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  3. I've got a road trip planned. It'll be about 2800 mi, 4500 km. I think I'm prepared but sure I'm overlooking things. I'd love to hear your tips and recommendations; your holy grails!

I've got a road trip planned. It'll be about 2800 mi, 4500 km. I think I'm prepared but sure I'm overlooking things. I'd love to hear your tips and recommendations; your holy grails!

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  • S [email protected]

    Then there's no point in the trip.

    appoxo@lemmy.dbzer0.comA This user is from outside of this forum
    appoxo@lemmy.dbzer0.comA This user is from outside of this forum
    [email protected]
    wrote last edited by
    #24

    Do you even know the goal of the trip?
    Maybe only the destination is of importance

    T 1 Reply Last reply
    4
    • B [email protected]

      Get AAA. It's super cheap and can save your bacon if your car breaks down.

      I This user is from outside of this forum
      I This user is from outside of this forum
      [email protected]
      wrote last edited by
      #25

      Excellent idea. I have AAA and it’s saved me a number of times over the years, from jumping dead batteries to helping with flat tires, to a 100 mile tow after my transmission failed…

      T 1 Reply Last reply
      2
      • T [email protected]

        2 adults and 1 younger teen

        We're going on a two week road trip that'll be fairly leisurely. Stopping by some parks and sights as we go and a few nights at our ultimate destination

        I had my car recently serviced. It all checks out

        I have a steam deck on the way! Any recommendations here for travel accessories? Or just in general?

        We've all got devices and chargers and their respective blocks. I'm looking at a power inverter for the hungrier devices
        I was debating bringing the oculus to give whomever a bit of isolation if they need; is there anything specific I'd need to do to use it where there's no internet? I haven't used it enough to be very familiar with most of its abilities

        We adults have ps5s. Most likely won't bring one. I've seen portable monitors that people use with a local device; does anyone have experience using one for remote play for the ps5?

        And making sure we've got entertainment downloaded to our devices; obviously books and offline/non electronic entertainment will be brought, as well

        I'm really looking forward to this and want to make it the best experience for all involved! I look forward to hearing your tips

        Edit to add: the point of the road trip is to bury my grandfather. And I'm petrified of flying in the current state of the US

        Since we HAVE to make this trip we're trying to make the most of it by stopping by some state/national parks and other landmarks/pois during which we'll be present. But there's going to be LONG stretches of literally nothing exciting. Like corn fields. Many hours of corn fields. Most days are 6 - 10 hours in the car

        A This user is from outside of this forum
        A This user is from outside of this forum
        [email protected]
        wrote last edited by [email protected]
        #26

        I don't know where you are going, but if it involves large stretches of desert, such as the American Southwest, bring hot tea, not coffee, for yourself to stay hydrated and cold water for your car. The temperature shock can cause a heart attack for people not used to drinking cold water in 100°+ heat.

        T 1 Reply Last reply
        2
        • T [email protected]

          2 adults and 1 younger teen

          We're going on a two week road trip that'll be fairly leisurely. Stopping by some parks and sights as we go and a few nights at our ultimate destination

          I had my car recently serviced. It all checks out

          I have a steam deck on the way! Any recommendations here for travel accessories? Or just in general?

          We've all got devices and chargers and their respective blocks. I'm looking at a power inverter for the hungrier devices
          I was debating bringing the oculus to give whomever a bit of isolation if they need; is there anything specific I'd need to do to use it where there's no internet? I haven't used it enough to be very familiar with most of its abilities

          We adults have ps5s. Most likely won't bring one. I've seen portable monitors that people use with a local device; does anyone have experience using one for remote play for the ps5?

          And making sure we've got entertainment downloaded to our devices; obviously books and offline/non electronic entertainment will be brought, as well

          I'm really looking forward to this and want to make it the best experience for all involved! I look forward to hearing your tips

          Edit to add: the point of the road trip is to bury my grandfather. And I'm petrified of flying in the current state of the US

          Since we HAVE to make this trip we're trying to make the most of it by stopping by some state/national parks and other landmarks/pois during which we'll be present. But there's going to be LONG stretches of literally nothing exciting. Like corn fields. Many hours of corn fields. Most days are 6 - 10 hours in the car

          M This user is from outside of this forum
          M This user is from outside of this forum
          [email protected]
          wrote last edited by
          #27

          Oh! And also blizzards are gonna start soon in some of the higher mountain passes. So if you're going that way some winter kit so you don't freeze to death in case of emergency!

