10 essentials for your first summer road trip

Planning a summer road trip anyone?

Whether you’re going to a summer festival, on a glamorous camping trip, or a day trip to the beach, there are a few things you really don’t want to forget on a summer road trip.

Join us, as we run through the checklist of summer road trip essentials.

1. A sense of direction…

You don’t want to be getting lost the very first time you attempt to venture away on a summer road trip. Obviously it’s not a very good idea to head straight out on your the day after you pass your driving test, so make sure you’re capable of using a map and driving without getting lost.

For your summer road trip, it makes sense to use a Sat Nav or if you prefer things the old-fashioned way a good ole map with some printed directions will do the trick.

2. Food, food, glorious food

No one wants to be hungry on a summer road trip, so don’t forget the sweets, the Pringles and the cash for the McDonalds drive-thru. Don’t go too eating to much though, you don’t want to end up sticking your head out the window like a sick dog.

3. Bring some tuuuuunes!

You’re going to need some seriously good music for your summer road trip. You know… the kind of songs that make people shout ‘TUUUUUNNEEE’ or run to the dance floor like they’re being chased by a pack of hungry dogs.

A collaborative summer road trip playlist is a good idea, providing no one created a playlist filled with songs from the wonder years.

4. Your Ray Bans

What’s the point in going on a summer road trip if you haven’t got any Ray Bans? Okay…we’ll allow cheap knock offs too; but for swag just make sure you’ve brought your driving shades along for the ride.

Note: In the interests of safety, please make sure that you can actually see out of your sunglasses while driving.

5. An in-car mobile phone charger

The last thing you want if on a summer road trip is to get stuck driving around the countryside looking for Glastonbury with a dying mobile battery. Having a mobile phone charger in your car can you get you out of all sorts of situations, so don’t forget to stick it in your glove box before you leave.

6. A Polaroid instant camera

On a summer road trip, who needs Instagram if you can take instant pictures of your mates really going for it in the dance tent? Polaroid instant cameras aren’t too pricey, and there’s no need to spend hours uploading everything to Facebook when you get home. Job done.

7. A torch

You may be going on a summer road trip, but every driver should have a torch in his or her car, although hopefully there’ll be no need to use it. Your first road trip should be a fun, stress-free affair. But you never know when a torch may come in handy, or when you might find yourself searching around in the dark for the right tent.

8. Money…

It may sound obvious, but you’d may be surprised by the number of people that break down because they run out of petrol. On your summer road trip make sure you’ve got cash on your card, so you don’t find yourself sitting at the side of the M25 instead, of lounging at the beach. Oh… and seeing as you’re the driver, don’t forget to make sure your mates chip in with the petrol money too!

9. Something warm

We know the summer is the time to take as many clothes off as possible, but lets face it… we are in England and who knows what the weather is going to be like. A good suggestion is to bring a few warmer clothes with you, at least a hoodie and a pair of leggings, because as soon as it gets dark you’re seriously going to regret your choice of daisy dukes.

10. Your friends

Summer Road Trip

Finally on your summer road trip…

Don’t forget to bring your mates with you. Your first road trip isn’t going to be much fun if you’re sitting on your own shouting ‘TUUUNNEE’ with all the windows open, so bring your friends drive save and have a wonderful time.

That’s all folks!

Your fearless mechanic,

Phil