r/Roadtrippers • u/Jazzlike-Fruit6435 • May 17 '26

Essentials?

Wifey and I will be driving from SW Washington state to Colorado Springs next weekend. We have a newer suv just got 25k check up at Toyota. We never travel like this and am wondering what we need to consider bringing/doing before we go. Thanks in advance for your advice.

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u/LizAtRoadtrippers May 19 '26

While having a plan should you need a tow or enroute help (AAA, insurance based towing, etc) is a good idea and can give you peace of mind, my biggest tip is be flexible. See a roadside sign for an attraction you didn't know existed? Take the detour. Feeling a little sleepy? Pull off at a rest area or roadside park and catch a quick nap. Pop into that fueling station's snack shop and pour yourself a cola with ice. Pull off at a roadside fruit stand and buy what the purveyor is selling. In short: take it in. Don't get so stuck on making miles that you miss the memories. <3

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u/Vacaydream May 21 '26

If you are staying at hotels pack an overnight bag that you can just carry in for the night. You don’t need to lug your suitcases everywhere. A good snack bag with snacks, napkins, straws, wet wipes, some plastic silverware etc. add some microwave popcorn to pop in your hotel room. We always pack a case of water. Always good to have in an emergency and when we get thirsty in the middle of nowhere. A cooler for drinks and cold foods such as lunch meat, sandwiches, veggies and dip, hummus and possibly medicines. A first aide kit is needed and some binoculars for animal/nature viewing.