          1 Reply Last reply
          3
          • T [email protected]

            2 adults and 1 younger teen

            We're going on a two week road trip that'll be fairly leisurely. Stopping by some parks and sights as we go and a few nights at our ultimate destination

            I had my car recently serviced. It all checks out

            I have a steam deck on the way! Any recommendations here for travel accessories? Or just in general?

            We've all got devices and chargers and their respective blocks. I'm looking at a power inverter for the hungrier devices
            I was debating bringing the oculus to give whomever a bit of isolation if they need; is there anything specific I'd need to do to use it where there's no internet? I haven't used it enough to be very familiar with most of its abilities

            We adults have ps5s. Most likely won't bring one. I've seen portable monitors that people use with a local device; does anyone have experience using one for remote play for the ps5?

            And making sure we've got entertainment downloaded to our devices; obviously books and offline/non electronic entertainment will be brought, as well

            I'm really looking forward to this and want to make it the best experience for all involved! I look forward to hearing your tips

            Edit to add: the point of the road trip is to bury my grandfather. And I'm petrified of flying in the current state of the US

            Since we HAVE to make this trip we're trying to make the most of it by stopping by some state/national parks and other landmarks/pois during which we'll be present. But there's going to be LONG stretches of literally nothing exciting. Like corn fields. Many hours of corn fields. Most days are 6 - 10 hours in the car

            G This user is from outside of this forum
            G This user is from outside of this forum
            [email protected]
            wrote last edited by
            #28

            It's hard while traveling, but eating even remotely healthy will make your experience a lot better. One of those fruit and veggie trays you can get from grocery stores plus like a loaf of bread and a thing of hummus can make a great dinner on the road for a family, I try to do something like that at least twice a week when im traveling. Panda express is a surprisingly decent place to get fairly plain rice chicken and broccoli, which is great for both nervous stomachs and people trying to maintain any kind of fitness on the road. Last I'd say careful not to give yourself kidney stones with energy drinks if youre doing a lot of long haul drives between stops

            1 Reply Last reply
            4
            • T [email protected]

              2 adults and 1 younger teen

              We're going on a two week road trip that'll be fairly leisurely. Stopping by some parks and sights as we go and a few nights at our ultimate destination

              I had my car recently serviced. It all checks out

              I have a steam deck on the way! Any recommendations here for travel accessories? Or just in general?

              We've all got devices and chargers and their respective blocks. I'm looking at a power inverter for the hungrier devices
              I was debating bringing the oculus to give whomever a bit of isolation if they need; is there anything specific I'd need to do to use it where there's no internet? I haven't used it enough to be very familiar with most of its abilities

              We adults have ps5s. Most likely won't bring one. I've seen portable monitors that people use with a local device; does anyone have experience using one for remote play for the ps5?

              And making sure we've got entertainment downloaded to our devices; obviously books and offline/non electronic entertainment will be brought, as well

              I'm really looking forward to this and want to make it the best experience for all involved! I look forward to hearing your tips

              Edit to add: the point of the road trip is to bury my grandfather. And I'm petrified of flying in the current state of the US

              Since we HAVE to make this trip we're trying to make the most of it by stopping by some state/national parks and other landmarks/pois during which we'll be present. But there's going to be LONG stretches of literally nothing exciting. Like corn fields. Many hours of corn fields. Most days are 6 - 10 hours in the car

              H This user is from outside of this forum
              H This user is from outside of this forum
              [email protected]
              wrote last edited by
              #29

              Apply sunscreen during the day; the sun gets to you as if you were outside.

              1 Reply Last reply
              5
              • T [email protected]

                2 adults and 1 younger teen

                We're going on a two week road trip that'll be fairly leisurely. Stopping by some parks and sights as we go and a few nights at our ultimate destination

                I had my car recently serviced. It all checks out

                I have a steam deck on the way! Any recommendations here for travel accessories? Or just in general?

                We've all got devices and chargers and their respective blocks. I'm looking at a power inverter for the hungrier devices
                I was debating bringing the oculus to give whomever a bit of isolation if they need; is there anything specific I'd need to do to use it where there's no internet? I haven't used it enough to be very familiar with most of its abilities

                We adults have ps5s. Most likely won't bring one. I've seen portable monitors that people use with a local device; does anyone have experience using one for remote play for the ps5?

