12 road trip essentials you’ll be extremely grateful you brought for the drive

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Amidst the global pandemic that’s still going on, those stuck in quarantine are seeking fresh air and sun through socially distanced road trips. If you’re planning on taking your own road trip in the near future, whether it’s to a lake house or a camp site in the mountains, there are a few road trip essentials you might want to take along for the journey. (Trust us, you’ll be glad you did.)

While long card rides can be fun, they can also be uncomfortable. A memory foam seat cushion or compression socks can help make the whole sitting-for-hours-in-a-cramped-seat part much more tolerable. And next to some of your favorite road trip snacks, if you have the luxury of sitting in a passenger seat, you can bring a few things to make your ride more entertaining, like a book or an iPad. Additionally on our list of road trip essentials, especially this year, is a pack of hand sanitizing wipes for using in between rest stops and fast food drive-thrus.

You can shop our full list of road trip essentials below. Seriously, even a few of these items can make the trek more enjoyable so you get to your destination healthy, relaxed and ready to have fun.

1. SOFTaCARE Orthopedic Memory Foam Seat Cushion and Lumbar Support Pillow (Set of 2), $43.91

Credit: Amazon

Whether you’re in the driver’s seat or the passenger’s seat, increase your level of comfort with this two-piece cushion set so you don’t feel sore when you arrive at your destination.

2. Comrad Knee-High Compression Socks, $29

Credit: Amazon

Sitting for a long period of time can make your legs feel sore and tired, too. According to the brand, these compression socks can prevent blood pooling in the feet, and reduce swelling and fatigue.

3. Inflatable Mattress for SUV Cars With Two Air Pillows, $33.99

Credit: Amazon

While you probably shouldn’t use this inflatable mattress while the car is in motion, skip the sketchy hotel along the route and take a rest in the backseat. This mattress would also be great for drive-in movies, camping and future festivals.

4. High Road StashAway Console and Headrest Car Trash Can With Lid, $16.99 (Orig. $29.99)

Credit: Amazon

Keep the car floor clean with this leak-free trash bin that attaches to the back of a seat or the dash and has an attached lid.

5. WizGear Magnetic Phone Car Mount (2 Pack), $11.99

Credit: Amazon

If you have to look at your phone for directions or to change the music, this hands-free magnetic mount will hold it up for you. It clips to an air vent and has a strong magnet for holding your phone in place so you don’t have to look down.

6. ULEEKA Car Backseat Organizer with 10-Inch Tablet Holder, 9 Storage Pockets (2-Pack), $21.99

Credit: Amazon

Keep the backseat crew happy with this organizer that holds a tablet for watching shows, snacks, games and any other necessities. No more pulling over to dig through bags in the trunk for anything you might need.

7. Audible Membership, $14.95 per month (Get a 30-Day Free Trial)

Credit: Amazon

Listen to some of your favorite books and get access to audio-guided wellness programs with an Audible Membership. New members can get a 30-day free trial.

8. USB Mini Car Humidifier, $16.88

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There’s nothing worse than a dry nose and throat to ruin a trip. Add a little moisture to the air with this portable humidifier. You can use it in the car, or take it to a hotel room or camp site, too.

9. EO Everyone Hand Sanitizer Wipes – Coconut + Lemon (30-Count), $6.99

Credit: Phamaca

Sanitize your hands in between rest stops or wipe off sticky snacks with these hand sanitizing wipes that smell like coconut and lemon. They’re made with all natural ingredients that are 99.9 percent effective against most common germs, making them a road trip essential for 2020 especially.

10. Thayers Alcohol-Free Rose Petal Witch Hazel Facial Mist Toner, $11.99

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After a few hours of sitting in a car, give your skin a refreshing and hydrating spritz of this best-selling alcohol-free toner made with witch hazel, rosewater and aloe vera.

11. Theragun Mini, $199

Credit: Therabody

Theragun is a deep tissue percussive massager that’s used for treating sore muscles. While the the device is mostly known for treating pain caused by exercise or chronic issues, it can also be used during travel. The Theragun Mini is small enough to throw in a backpack and can be used on stiff legs or a sore back in the car.

12. All-Purpose First Aid Kit (299 Pieces), $23.75

Credit: Amazon

It’s never bad to be extra prepared! No matter where your travels take you, this first aid kit will have you covered for any bumps, cuts or scrapes you could get along the way.

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