety features built in to keep you and your devices protected on the road. It also comes with four USB ports to charge additional devices along the way.

Enjoy Your Summer Road Trip

Sure, all you really need for a summer road trip is your crew, a vehicle, and some gas. But these top essentials will help make your trip smooth and enjoyable while keeping your safety a priority. Buy these seven items and get ready to experience a memorable road trip this summer!

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