                And making sure we've got entertainment downloaded to our devices; obviously books and offline/non electronic entertainment will be brought, as well

                I'm really looking forward to this and want to make it the best experience for all involved! I look forward to hearing your tips

                Edit to add: the point of the road trip is to bury my grandfather. And I'm petrified of flying in the current state of the US

                Since we HAVE to make this trip we're trying to make the most of it by stopping by some state/national parks and other landmarks/pois during which we'll be present. But there's going to be LONG stretches of literally nothing exciting. Like corn fields. Many hours of corn fields. Most days are 6 - 10 hours in the car

                M This user is from outside of this forum
                M This user is from outside of this forum
                [email protected]
                wrote last edited by [email protected]
                #30

                Amazed noone has mentioned a tire repair kit (that I saw across many comments at least). A spare tire is only so useful, especially if it's a donut. A kit will let you fix multiple flats and keep on trucking like nothing happened as long as it's not a sidewall blowout or something crazy.

                Get a good repair kit, one with a rasp with a strong handle to clean out the hole, tar covered plugs, and the little hook device thing to stuff 'em in easy. Also possibly add some rubber cement to the kit, as if it's cold or a real nasty hole, the tar plug things might not completely plug the leak.

                Naturally, that kit should include a tire inflator. Even if it's a hand bike pump, it's better than nothing, but they sell all sorts of pumps. From simple ones you hook up to the battery for power, to ones built in to power packs.

                Also some basic tools will go far. At least some needle nose pliers. Way nicer to yank out nails or what ever with than figuring out some way to wedge it out with the tire repair tools.

                Project Farm on YouTube has reviewed both tire repair kits and tire inflators, among many other types of tools if you want to get good recommends/alternatives and see how they actually fare before you buy.

                Also make sure you know how to use the jack in your car if there even is one. If not, get one. Even basic scissor jacks work fine as long as you're not doing something foolish.

                Z 1 Reply Last reply
                3
                • J [email protected]

                  I also don't recommend bringing all that technology. The best of road trips I've done were from interacting with the other people. You can play elden ring at home. It shouldn't be a priority.

                  I had a game boy on several road trips I did with my parents, and I barely remember the trips. I had nothing but a flip phone with one I did with friends, and had a lot more fun with them. Maybe because I was older and they were my friends, though.

                  Bring some low tech entertainment. Cards. Small board games. Dice. There are light weight pen and paper rpgs and word games you could do on the go (eg: Fate).

                  B This user is from outside of this forum
                  B This user is from outside of this forum
                  [email protected]
                  wrote last edited by
                  #31

                  On one hand, I agree, what makes road trips memorable is being bored and the conversations that inspires.

                  On the other hand, having a bored teen in the car for that long probably won't provide excellent conversation. If they are too bored for too long, could turn into a nightmare. So I see the logic behind keeping them entertained.

                  otoh, this shouldn't take more than a single handheld gaming device and a book or something. OP, imo, is going way overboard.

                  T 1 Reply Last reply
                  3
                  • F [email protected]

                    To paraphrase Pirsig, aim for quality time with an emphasis on the word "quality". Speed and distance don't matter, so don't try to maximize them. If anything, maximizing them will take away from enjoyment of the journey.

                    B This user is from outside of this forum
                    B This user is from outside of this forum
                    [email protected]
                    wrote last edited by
                    #32

                    He also said that when you are in a car, the whole world is in a frame and moves by you, boringly. You aren't in the scene.

                    1 Reply Last reply
                    0
                    • T [email protected]

                      2 adults and 1 younger teen

                      We're going on a two week road trip that'll be fairly leisurely. Stopping by some parks and sights as we go and a few nights at our ultimate destination

                      I had my car recently serviced. It all checks out

                      I have a steam deck on the way! Any recommendations here for travel accessories? Or just in general?

                      We've all got devices and chargers and their respective blocks. I'm looking at a power inverter for the hungrier devices
                      I was debating bringing the oculus to give whomever a bit of isolation if they need; is there anything specific I'd need to do to use it where there's no internet? I haven't used it enough to be very familiar with most of its abilities

                      We adults have ps5s. Most likely won't bring one. I've seen portable monitors that people use with a local device; does anyone have experience using one for remote play for the ps5?

