If you’ve been following this blog for a while you’ll know that, when I travel, I like nothing more than to hire a car or a campervan and go on an epic road trip. I’ve road-tripped along the Great Ocean Road, driven a campervan up Australia’s East coast from Sydney to Cape Tribulation, and in New Zealand hiring a car and driving to Raglan, Taupo, and beyond was a regular occurrence.
Sure, I like the convenience of flying, but there’s something really special about the freedom that comes with packing up the car and sticking some tunes on, knowing that it’s just you, your friends, and the open road.
Some of my best travel memories are those where I’m sitting behind the wheel, with the windows down, having ditched the map miles ago.
Because of my love of road trips, I’ve now got packing for them pretty down pat. So, read on to find out what my road trip essentials are AND find out how you could be in with the chance of winning one of two £1000 road trips courtesy of Enterprise UK.
My #OpenRoadEssentials
1. Pink scarf
I never travel anywhere without a scarf, especially in the summer when I’m more likely to be spending time outside. I use mine as a sarong, a beach towel, a picnic blanket, a pillow, a make-shift bag, a blanket, the list goes on.
2. Insect repellent
If there’s one thing I can be sure of when I travel somewhere warm it’s that I will, without a doubt, get bitten by mosquitos. Seriously, they just seem to love me. So to ensure that I don’t spend the entire trip scratching at insect bites I pack repellent, spray myself from top to toe, and hope for the best.
3. Solid perfume
Just because you’re on a road trip it doesn’t mean you can’t make an effort to smell nice. I love these solid perfume sticks from Aroamas which smell lovely, and pack away nice and small. Also great for when you’ve, errrr, not found a shower block in a day or two.
4. Dry shampoo
Speaking of showering…if you haven’t been able to wash your hair because you’ve been having WAY too much fun deciding where to head next in your campervan, dry shampoo will be your saviour. I promise you. I used this so much on my East Coast road trip, and (ssshhh) I still use it when I’m running a bit late in the mornings.
5. iPod and retractable USB cable
Loads of cars nowadays have USB ports so you can play your own music so I’d definitely pack my iPod and retractable USB cable. I don’t go anywhere without some music to listen to, and road trips are no different.
6. Sunglasses
Because wearing sunglasses while you’re driving makes you 100% cooler. Obviously.
7. Camera
To capture all of those amazing memories you’re going to be making
8. Journal
I try and keep a diary whether I’m travelling or not; partly because it gives me ideas for blogging, partly because I want to be able to read them back in the future so I’d definitely take my journal with me. I picked my current navy blue one up at Typo while I was living in Auckland.
8. Book
Because sometimes you’ll stop off at a beach, or a park, or just on the side of the road for some lunch, and not want to spend an hour browsing Facebook on your phone.
9. Havaianas
My go-to flip flop brand. I always wear my Havaianas whether I’m road tripping, flying, or just exploring somewhere new. I can drive in flip flops but I know some people can’t, so maybe pack some sneakers if this is you!
10. Headscarf
Because when you’ve been doing 70mph on the motorway for an hour or two with the windows down your hair probably won’t look as great as it did before you jumped in the car. I like to keep mine in check with a patterned head scarf.
Now it’s your turn!
Share a picture (just like I have) of a few things you always take on road trips on Twitter or Instagram using the hashtag #OpenRoadEssentials to enter Enterprise Rent-A-Car UK’s competition to win one of two £1000 road trips.
Find out more about the competition here