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48 Phonebox Magazine | April 2025Are you the adventurous type who likes to get away from it all? A wanderer at heart who just loves getting into nature and switching off from the hustle and bustle of town life for a week or two.A road trip could be just the thing, especially if you love driving as well as sight-seeing. You can go it alone of course, but it%u2019s probably more fun and safer if you are with a companion or some family members. Get the right vehicle and several of you can travel, enjoying the sights and sounds together. But knowing what to pack for your road trip is essential.Whether you take an RV (recreational vehicle), a camper van or your family car, a road trip can make a fun and memorable way to enjoy a vacation. With your tent and camping equipment, or a list of hotel bookings safely printed off or stored on your phone, you can hit the road and never look back %u2013 for a few days at least!But planning for your road trip is important. There are several things to consider and items you should take with you before you ride off into the sunset. And these are not just for convenience. They are for your safety and well-being, too, and should not be overlooked.Here%u2019s what you need for a short family break (it%u2019s not an exhaustive list for a six-month trek into the wilderness).DocumentsWherever you go, abroad or in the UK, it%u2019s advisable to take your car and drivingrelated paperwork. These include your driving licence, insurance documents, a current MOT certifi cate if the car has one, and something that proves the car%u2019s identity and ownership, such as the V5C %u2018logbook%u2019. These last two are especially important if you%u2019re taking your car out of the UK. If renting a vehicle, you%u2019ll only need your driving licence and some ID, such as a passport.SparesA spare tyre is important if the car has one fi tted. Many modern cars have an infl ator and a puncture repair kit. That%u2019s fi ne but make sure you know how it all works. A set of spare bulbs are also handy and don%u2019t weigh much.Roadside emergency kitThese vary in quality and contents, but you should have, as a minimum: warning triangle, reflective vests (for everyone), jump-start battery leads, tyre infl ater and gauge, torch and whistle. Kits can be bought for around %u00a330 from car centres and motoring stores.First aidYou don%u2019t have to be a doctor to use the equipment in an emergency kit and it%u2019s amazing how often a minor cut, graze or insect bite needs to be treated. For more serious incidents, call the emergency services.MapsYes, your car has a satnav, and your phone probably does too, but if you can%u2019t get Wi-Fi, they%u2019re not much good to you. Have a map of the area or at least a road atlas in your car.Bottled waterUseful to have around, great if you%u2019re feeling thirsty and literally a lifesaver if you did get lost or stranded. Carry plenty in the car. Some dry snacks (not melty chocolate) are good to have too.Toilet paper and wipesThinking of heading properly off the beaten track? You might need these%u2026CashCredit cards are convenient and easy to use, but cash is often king, especially when abroad. Always carry some spare notes and coins (for parking meters, for example) when you%u2019re on the road.Phone chargerYour cell phone can be charged by the car while on the move but it might be worth investing in a portable top-up charger in case you%u2019re parked up for a few days.Notebook and penGreat for jotting down memories or thoughts while sight-seeing and they can be useful for other notes (shopping list?) during your trip.Cold weather gearIf you%u2019re expecting snow and ice on your journey take a shovel, de-icer, blankets, ice scraper and an umbrella. Make sure you have suffi cient warm clothing.Final check: Take a short time to imagine yourself on the road trip and think about what spares, equipment, food, drink and handy items you would like to have around you, and make sure they are packed. Everyone has diff erent needs so ensure yours are covered.WHAT TO PACK FORThe Lake District? Scottish Highlands? Or maybe further afi eld and the Italian Lakes? As the spring term comes to an end and thoughts turn to a few days away, could a road trip be your next vacation? Knowing what to pack before you hit the high road is vital.