                      And making sure we've got entertainment downloaded to our devices; obviously books and offline/non electronic entertainment will be brought, as well

                      I'm really looking forward to this and want to make it the best experience for all involved! I look forward to hearing your tips

                      Edit to add: the point of the road trip is to bury my grandfather. And I'm petrified of flying in the current state of the US

                      Since we HAVE to make this trip we're trying to make the most of it by stopping by some state/national parks and other landmarks/pois during which we'll be present. But there's going to be LONG stretches of literally nothing exciting. Like corn fields. Many hours of corn fields. Most days are 6 - 10 hours in the car

                      B This user is from outside of this forum
                      B This user is from outside of this forum
                      [email protected]
                      wrote last edited by
                      #33

                      I would agree with others here that you are going overboard on the electronics. Bring a handheld device for the kid. Adults will get the most out of the trip watching the landscape go by and talking. Instead, I recommend thinking of some good audiobooks or podcasts to listen to. Then you have something shared to do when the conversation lulls, and can talk about it as another conversation.

                      Lots of people pack junk food snacks for road trips, like chips and soda. My experience is that even when I consumed these foods regularly, their availability on road trips would typically cause me to carb crash and feel nauseous for hours. Instead, drink water, and get a cooler. Pack the cooler with food to make a real lunch, like sandwiches or something. Put the cooler in the trunk so you arent tempted by it. When it is lunch time, pull over at a rest stop/ gas station/ park/ whatever and sit down outside for lunch together. Don't snack in between meals.

                      When stopping for gas/ bathroom/ meals, take the opportinity to move around and exercise a little. Walk around, stretch, maybe do a quick jog or a few push ups. Really helps with fatigue and stiffness.

                      If you will be driving along some of the really long, straight roads in the American Southwest, watch out for highway hypnosis. This is where driving is just so repetitive and boring that you will rapidly fall asleep at the wheel.

                      As others have mentioned, have some basic tools for doing minor repairs. Tire pump, patch kit, and check to make sure you have a spare and it is inflated!!. Needlenose pliers for pulling nails out of tires and swapping fuses. An adjustable wrench in case you need to tighten your battery terminal. And, imo, gorrilla tape and bailing wire to fix body panels or plastic skid plates that start flapping in the breeze. If it is possible you will drive on dirt roads (especially in the southwest), I recommend packing an entrenching tool so you can dig yourself out of sand if you make a mistake and get in over your head. Tow straps are also good to have - if you get stuck in some sand or mud, flag down one of those big, lifted 4x4s and watch the owner light up with glee as they actually get to use their truck for its intended purpose for the first time in years.

                      Get a paper atlas, and pick up paper maps for any parks you'll be checking out. If you will be getting off the major highways for a while, download the area on your maps app ahead of time.

                      Z 1 Reply Last reply
                      7
                      • tehbamski@lemmy.worldT This user is from outside of this forum
                        tehbamski@lemmy.worldT This user is from outside of this forum
                        [email protected]
                        wrote last edited by
                        #34

                        Adding to this. Even if you're not in the pictures, take them. Psychologically, pictures can 'jog' our memory and bring forth details, emotions, etc. that we experienced during and around that time.

                        I found this to be a good read on the topic. https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/longing-for-nostalgia/202401/looking-at-your-photos-can-be-uplifting-enlightening-or?msockid=05ea5f1c09a3646b2d67494a085b656b

                        MAKE SURE YOU BACK THEM UP! I can't stress this enough. Those memories can be lost forever if you're not careful and set up and use an image backup system of some kind. And please, please, please. Don't just save them to one device.

                        Long story short: A good friend of mine and his parents would periodically take photos of us while we were over there gaming, hanging out, and celebrating things over the years. Unbeknownst to us, our friend was only saving them to his laptop. Nowhere else. Not even to an email account. So when one of his 'newly' made "friends" borrowed his laptop to make some music on it. It went missing for over two months and my friend tried many times to get a hold of this dude to get it back. Finally, my friend got hold of him and just begged for him to just let him grab all of the images and irreplaceable things from it. My friend didn't care about the monetary loss. He just wanted those photos back. The dude told him that he had pawned it a few weeks ago. It was gone. Nothing to do and nothing to save. Years of us having game nights, hanging out, and celebrating a few birthdays... gone forever. So... BACK, UP, YOUR, PHOTOS!

                        1 Reply Last reply
                        1
                        • T [email protected]

                          2 adults and 1 younger teen

                          We're going on a two week road trip that'll be fairly leisurely. Stopping by some parks and sights as we go and a few nights at our ultimate destination

                          I had my car recently serviced. It all checks out

                          I have a steam deck on the way! Any recommendations here for travel accessories? Or just in general?

                          We've all got devices and chargers and their respective blocks. I'm looking at a power inverter for the hungrier devices
                          I was debating bringing the oculus to give whomever a bit of isolation if they need; is there anything specific I'd need to do to use it where there's no internet? I haven't used it enough to be very familiar with most of its abilities

                          We adults have ps5s. Most likely won't bring one. I've seen portable monitors that people use with a local device; does anyone have experience using one for remote play for the ps5?

                          And making sure we've got entertainment downloaded to our devices; obviously books and offline/non electronic entertainment will be brought, as well

                          I'm really looking forward to this and want to make it the best experience for all involved! I look forward to hearing your tips

                          Edit to add: the point of the road trip is to bury my grandfather. And I'm petrified of flying in the current state of the US

                          Since we HAVE to make this trip we're trying to make the most of it by stopping by some state/national parks and other landmarks/pois during which we'll be present. But there's going to be LONG stretches of literally nothing exciting. Like corn fields. Many hours of corn fields. Most days are 6 - 10 hours in the car

                          B This user is from outside of this forum
                          B This user is from outside of this forum
                          [email protected]
                          wrote last edited by
                          #35

                          Do you have...snacks?

                          tehbamski@lemmy.worldT 1 Reply Last reply
                          3
                          • T [email protected]

                            2 adults and 1 younger teen

                            We're going on a two week road trip that'll be fairly leisurely. Stopping by some parks and sights as we go and a few nights at our ultimate destination

                            I had my car recently serviced. It all checks out

                            I have a steam deck on the way! Any recommendations here for travel accessories? Or just in general?

                            We've all got devices and chargers and their respective blocks. I'm looking at a power inverter for the hungrier devices
                            I was debating bringing the oculus to give whomever a bit of isolation if they need; is there anything specific I'd need to do to use it where there's no internet? I haven't used it enough to be very familiar with most of its abilities

                            We adults have ps5s. Most likely won't bring one. I've seen portable monitors that people use with a local device; does anyone have experience using one for remote play for the ps5?

                            And making sure we've got entertainment downloaded to our devices; obviously books and offline/non electronic entertainment will be brought, as well

                            I'm really looking forward to this and want to make it the best experience for all involved! I look forward to hearing your tips

                            Edit to add: the point of the road trip is to bury my grandfather. And I'm petrified of flying in the current state of the US

                            Since we HAVE to make this trip we're trying to make the most of it by stopping by some state/national parks and other landmarks/pois during which we'll be present. But there's going to be LONG stretches of literally nothing exciting. Like corn fields. Many hours of corn fields. Most days are 6 - 10 hours in the car

                            A This user is from outside of this forum
                            A This user is from outside of this forum
                            [email protected]
                            wrote last edited by
                            #36

                            Get a Justin Case for the car, and a bag of kitty litter in case you get stuck somewhere without traction.

                            1 Reply Last reply
                            0
                            • B [email protected]

                              Do you have...snacks?

                              tehbamski@lemmy.worldT This user is from outside of this forum
                              tehbamski@lemmy.worldT This user is from outside of this forum
                              [email protected]
                              wrote last edited by [email protected]
                              #37

                              I can't help but think that a toddler wrote this comment. As if to say, 'If you don't have snacks, then why go on the trip. And if you don't have a good selection of snacks, I'm not going.' xD

                              But in all seriousness, having healthy snacks like a few bananas, trail mix, plain or low salted nuts, and some deli meat sandwiches, all stored in a cool with 3-5 ice packs, is very wise.

                              B 1 Reply Last reply
                              1
                              • T [email protected]

                                2 adults and 1 younger teen

                                We're going on a two week road trip that'll be fairly leisurely. Stopping by some parks and sights as we go and a few nights at our ultimate destination

                                I had my car recently serviced. It all checks out

                                I have a steam deck on the way! Any recommendations here for travel accessories? Or just in general?

                                We've all got devices and chargers and their respective blocks. I'm looking at a power inverter for the hungrier devices
                                I was debating bringing the oculus to give whomever a bit of isolation if they need; is there anything specific I'd need to do to use it where there's no internet? I haven't used it enough to be very familiar with most of its abilities

                                We adults have ps5s. Most likely won't bring one. I've seen portable monitors that people use with a local device; does anyone have experience using one for remote play for the ps5?

                                And making sure we've got entertainment downloaded to our devices; obviously books and offline/non electronic entertainment will be brought, as well

                                I'm really looking forward to this and want to make it the best experience for all involved! I look forward to hearing your tips

                                Edit to add: the point of the road trip is to bury my grandfather. And I'm petrified of flying in the current state of the US

                                Since we HAVE to make this trip we're trying to make the most of it by stopping by some state/national parks and other landmarks/pois during which we'll be present. But there's going to be LONG stretches of literally nothing exciting. Like corn fields. Many hours of corn fields. Most days are 6 - 10 hours in the car

                                W This user is from outside of this forum
                                W This user is from outside of this forum
                                [email protected]
                                wrote last edited by
                                #38

                                Find what kind of oil your car requires and get a quart of it to keep just in case. Also replace your windshield wipers and top up the windshield washer fluid. Check your tire pressure and make sure that the spare tire is in good condition. Basic car care goes a long way.

                                T 1 Reply Last reply
                                3
                                • T [email protected]

                                  2 adults and 1 younger teen

                                  We're going on a two week road trip that'll be fairly leisurely. Stopping by some parks and sights as we go and a few nights at our ultimate destination

                                  I had my car recently serviced. It all checks out

                                  I have a steam deck on the way! Any recommendations here for travel accessories? Or just in general?

                                  We've all got devices and chargers and their respective blocks. I'm looking at a power inverter for the hungrier devices
                                  I was debating bringing the oculus to give whomever a bit of isolation if they need; is there anything specific I'd need to do to use it where there's no internet? I haven't used it enough to be very familiar with most of its abilities

                                  We adults have ps5s. Most likely won't bring one. I've seen portable monitors that people use with a local device; does anyone have experience using one for remote play for the ps5?

                                  And making sure we've got entertainment downloaded to our devices; obviously books and offline/non electronic entertainment will be brought, as well

                                  I'm really looking forward to this and want to make it the best experience for all involved! I look forward to hearing your tips

                                  Edit to add: the point of the road trip is to bury my grandfather. And I'm petrified of flying in the current state of the US

                                  Since we HAVE to make this trip we're trying to make the most of it by stopping by some state/national parks and other landmarks/pois during which we'll be present. But there's going to be LONG stretches of literally nothing exciting. Like corn fields. Many hours of corn fields. Most days are 6 - 10 hours in the car

                                  Z This user is from outside of this forum
                                  Z This user is from outside of this forum
                                  [email protected]
                                  wrote last edited by
                                  #39

                                  Power bars and or protein bars - stock a case. Bring water containers and fill them at rest stops at fountains for free. Do not buy anything from the machines at rest stops. Every time you stop for a bathroom break adds 30 minutes or more to your destination time. Caffeine pills instead of coffee stops if you're on a budget. Go to roadside America ( dot com ) to see if you will pass worthy places like the world's biggest pencil.

                                  T 1 Reply Last reply
                                  1
                                  • M [email protected]

                                    Amazed noone has mentioned a tire repair kit (that I saw across many comments at least). A spare tire is only so useful, especially if it's a donut. A kit will let you fix multiple flats and keep on trucking like nothing happened as long as it's not a sidewall blowout or something crazy.

                                    Get a good repair kit, one with a rasp with a strong handle to clean out the hole, tar covered plugs, and the little hook device thing to stuff 'em in easy. Also possibly add some rubber cement to the kit, as if it's cold or a real nasty hole, the tar plug things might not completely plug the leak.

                                    Naturally, that kit should include a tire inflator. Even if it's a hand bike pump, it's better than nothing, but they sell all sorts of pumps. From simple ones you hook up to the battery for power, to ones built in to power packs.

                                    Also some basic tools will go far. At least some needle nose pliers. Way nicer to yank out nails or what ever with than figuring out some way to wedge it out with the tire repair tools.

                                    Project Farm on YouTube has reviewed both tire repair kits and tire inflators, among many other types of tools if you want to get good recommends/alternatives and see how they actually fare before you buy.

                                    Also make sure you know how to use the jack in your car if there even is one. If not, get one. Even basic scissor jacks work fine as long as you're not doing something foolish.

                                    Z This user is from outside of this forum
                                    Z This user is from outside of this forum
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                                    wrote last edited by
                                    #40

                                    You're right ..make sure you have a tire plug kit and some green goo. A super capacitor instead of a battery type battery charger makes a big difference too

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                                    • B [email protected]

                                      I would agree with others here that you are going overboard on the electronics. Bring a handheld device for the kid. Adults will get the most out of the trip watching the landscape go by and talking. Instead, I recommend thinking of some good audiobooks or podcasts to listen to. Then you have something shared to do when the conversation lulls, and can talk about it as another conversation.

                                      Lots of people pack junk food snacks for road trips, like chips and soda. My experience is that even when I consumed these foods regularly, their availability on road trips would typically cause me to carb crash and feel nauseous for hours. Instead, drink water, and get a cooler. Pack the cooler with food to make a real lunch, like sandwiches or something. Put the cooler in the trunk so you arent tempted by it. When it is lunch time, pull over at a rest stop/ gas station/ park/ whatever and sit down outside for lunch together. Don't snack in between meals.

                                      When stopping for gas/ bathroom/ meals, take the opportinity to move around and exercise a little. Walk around, stretch, maybe do a quick jog or a few push ups. Really helps with fatigue and stiffness.

                                      If you will be driving along some of the really long, straight roads in the American Southwest, watch out for highway hypnosis. This is where driving is just so repetitive and boring that you will rapidly fall asleep at the wheel.

                                      As others have mentioned, have some basic tools for doing minor repairs. Tire pump, patch kit, and check to make sure you have a spare and it is inflated!!. Needlenose pliers for pulling nails out of tires and swapping fuses. An adjustable wrench in case you need to tighten your battery terminal. And, imo, gorrilla tape and bailing wire to fix body panels or plastic skid plates that start flapping in the breeze. If it is possible you will drive on dirt roads (especially in the southwest), I recommend packing an entrenching tool so you can dig yourself out of sand if you make a mistake and get in over your head. Tow straps are also good to have - if you get stuck in some sand or mud, flag down one of those big, lifted 4x4s and watch the owner light up with glee as they actually get to use their truck for its intended purpose for the first time in years.

                                      Get a paper atlas, and pick up paper maps for any parks you'll be checking out. If you will be getting off the major highways for a while, download the area on your maps app ahead of time.

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                                      wrote last edited by
                                      #41

                                      Paper Atlas is a great mention. If you lose signal your maps app may quit. Happened to me. A gps only device like a Garmin (still sold today and can be gotten at places like Loves) won't need an Internet connection.

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                                      • T [email protected]

                                        2 adults and 1 younger teen

                                        We're going on a two week road trip that'll be fairly leisurely. Stopping by some parks and sights as we go and a few nights at our ultimate destination

                                        I had my car recently serviced. It all checks out

                                        I have a steam deck on the way! Any recommendations here for travel accessories? Or just in general?

                                        We've all got devices and chargers and their respective blocks. I'm looking at a power inverter for the hungrier devices
                                        I was debating bringing the oculus to give whomever a bit of isolation if they need; is there anything specific I'd need to do to use it where there's no internet? I haven't used it enough to be very familiar with most of its abilities

                                        We adults have ps5s. Most likely won't bring one. I've seen portable monitors that people use with a local device; does anyone have experience using one for remote play for the ps5?

                                        And making sure we've got entertainment downloaded to our devices; obviously books and offline/non electronic entertainment will be brought, as well

                                        I'm really looking forward to this and want to make it the best experience for all involved! I look forward to hearing your tips

                                        Edit to add: the point of the road trip is to bury my grandfather. And I'm petrified of flying in the current state of the US

                                        Since we HAVE to make this trip we're trying to make the most of it by stopping by some state/national parks and other landmarks/pois during which we'll be present. But there's going to be LONG stretches of literally nothing exciting. Like corn fields. Many hours of corn fields. Most days are 6 - 10 hours in the car

                                        P This user is from outside of this forum
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                                        wrote last edited by
                                        #42

                                        One small note about the car "checking out" and five separate bullet points about technology and entertainment... Bring food, drinks, something to keep everything cold, comfortable clothes. And please leave the VR headset out of the family bonding experience 😭 to think I used to get chastised for wearing an earbud during road trips.

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                                        • S [email protected]

                                          Man, take a break from electronics and take in the trip. Make sure you bring enough liquids.

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                                          wrote last edited by
                                          #43

                                          Since tech seems to be what people are focusing on and not actual advice, the point of the trip is to bury my grandfather. I am fearful to fly in the US currently. We have to make this trip so we're making it as enjoyable as possible. I didn't feel like including that in the post because I didn't feel it was actually relevant

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